
Register of Good Safeguarding PracticesInscribed 2025Description
Since the advent of oil wealth, the dispersion of Bedouin communities to cities, the gradual abandonment of pastoral activities, and the social changes associated with these processes have created threatening conditions for the art of Al Sadu weaving. The time required for artisanal production, the need for traditional knowledge about nature, and the low remuneration of craftsmanship compared to other jobs in the modern economy, as well as a growing preference for industrial fabrics, have contributed to a decline in interest among younger generations in learning this weaving technique. Between 2011 and 2023, a safeguarding programme was put in place to address the risk of disappearance of this cultural element, whose know-how is preserved by a dwindling number of older women. Thanks to the combined efforts and resources of multiple social actors, research, documentation, knowledge transfer, dissemination, marketing support, and activities to raise awareness about the element’s value and significance have been implemented in a concerted and participatory manner. As a result, the programme has not only succeeded in ensuring the continuity and transmission of the element, but also in creating employment and income-generating opportunities for a large number of people.
Country
United Arab EmiratesOther heritage elements in United Arab Emirates
Representative List · Inscribed 2025Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab EmiratesRepresentative List · Inscribed 2025Arabic KohlRepresentative List · Inscribed 2025Al Ahalla, a living performing art in the United Arab EmiratesRepresentative List · Inscribed 2025Bisht (men's Abaa): skills and practicesRepresentative List · Inscribed 2025The zaffa in the traditional weddingRepresentative List · Inscribed 2024Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
More Register of Good Safeguarding Practices elements
Inscribed 2024Oman Youth Sail Training Ship (Safinat Shabab Oman) programme for peace and sustainable cultural dialogueInscribed 2021Nomad games, rediscovering heritage, celebrating diversityInscribed 2017Margilan Crafts Development Centre, safeguarding of the atlas and adras making traditional technologiesInscribed 2021National programme to safeguard the traditional art of calligraphy in IranInscribed 2022Al Sadu Educational Programme: Train the trainers in the art of weaving
Also inscribed in 2025
- Traditional Saree weaving art of Tangail
- Boreendo, Bhorindo: ancient dying folk musical instrument, its melodies, knowledge, and skills
- The zaffa in the traditional wedding
- Al-Muhaibis: social practices and traditions associated with it
- Bisht (men's Abaa): skills and practices
- Kithul Madeema/Kithul Kapeema, an ancient indigenous technology for tapping Kithul in Sri Lanka
Data Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage · UNESCO listing