Unesco to help UAE preserve its heritage

The numerous centres for culture and the tangible and intangible heritage in the Gulf region, are evidence of the keenness of the region's people to conserve their heritage, said a Unesco official.

Zaki Aslan of Unesco was speaking at the opening of a seminar on the conservation of historic buildings yesterday.

He thanked Sharjah for hosting this important event and stressed that it would foster endeavours to preserve the cultural identity in the area, where the effect of globalisation on people had become obvious.

He noted: "Therefore, Unesco is coming here to support, assist and encourage such initiatives, as the conservation of the cultural heritage is one of its top priorities."

He pointed out that Unesco had declared this year as the year for cultural heritage.