Culture and Heritage

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UAE's efforts in heritage

Hasat Buwayd Castle - Ain
Hasat Buwayd Castle, meaning “white stone,” was built by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi in 1976 in the form of a tower-like fort. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the plains on the eastern side of the Manama area of the Emirate of Ajman. The castle is distinguished by its traditional Emirati architectural style.
Louvre - Abu Dhabi
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Opened in November 2017, designed by world-renowned architect Jean Nouvel, it features a large metal dome supported by columns, simulating a "rain of light" effect through the scattered sunlight.
It houses 23 permanent pavilions, displaying a collection that chronicles the development of civilizations across eras and cultures.
It houses more than 600 artistic and historical pieces, spanning from the Stone Age to contemporary art, with prominent works such as Egyptian statues, paintings by Vincent van Gogh, the Mona Lisa, and modern artworks.
It is the first universal museum in the Arab world, a collaboration between France and the UAE.
Heritage Village - Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche
Recreates a traditional village featuring palm frond houses, a traditional market, a mosque, and heritage research such as shipbuilding, spinning, and metal casting.
Live workshops are held in crafts such as pottery, loom weaving, glassblowing, and metalworking.
Regular events and festivals introduce ancient Emirati heritage.
Heritage Village – Shindagha (Dubai)
Near Dubai Creek, this lively model depicts the lives of traditional pearl divers, shipbuilders, and weavers.
Hatta Heritage Village (Emirate of Dubai): Nestled amidst the mountains, it contains ancient stone and clay houses, forts, and watchtowers dating back to the 18th century.
Marine Heritage Village – Ras Al Khaimah: Focuses on fishing, shipbuilding, and pearl diving, with interactive displays and visits to maritime craft workshops.

Documenting the place

The most important heritage, historical and archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates
Qasr Al Hosn - Abu Dhabi


The oldest stone building in the capital, built in the late 18th century. It was a fort, then a seat of government, and today serves as a museum that tells the story of the UAE's development.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – Dubai


Also known as "Bastakiya," this area features narrow alleys and traditional houses that reflect the old way of life in Dubai. It also houses the Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort).

Fujairah Fort - Fujairah


One of the oldest forts in the UAE (dating back to the 16th century), it has been restored and overlooks the city. It is a symbol of the region's defensive architectural heritage.

Ajman Fort and Museum

Built in the late 18th century from coral rock and mud, it has been converted into a museum showcasing the emirate's history from ancient times to the 20th century.

Oral Heritage

The oral heritage of the United Arab Emirates is a fundamental component of its cultural and social identity. It is the vessel that has carried the stories, wisdom, and experiences of our ancestors across generations. This rich heritage includes Nabati poetry, popular proverbs, tales, and legends, in addition to chants such as Al-Ayyala, Al-Razfa, and Al-Taghrooda, which were chanted at weddings and national occasions. Emirati councils also provided a vital space for the exchange of this oral heritage, where people exchanged stories, proverbs, and morals, in a lively consolidation of the values, customs, and traditions that have shaped the identity of Emirati society and given it its distinctive character.

Customs and traditions

The diverse Emirati customs and traditions are an essential part of the national heritage and a true embodiment of the UAE's identity, combining the authenticity of the past with the modernity of the present. These customs and traditions extend to various aspects of social and cultural life, from daily life to celebrations and official occasions, reflecting a balance between authentic Arab traditions and modern development. Among the most important Emirati customs are generosity and hospitality. Welcoming guests and offering them Arabic coffee and dates are symbols of respect and appreciation, and this custom is practiced in homes and public gatherings alike. Family ties also play a prominent role, as the family in the UAE represents the basic nucleus of society, and its members are keen to preserve the values of cooperation and mutual assistance, while respecting and appreciating elders. In terms of dress, traditions are evident in men's wearing of the kandura and ghutra, attire that reflects simplicity and identity, while women wear the abaya and shayla, which carry cultural symbols and express modesty and elegance simultaneously. These traditional garments are still worn daily and at formal and social events. Emirati folk arts stand out as an important element of the country's heritage. Among them is the Ardha dance, performed at national and social events. Participants chant patriotic poetry and wave sticks, reflecting a legacy of courage and pride in the nation. The Yola dance also depicts scenes of combat and war in a sophisticated artistic style. In addition, songs and chants narrated by the elderly preserve the UAE's history orally. Religious and national occasions provide an opportunity to showcase these traditions. During Ramadan and Islamic holidays, Ramadan councils are held and traditional foods such as harees and luqaimat are distributed. National celebrations feature cultural and heritage performances that foster a sense of belonging and pride in the nation. Emirati customs are not limited to the past; they are also subject to ongoing documentation by cultural institutions and government agencies, which use modern digital means to preserve this heritage and disseminate it to new generations, ensuring the continuity of this heritage despite rapid technological development. The diverse Emirati customs and traditions are a unique blend that reflects the history of the Emirati people, their societal values, their fighting spirit, and their deep-rooted presence in the contemporary world. The UAE continues to preserve this rich heritage as a fundamental component of its national identity.

Heritage authorities in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates attaches great importance to preserving its rich heritage and enhancing its cultural identity. This is achieved through a number of governmental and official bodies and institutions that play a key role in this field. Foremost among these is the Ministry of Culture and Youth, which oversees the development of cultural policies and strategies nationwide and supports heritage and artistic events and projects that enhance national identity. The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi also stands out, focusing on the protection of the emirate's tangible and intangible heritage. It oversees important historical landmarks such as Qasr Al Hosn and the Heritage Village, in addition to organizing prominent festivals such as the Qasr Al Hosn Festival and the Culinary Arts Season.
In Dubai, the Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) spearheads numerous cultural and heritage initiatives, such as the revitalization of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and the Shindagha Museum, as well as annual events such as the Shindagha Heritage Days. In Sharjah, a pioneer in the field of heritage, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage organizes training programs and festivals such as Sharjah Heritage Days, while the Sharjah Museums Authority oversees specialized museums showcasing various aspects of Emirati heritage.
The emirates of Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah also host cultural and media departments and bodies dedicated to popular heritage, organizing heritage events and markets such as the Fujairah Friday Market and falconry and hunting festivals.
In addition, the Emirates Architectural Heritage Society plays an important role in documenting and preserving traditional buildings and architecture, while the National Archives and Library in Abu Dhabi collects historical documents and photographs and conducts studies that preserve the country's oral and cultural memory.
In Dubai, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center is prominent, focusing on intangible heritage such as Nabati poetry, Emirati singing, folk games, and falconry, and organizing championships and competitions to preserve these legacies.
Together, these institutions play a pivotal role in protecting the UAE's tangible and intangible heritage, holding heritage festivals and educational workshops that introduce new generations to their ancestors' heritage. They also cooperate with UNESCO to register elements of Emirati heritage, such as falconry, Al Ayyala, Arabic coffee, and Al Sadu, on the World Heritage List, ensuring that this heritage remains vibrant for future generations.