Abu Dhabi, 4 December, 2005 (WAM: The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has announceda strategy for preservation and management of its cultural heritage. Theannouncement was made by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairmanof Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) when he inaugurated here today theRegional Forum of International Heritage in Arab Countries. The forumis organised by the UNESCO's World Heritage Centre in collaboration with(ADTA)The four-day event brings together international cultral heritage andtoursims experts, senior UNESCO officials and representatives of Arabcountries. to discuss means of preserving cultural and natural heritagesites in the Arab World.

In his inaugural speech, Sheikh Sultan said the event offered an idealforum for enhancing inter-Arab cultural dialogue and pooling support forheritage preservation endeavours. With the formidable challengeshitting on our shores, he remarked, the need for preserving our heritagecan not be over emphasised. "The UAE, and particularly the Emirate ofAbu Dhabi, has been according paramount attention to cultral heritagepreservation as a means of thwarting off the adverse impact of urbanisation".

Sheikh Tahnoon disclosed that ADTA, with the help of the UNESCO experts,had drawn up a full-fledged strategy for preservation and management ofthe cultural heritage of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. This strategy, he said,reflects the vision and aspirations of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa binZayed Al Nahyan, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu DhabiCrown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, andthe UAE people who are keen on maintaining their traditional values whileconfidently cruising ahead.

"Here in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the Emirate of AbuDhabi, the issue of cultural heritage has become part and parcel of thedevelopment process witnessed by the country. This is visible in manycultural, economic, infrastructural, tourist, scientific and religiousaspects", he said.

Dr. Mounir Bouchenaki, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture,confirmed that it is the first time for UNESCO to have the opportunityto meet with heritage officials from Arab states, and to set forth issuesrelated to heritage assessment and inscription of new sites on the WorldHeritage List. He also confirmed that the 'Abu Dhabi Cultural HeritageManagement Strategy' could be an example for many countries in this field.

He also pointed out that heritage issues in the Arab World, especiallythe ones connected with construction and modernization, are facing manyobstacles, and if the great value of heritage sites is not taken intoconsideration, there will be serious negative consequences on the Arabstates heritage.

"UNESCO highly appreciates that an Arab state for the first time takesthe responsibility of making a plan to protect heritage. 2 years ago inAbu Dhabi, a study of how to preserve the cultural, natural and tangibleheritage of the Emirate was initiated, and this required preparing anintegrated strategy for preserving heritage and using it properly" Dr.

Bouchenaki addedHe finally expressed his great pleasure for participating in the launchingof the 'Abu Dhabi Cultural Heritage Management Strategy', and extendedhis thanks and appreciation to the UAE authorities for organizing theRegional Meeting, which proves their deep understanding for the importanceof heritage and culture in life.

Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Organizing Committee elaboratedion the efforts being exerted by Abu Dhabi to conserve and enhance itscultural heritage, which is an integral part of the collective heritageof our Arab Nations. "Our countries are blessed with a long historyspanning several millennia and a rich living heritage which is intrinsicto our daily lives and beliefs. The responsibility to look after and enhancethis heritage is but accentuated by the scale of our cultural resources."He added