All of us living in the UAE today should walk a little prouder. Traditional Emirati dance Al Ayyalah and Nabati poetry Al Taghruda have been recognised as unique by Unesco and added to the organisation's Intangible Heritage List.
The recognition comes after sustained efforts by the UAE government to promote both forms given that there has been growing concern among researchers and academics that traditional poetry and dance may be lost to the march of time and progress.
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach) has been at the forefront in trying to preserve these cultural arts, and inclusion in the Intangible Heritage List gives those efforts a significant boost.
Indeed, Adach has been proactive in using every possible means, including YouTube, to preserve UAE culture. The Unesco recognition shows that the efforts of Adach are meritorious and noteworthy. For that, Adach should take a bow centre stage.
