New UAE law aims to protect the country's cultural heritage: What you need to know

The UAE's heritage goes beyond historic sites and artefacts. A new law will help protect everything from traditional practices to digital archives that tell the country's story. 

The Federal National Council (FNC) has approved a new draft Cultural Heritage Law, which sets out how the country's heritage will be protected, documented and preserved for future generations.

So, what does this mean for the places you visit?

The draft law covers different forms of cultural heritage, including physical sites, historical records and digital materials.

• Heritage is no longer limited to physical sites and artefacts. The new draft law also recognises digital heritage, protecting valuable online content and digitised records that hold cultural or historical importance.

• It also sets out what counts as an archaeological survey, covering the scientific process of exploring and documenting archaeological sites. 

How will heritage be protected?

Beyond protecting heritage sites, the new law aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the UAE's history and traditions.

The Ministry of Culture will support this through: 

• Awareness campaigns and educational programmes

• Research into the UAE's cultural heritage

• Heritage-focused tourism and media initiatives

• Developing expertise in the cultural sector

  
  

It will also be able to nominate UAE heritage sites and traditions for regional and international recognition, helping preserve them for future generations. 

What happens if heritage sites are damaged?

The UAE is also introducing stricter penalties for anyone who damages heritage sites, steals or smuggles heritage items, or carries out unauthorised work at protected locations.  

The penalties include up to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from AED 500,000 to AED 10 million for serious offences. 

The new law is about protecting the places, traditions and stories that help you understand the UAE's journey and ensuring they continue to be shared for generations to come.