Emirati Heritage Captivates International Delegates at UN Crime Congress
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has delighted visitors to the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice with an immersive programme showcasing the Emirate's rich cultural traditions and ancestral practices.
International delegates attending the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice have enjoyed an enriching cultural experience courtesy of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The specially curated heritage activities, running throughout the congress at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi until 1st October, offer participants a distinctive window into Emirati traditions and contemporary cultural practice.
The programme encompasses a carefully selected array of authentic experiences. Visitors have engaged with displays and demonstrations featuring Arabic coffee and dates, traditional falconry practices, the pearl-diving heritage for which the Emirates is historically renowned, intricate henna artistry, and Al Sadu and Talli—two profoundly significant traditional Emirati textile crafts. The activities further showcase Emirati gastronomy and the refined art of Arabic calligraphy.
Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, a researcher specialising in Arab heritage, observed that the exhibition has generated considerable enthusiasm amongst international attendees, with particular fascination surrounding displays dedicated to pearls and the traditional implements employed in pearl-diving traditions.
Ibrahim Mohammed Al Hammadi, a practising falconer, noted that congress participants have demonstrated keen interest in engaging with the falcons on display, seeking photographic opportunities whilst learning about the cultural significance these birds hold within Emirati society, alongside insights into their specialised care and breeding practices.
Sheikha Al Junaibi, who oversees the henna section, reported widespread global interest in the artistry and cultural resonance of henna decoration within Emirati heritage. Visitors have similarly expressed enthusiasm for traditional Emirati culinary offerings, including khabeesa, khameer bread and dangou, deepening their understanding of the Emirate’s gastronomic heritage.
The initiative represents a meaningful opportunity for international participants to encounter key elements of Emirati culture and heritage whilst engaging with the substantive congress programme, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation amongst delegates from around the world.
Source: WAM