The Committee
- Takes note that Iraq has nominated Al-Muhaibis: social practices and traditions associated with it (No. 02244) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Al-Muhaibis is a popular game that tests players’ insight and intelligence. It is typically played during the month of Ramadan, after the Tarawih prayers. The game involves two teams sitting across from each other. A random draw determines which team goes first. The captain of the first team hides a ring in one of the team member’s hands, and the opposing team must find the ring through a process of elimination. If the opposing team finds the ring, it earns a point. If the opposing team eliminates the player with the ring, it loses a point, and the other team earns the point. The game continues until one of the teams reaches the pre-agreed point total. The game is accompanied by songs, chants and enthusiastic cheering.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: The game is formally transmitted through annual championships organized by the Central Committee of Al-Muhaibis, with broad community participation and media coverage. Informally, it is passed down within families, with children learning by playing at home or attending competitions. While people of all genders participate, women usually join in family settings or cheer on the teams during competitions. The game strengthens social bonds and is an important part of cultural identity, especially during Ramadan.
R.2: The State Party has demonstrated that inscription of the element would contribute both to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of intangible cultural heritage and to encouraging dialogue by displaying it to the world, publicizing its cultural and social importance, and reflecting cultural diversity worldwide. The element contributes to various aspects of sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of peace and social cohesion through the broad participation of different people, including different religious and ethnic groups, in an atmosphere full of love, brotherhood and joy. The nomination file offers contextual grounding (especially regarding social cohesion and post-conflict unity).
R.3: The nomination file provides a convincing description of past, current and future safeguarding efforts, with active collaboration between the State and communities concerned. The file reflects a proactive approach that acknowledges the evolving needs of cultural transmission and public engagement. The State Party has provided a set of safeguarding measures including: the establishment of the Central Committee of the Traditional Game of Al-Muhaibis; the organization of two Al-Muhaibis championships annually; the use of a special Al-Muhaibis logo in official correspondence; the establishment of the Iraqi Notables and the Iraqi Federation page of Al-Muhaibis game; the promotion of the game on social media; the organization of the Peaceful Coexistence Championship of Al-Muhaibis game; the participation of Al-Muhaibis in the twenty-fifth Gulf Championship; and the issuing of cultural encyclopaedias by the palaces of culture and arts spread throughout all Iraqi governorates, documenting the game.
R.4: The submitting State Party has demonstrated community participation throughout all stages of the nomination process, starting with the inventory form after the nomination team in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities visited the Central Committee in 2023, interviewing practitioners, including referees, players and captains. It is confirmed that free, prior and informed consent was obtained.
R.5: The element was registered in the National list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Iraq in 2014. This inventory is maintained by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities and the Cultural Relations Directorate – Intangible Cultural Heritage National Centre, and is updated every two years. Communities, groups and non-governmental organizations participate actively in the inventorying and updating processes.
- Decides to inscribe Al-Muhaibis: social practices and traditions associated with it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.