The Committee,

1. Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates’ on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by the sixth session of the Committee in 2011 (Decision COM 8.21),
2. Further recalling the latest periodic report submitted by the United Arab Emirates on the status of this element as examined by the nineteenth session of the Committee in 2024 (Decision COM 6.a.10),
3. Takes note of the request submitted by the United Arab Emirates to transfer Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates (No. 02230) from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Al Sadu is a traditional form of weaving practised by Bedouin women in rural communities to produce soft furnishings and decorative accessories for camels and horses. The practice entails the equal involvement of both men and women across its production stages. Men shear the sheep, camels and goats, and women clean and prepare the wool. They then spin the yarn on a drop spindle, dye it, and weave it on a floor loom using a warp-faced plain weave. The traditional colours are black, white, brown, beige and red, with distinctive patterns in the form of narrow bands of geometric designs.

4. Considers that, from the information included in the request and the periodic report on the status of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the request satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   The element was first inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011, as the rapid economic development and social transformations brought about by the advent of oil had caused a sharp decline in the practice of Al Sadu. Today, as a result of safeguarding efforts, the weavers often gather in small groups to spin and weave, exchanging family news and occasionally chanting and reciting poetry. Such gatherings are the traditional means of transmission of the related knowledge and skills: girls learn by watching, and are gradually given tasks to do, such as sorting the wool, before learning the more intricate skills involved. The element promotes unity among craftspeople while fostering intergenerational exchange and community dialogue.

R.2:   With its enhanced viability, the element raises awareness about the significance of intangible cultural heritage and provides it with visibility within the community and beyond. Furthermore, the element contributes to various aspects of sustainable development, including gender equality, inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability. Men and women work together in the production process of this craft, which uses only natural raw materials. Traditional knowledge related to the use of animal fibres and dyes extracted from plants is cultivated and passed down from generation to generation as part of this activity. In addition to being recognized as a symbol of identity, Al Sadu fabric has commercial value and creates employment opportunities for many people, providing them with economic stability. For women, the opportunity to express themselves in public spaces through this art is an asset.

R.3:   Several safeguarding measures have been implemented with the direct participation of communities, groups and individuals. They cover a wide range of areas, including training new craftswomen and improving the visibility and awareness of the significance of this cultural heritage. For the future, measures are proposed to increase the number of artisans, promote traditional crafts, and create channels for training and improving the skills of producers. The development of new products and their integration into electronic and international trade channels, with a view to increasing the artisans’ incomes, are also proposed.

R.4:   Over the past fourteen years, a solid safeguarding programme has been implemented with the full participation of Al Sadu weavers, their associations and other relevant stakeholders. The request for transfer from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was made with their free, prior and informed consent, as evidenced by the written and audiovisual documentation attached to the file.

R.5:   Al Sadu weaving was included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory of Abu Dhabi Emirate approved in 2009 under three headings. This inventory is compiled by the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and updated every five years. Those involved in its regular updating include representatives of several institutions, as well as practitioners.

5. Decides to transfer Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
6. Further takes note of the simultaneous request by the United Arab Emirates to include in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, the safeguarding experience presented in the transfer request:

Since the advent of oil wealth, the dispersion of Bedouin communities to cities, the gradual abandonment of pastoral activities, and the social changes associated with these processes have created threatening conditions for the art of Al Sadu weaving. The time required for artisanal production, the need for traditional knowledge about nature, and the low remuneration of craftsmanship compared to other jobs in the modern economy, as well as a growing preference for industrial fabrics, have contributed to a decline in interest among younger generations in learning this weaving technique. Between 2011 and 2023, a safeguarding programme was put in place to address the risk of disappearance of this cultural element, whose know-how is preserved by a dwindling number of older women. Thanks to the combined efforts and resources of multiple social actors, research, documentation, knowledge transfer, dissemination, marketing support, and activities to raise awareness about the element’s value and significance have been implemented in a concerted and participatory manner. As a result, the programme has not only succeeded in ensuring the continuity and transmission of the element, but also in creating employment and income-generating opportunities for a large number of people.

7. Further considers that, from the information included in the request and the periodic report on the status of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the programme responds as follows to the criteria for selection as a good safeguarding practice in paragraph 7 of the Operational Directives:

G.1:   Comprising a set of plans with different lines of action, the programme for safeguarding Al Sadu weaving complies with the principles and objectives of the Convention. In the field of research and documentation, it is worth highlighting the production of publications, videos and materials for school programmes, which also contribute to raising awareness of the value of this element. The presence of the fabrics at festivals, exhibitions and international circuits, among other events, has enhanced their visibility. With regard to the transmission of knowledge for the continuity of the weaving practice, the proliferation of training centres has been a major asset of the safeguarding programme.

G.2:   The file presents various results that highlight the effectiveness of the safeguarding programme. Among its main effects is the increase in the number of weaving practitioners, which has grown from an activity limited to older women to widespread participation by people of different age groups. The successful revitalization and dissemination of this cultural practice have strengthened the viability of the element.

G.3:   There is a remarkable number and diversity of actors involved in this programme, from artisans, families, associations, clubs and merchants, to schools, universities, non-governmental organizations and public institutions. With the support of the submitting State Party, all have committed themselves and cooperated in the efforts to safeguard Al Sadu weaving.

G.4:   The fourteen years of cooperation in the formulation and implementation of safeguarding measures demonstrate that the submitting State Party and its institutions are committed to continuing their efforts and willing to work closely with families and craft associations to ensure the continuity of Al Sadu weaving. Their capacity for integration and continuous work can serve as a source of inspiration for the safeguarding and enhancement of intangible cultural heritage at the regional or international level.

8. Decides to select Safeguarding programme for Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates as a programme, project or activity best reflecting the principles and objectives of the Convention;
9. Commends the State Party for its well-prepared file, which can serve as a good example for sensitizing youth, raising their interest in the practice of living heritage, and improving the transmission of traditions to future generations;
10. Encourages the State Party and communities concerned to share the associated safeguarding experiences gained also through the online platform to be established in the context of a broader implementation of Article 18 of the Convention.