Abu dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) today approved a federal draft law on Cultural Heritage. The session was attended by Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture.
According to Emirates News Agency, before discussing the draft Cultural Heritage Law, the Council reviewed the report of the Committee on Education, Culture, Youth, Sports and Media Affairs. The report revealed that the draft law had been examined through a comprehensive methodology, including legal, social, and economic studies, as well as meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Culture to discuss its provisions and clarify related issues.
The draft law aims to protect, document, preserve, manage, and promote the UAE's cultural heritage in all its forms. It encourages the study of cultural heritage, enhances cultural diversity and exchange, ensures sustainability and transmission to future generations, supports heritage and cultural tourism, integrates cultural heritage into sustainable development plans, and strengthens coordination between the Ministry of Culture and relevant authorities in managing and safeguarding cultural heritage.
The Council introduced two new concepts within the definitions article: "digital heritage" and "archaeological survey." Digital heritage includes digital materials and resources of cultural, historical, scientific, social, environmental, or economic value, whether originally created in digital form or converted into digital formats. Archaeological survey encompasses the exploration, documentation, and recording of archaeological sites using various scientific methods.
The draft law outlines the responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture, in coordination with relevant authorities and government entities. These responsibilities include preparing legislation, policies, and strategies for cultural heritage protection, implementing public awareness, media, and tourism promotion programmes, supporting education and scientific research, and building national capacities in the cultural heritage sector.
Furthermore, the draft law permits the nomination of cultural heritage elements for inclusion on regional and international heritage lists, subject to the Ministry's approval and in accordance with procedures set out in the executive regulations. This contributes to the enhanced protection of cultural heritage elements and highlights their cultural and civilizational significance.
The draft law also imposes stringent penalties to safeguard cultural heritage. These include prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines ranging from AED 500,000 to AED 10 million for serious offences, such as deliberate damage to tangible cultural heritage or archaeological sites, theft, smuggling, or unauthorized construction, alteration, or relocation works.