Latest news with #IntangibleCulturalHeritageofHumanity
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
What is Al-Ayyala? Traditional emirati dance circulates online
Listen to article During US President Donald Trump's recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, a traditional Emirati dance performance featuring women in white robes swaying their long hair was staged as part of his official reception at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The cultural showcase quickly circulated on social media, with many viewers expressing curiosity about the ceremony. The performance is known as 'Al-Ayyalah,' a traditional Gulf Arab art form and symbolic enactment of wartime unity, often performed at weddings, festivals, and national celebrations in the UAE and northern Oman. Al-Ayyalah involves men performing synchronised movements with bamboo canes, while women dance in formation, tossing their hair in rhythm with the beat of traditional drums. The dance has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its deep-rooted cultural significance.
Korea Herald
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
KFPI to hold 3 seminars on hansik this year
Seminars to explore 'jang'-making, Korean diaspora and evolution of Korean food and North Chungcheong Province cuisine As "hansik," or Korean food, is winning over palates around the world, the Korea Food Promotion Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs are jointly holding three academic seminars this year to explore the diverse flavors and charms of hansik. The first seminar, taking place May 23 at the Hansik Space Eeum in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, will shed light on how Korean food has spread and changed as Korean people migrated. The seminar will explore how Korean immigrants have adapted their food habits to their new homes, the Korean diaspora's dietary patterns in Uzbekistan and how Korean immigrants' food habits look today. The session will also discuss how Korean restaurants in France and the US have developed throughout the years. More information about registering for the event will be announced later this month through the KFPI's official Instagram account. The second seminar will focus on traditional Korean ways of making fermented soybean-based pastes and sauces, known as "jang," which was listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December of last year. The session will explore how to protect and pass down the practices of jang-making after the UNESCO recognition. Jang -- a staple of South Korean cuisine -- refers to a family of fermented soybean-based sauces, including soybean paste, soy sauce and red chile paste. Aiming to introduce regional dishes and stories of how these food traditions are being handed down from generation to generation, the third seminar will delve into the regional cuisine of North Chungcheong Province. While the dates for the second and third seminars have yet to be announced, they will take place in September and December, respectively.
Jordan News
18-02-2025
- Jordan News
Petra: "Beit Al-Saidiyeen" – A New Tourism Route Showcasing Bedouin Cultural Heritage - Jordan News
The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority has launched a new tourism route, marking the occasion with an inaugural hike involving approximately 28 participants. The hike led to "Beit Al-Saidiyeen," located southwest of Petra toward Wadi Araba. اضافة اعلان "Beit Al-Saidiyeen" represents the experience of the Saidiyeen family as part of the "Petra Bedouins" heritage, which UNESCO inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2008. The opening of "Beit Al-Saidiyeen" was attended by the Canadian Ambassador to Jordan, Tarik Khan, Commissioner of Infrastructure and Investment Engineer Mohammad Al-Habahbeh, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, Randa Abu Al-Hassan, along with dignitaries from the Dlagha region and local community members. This newly launched route, managed by the Jabal Masouda Cooperative Association, is a unique tourism product designed to boost economic and social development in local communities. It does so by investing in Bedouin cultural heritage and offering it as an immersive tourism experience. The route aims to provide visitors with hands-on experiences of Bedouin life and Jordanian desert culture, allowing them to engage in its intricate traditions and daily practices. This form of tourism helps enhance the region's economic and social development while directly supporting the local community. The Petra Authority has encouraged everyone to participate in this authentic experience and support the local community by connecting with the Jabal Masouda Cooperative Association. Dr. Fares Al-Braizat, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, emphasized that investing in Bedouin cultural heritage through unique tourism experiences enhances visitors' understanding of Bedouin traditions while preserving this rich heritage. He expressed hope that this initiative would serve as an inspiration and source of support for the local community in Petra. Al-Braizat also noted that the authority has recently developed several routes within Petra's archaeological reserve, totaling approximately 27 trails. Among them, three trails are located in the Dlagha region: the Mudhlam Trail, the Mahmad Trail, and the Khurmah Trail. These initiatives aim to enrich the tourist experience in Petra while ensuring that local communities benefit fairly from tourism-generated development. Meanwhile, archaeological restorer and trail coordinator Qais Al-Tousi explained that the Khurmah Trail spans approximately 14 km and takes most of the day to complete. He advised that participants carefully plan their time due to the natural terrain, wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, and follow local guides' instructions. Salem Al-Saidiyeen, President of the Jabal Masouda Cooperative Association, highlighted that these trails mark a significant step in enhancing local tourism in the Dlagha region while creating new job opportunities for residents. He affirmed the association's commitment to collaborating with the Petra Authority and other stakeholders to ensure the project's success and fulfill its objectives. Hani Al-Falhat, an archaeological expert from Petra, noted that for many years, Petra has been marketed primarily for its cultural and historical tourism. However, thanks to the Petra Authority, new and exciting attractions have emerged, making Petra a diverse and captivating destination. These include eco-tourism, adventure and nature tourism, geological tourism, and horseback riding experiences—all of which enrich the variety of activities available and enhance Petra's appeal to visitors from around the world. The launch of these trails reflects the Petra Authority's commitment to developing eco-tourism and cultural tourism in the region, offering a fulfilling experience that meets the expectations of visitors globally. Recently, the authority also introduced the Khurmah Trail, recognized as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable long-distance trails. It captivates hikers with its diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty within Petra's archaeological reserve.
Muscat Daily
12-02-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman seeks Unesco recognition for Arabian horse breeding
Muscat – Oman is working on a joint submission to include Arabian horse breeding on Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a step aimed at safeguarding this centuries-old tradition. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth hosted a workshop titled 'Arabian Horse Breeding: Authentic Legacy and Sustainable Vision' on Wednesday. The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and representatives from government and private sectors to discuss the cultural significance and future of Arabian horse breeding in Oman. Attendees also reviewed the draft file to be submitted to Unesco. Sheikh Hamad bin Salem al Balushi, Board Member of the Oman Equestrian Federation, opened the discussions with a presentation on the historical roots of Arabian horses in Oman. He highlighted their deep connection to the region's heritage, including the celebrated Zad al Rikib, a renowned ancestral horse of Oman. Sheikh Hamad also spoke about Oman's tradition of gifting Arabian horses to other nations, which has helped preserve this cultural legacy. Suleiman bin Ali al Hattali from the Royal Cavalry underscored the importance of maintaining purebred Arabian horse lineages. He discussed efforts to document these breeds, promote breeding culture, and support preservation through publications and initiatives led by the Royal Cavalry. Dr Sand bin Saif al Sunaidi concluded the session by addressing the cultural and social role of Arabian horses in Oman. 'Arabian horses are symbols of pride, courage, and community,' he said, emphasising their significance as sources of income and cohesion in Omani society. He also spoke about practical aspects of horse care, training, and building trust between horse and owner. The workshop marked a key milestone in Oman's efforts to gain Unesco recognition for Arabian horse breeding. If successful, the listing will highlight the global importance of this tradition and ensure its preservation for generations to come.
Trade Arabia
06-02-2025
- Trade Arabia
Traveller flows in China increase by 8pc during Spring Festival
Traveller flows in China during the 2025 Spring Festival period increased by eight percent compared with the same time last year, according to industry data cited by China Central Television (CCTV), reported WAM. The Spring Festival is the largest annual celebration in China, during which hundreds of millions of people travel back to their home towns or visit popular scenic destinations to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year's Spring Festival marks the first since Unesco added it to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a result, interest in exploring intangible cultural heritage has surged, with travellers seeking to experience traditional festival customs increasing 12 percent compared with last year. Ice and snow destinations has once again drawn a significant number of visitors this Spring Festival. The "Ice City" Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, known for its stunning ice sculptures and deep-rooted winter sports culture, remains a favored holiday destination, with the tourist numbers increasing by six percent year on year. Foreign visitors have also embraced the ice and snow fun, with visits to Harbin rising by 42 percent. The most popular ski regions in China are the northern provinces, including Heilongjiang, Jilin, Hebei and Xinjiang, as well as Beijing. "The popularity of ice and snow tourism continues to rise, with tourist numbers increasing by 11 per cent compared with the same period last year. Ski resorts across the country remain popular, seeing an increase of over 46 percent in visitors compared with regular days," said Wang Xuejian, deputy general manager of big data branch under China Mobile, one of the country's leading telecommunications operators. The Spring Festival has also seen an uptick in the number of foreign tourists arriving following China's continued relaxation of its visa policies, allowing more overseas travellers and businesspeople to enter the country visa-free. In December, China announced an extension of its visa-free transit policy, allowing eligible international visitors from 54 countries to remain in the country for up to 240 hours with no visa required. During the holiday, the number of inbound tourists increased by 10 per cent compared with the same period last year. The countries with the largest increase in tourist sources were South Korea, Indonesia and France, which saw rises of 79 per cent, 46 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively. While European and American tourists prefer megacities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, visitors from Southeast Asia are more interested in exploring southern destinations, such as Chengdu, Chongqing and Zhoushan.
