Al-ahsa: The Heritage Commission in Al-Ahsa highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts in registering 16 elements on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during a workshop held as part of the volunteer program 'Al-Ahsa Deserves' at Qasr Ibrahim (Ibrahim Palace).
According to Saudi Press Agency, during the workshop held on Thursday, the commission presented a paper reviewing the registered elements, which included the Saudi Ardah, Almezmar dance, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art, Saudi Khawlani coffee, and Taif roses. Additionally, it covered 11 elements shared with other countries, such as the Majlis, Saudi coffee, falconry, date palms, Al Sadu weaving, Alheda'a of camels, Arabic calligraphy, Harees, metal engraving, henna, and the Semsemiah instrument.
The paper also introduced the concept of 'intangible cultural heritage,' encompassing practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills, along with associated tools, objects, and artifacts. Furthermore, it referred to UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which Saudi Arabia ratified in 2008. This ratification aims to protect this heritage and raise awareness of its significance both locally and internationally. This field represents one of the main sectors overseen by the commission, alongside antiquities, architectural heritage, and handicrafts.
Meanwhile, volunteers from the 'Al-Ahsa Deserves' initiative participated in visits to several oasis farms to document the oral history of agricultural practices and knowledge associated with traditional irrigation systems through direct meetings with farmers.
The commission organizes this volunteer event, which continues until the end of November, in cooperation with UNESCO, the Saudi Irrigation Organization, Al-Ahsa Development Authority, Al-Ahsa Municipality, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa Chamber of Commerce, and the National Center for Palm and Dates.