The UNESCO Safeguarding Cultural Heritage conference took place in Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The conference was structured into panel discussions and presentations, giving first-hand accounts from international cultural experts on the successes and challenges on overcoming difficult situations faced in the protection and conversation of cultural heritage in conflict zones. The Abu Dhabi conference is the result of a joint French-United Arab Emirates initiative and was prepared in conjunction with the personal representatives of both Heads of State, Jack Lang (Preseident of the Institut du monde arabe) and Mohamed Al Mubarak (Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority). The 40 participating states committed to create an international fund and an international network to safe havens for endangered cultural property.
(L-R) Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Sharjah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Crown Prince of Fujairah, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attend the opening of the Safeguarding Endangered Cultural Heritage Conference at Emirates Palace. Saeed Al Neyadi / Crown Prince Court – Abu Dhabi
