Latest news with #heritagesite
The National
14-07-2025
- Science
- The National
Unesco listing is a boost for the UAE's cultural heritage
It is a matter of pride for any country when it can add to its list of accomplishments a heritage site recognised by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. The UAE on Friday added a second to its tally of such laurels, with Unesco listing Sharjah's Faya palaeolandscape – after a collection of Al Ain's cultural sites was added in 2011. Both these entries are in illustrious company, with the sizeable number of heritage sites in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as indeed elsewhere in the Middle East and around the world. The designation of a heritage site adds to a country's prestige, and indicates its contribution to human culture and history. The buzz that is generated contributes significantly to the local culture, the environment and invariably boosts local tourism. The UAE's listing is likely to generate interest from all who call it come, citizens and residents, including students and hobbyists, as well as overseas enthusiasts who may be inclined to see for themselves what the Faya range looks like up close, and how this chain of limestone outcrops has over several decades helped historians and archaeologists gain a better understanding of human history in this part of the world. Visitors will probably also be interested in, and want to learn more about, how the site will be preserved and what the responsibility – that comes with the honour of the listing – of its sustainable upkeep will entail. Such interest can generate a healthy engagement and pride in national heritage. "For over 210,000 years, this site has borne witness to the story of human innovation, resilience and adaptation in an arid environment,' Sheikha Bodour, ambassador for the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination, told The National. 'As one of the most important archaeological sites around the world, Faya Palaeolandscape is a living testament to humanity's early presence in this region.' The Unesco listing – plus the announcement that Sheikh Zayed National Museum is opening in December – is a further reminder that the UAE, even as it is focused on the future, developing smart technologies and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, is invested in its past. This is especially significant in a region that has seen immeasurable damage done to places of historical interest through the brutality and destruction of war. Even amid the extensive destruction of countless sites in the Middle East, however, there are stories of rebirth, in terms of restoration. There are severable notable examples of the UAE's commitment to preserve its heritage within the borders of the country. But it extends further – for example, in the rehabilitation in northern Iraq of the 12th-century Al Nuri mosque and the two churches, Al Tahera and Al Saa'a destroyed by ISIS a decade ago. The UAE donated $50.4 million towards its restoration, along with providing expertise and support and co-ordinating reconstruction. Such efforts to rehabilitate and give due glory to historic monuments goes a long way in strengthening cultural understanding and imbibing especially in younger generations – some of whom have only seen the very worst of war and humanity – a sense of the past and the imperative of proper respect being accorded to historic sites. As the UAE takes requisite measures in conserving the Faya palaeolandscape, welcoming visitors and researchers, it becomes an important symbol of remaining connected to the history of the land, and in doing so preserving a significant part of the larger history of the wider world.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Tynemouth Priory and Castle gates to remain open following trial
Gates to a priory's ruins will remain open to the public overnight for at least the rest of the summer following a outer gates at Tynemouth Priory and Castle have been closed at night since 2005 to protect the site from damage caused by anti-social a two-week trial, English Heritage said it had seen a "notable increase" in general litter, dog waste, and unauthorised car meets on the it said it was pleased to give locals access to the "beloved" site, and would keep the gates open seven days a week while monitoring it closely. A spokesperson added: "There will be times during the winter months where the moat will be closed." The medieval monastic church sits atop a headland overlooking the River Tyne as it enters the North Heritage had hoped the access trial would rebuild trust with the community "with a renewed sense of shared responsibility".A spokesperson said: "We are pleased to give the community additional access to areas of this historic site for their enjoyment in the evenings as we know how beloved this site is locally, and thus far we feel this has been received positively."The charity asked people to not bring in unauthorised vehicles after hours and reminded users to dispose of litter and dog gate at the bottom of the site will also remain open overnight. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Irish Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Dispute over boat trips to Skellig Michael resolved, court told
The High Court dispute over boat trips to Skellig Michael has been resolved. Mr Justice Garrett Simons was told on Tuesday that the parties had reached a settlement and a hearing date for the main case in the dispute next month could be vacated. Earlier this month the judge granted an application by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to lift an automatic suspension on landing at the Unesco heritage site and former monastic island which was also used as a film location for the Star Wars films , The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. It meant boat trips to the island off the Kerry coast could begin for the summer 2025 season immediately. READ MORE Annual landing permits issued by the OPW for mid-May to September were automatically suspended when two unsuccessful bidders for the licences brought a High Court challenge to the decision. The OPW then had to apply to the court asking that the stay be lifted pending hearing of the substantive challenge. The unsuccessful bidders, Atlantic Endeavour Ltd and SMBT Ltd trading as Skellig Michael Boat Trips, disagreed with the OPW interpretation of the legal effect of the automatic suspension. They contended that there are a number of mechanisms open whereby landing permits might legitimately be granted to the successful tenderers for the balance of the 2025 season, while preserving their own right to challenge the allocation of landing permits for the 2026 and subsequent seasons. Mr Justice Simons, following a hearing, ordered the stay be lifted. He said his judgment entailed no finding whatsoever on whether the outcome of the tender process allows the OPW to confine the right to land passengers to the 15 successful tenderers for a five-year period. The proper interpretation of the request for tender and associated documentation, and the legal consequences of the tender process, remain open for debate at the trial of the action, he said. On Tuesday, David Dodd BL, for Atlantic and SMBT, said the matter had been resolved and a hearing date for July could be vacated. He said his clients were very happy with the outcome especially in light of the judge's decision earlier this month. The OPW had agreed to pay his side's costs. The judge struck out the case.
BreakingNews.ie
24-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Skellig Michael boat trips dispute resolved in High Court
The High Court dispute over boat trips to Skellig Michael has been resolved. Mr Justice Garrett Simons was told on Tuesday that the parties had reached a settlement and a hearing date for the main case in the dispute next month could be vacated. Advertisement Earlier this month, the judge granted an application by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to lift an automatic suspension on landing at the Unesco heritage site and former monastic island which was also used as a film location for the Star Wars movies, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. It meant that boat trips to the island off the Kerry coast could begin for the summer 2025 season immediately. Annual landing permits issued by the OPW for mid-May to September were automatically suspended when two unsuccessful bidders for the licences brought a High Court challenge to the decision. The OPW then had to apply to the court asking that the stay be lifted pending hearing of the substantive challenge. Advertisement The unsuccessful bidders, Atlantic Endeavour Ltd and SMBT Ltd trading as Skellig Michael Boat Trips, disagreed with the OPW interpretation of the legal effect of the automatic suspension. They contended that there are a number of mechanisms open whereby landing permits might legitimately be granted to the successful tenderers for the balance of the 2025 season, while preserving their own right to challenge the allocation of landing permits for the 2026 and subsequent seasons. Mr Justice Simons, following a hearing, ordered the stay be lifted. He said his judgment entailed no finding whatsoever on whether the outcome of the tender process allows the OPW to confine the right to land passengers to the 15 successful tenderers for a five year period. Advertisement Ireland 90 arrests made during Donegal International Rally... Read More The proper interpretation of the request for tender and associated documentation, and the legal consequences of the tender process, remain open for debate at the trial of the action, he said. On Tuesday, David Dodd BL, for Atlantic and SMBT, said the matter had been resolved and a hearing date for July could be vacated. He said his clients were very happy with the outcome especially in light of the judge's decision earlier this month. The OPW had agreed to pay his side's costs. The judge struck out the case.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Roundhouse Birmingham tours on hold amid sudden closure
A landmark heritage site in Birmingham has announced a sudden closure, cancelling all its city and canal tours. Roundhouse Birmingham informed customers tours were being put on hold via a Facebook post on charity's website said the horseshoe-shaped Grade II* listed building, on Sheepcote Street, is closed with only the restaurant open as per its usual hours. The BBC has contacted Roundhouse Birmingham for comment. The charity apologised to customers for the inconvenience. It wrote on Facebook: "All our tours are currently on hold and the Visitor Centre is closed during this time."It said customers who had already booked tours would receive a refund. Roundhouse Birmingham is a heritage enterprise and independent charity which looks after the building and uses it as a base for tours and activities. The building was built in the 19th Century as a stables and stores and was restored from 2013. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
