The UAE has enacted a new cultural heritage law that imposes harsh penalties for offences against the nation’s historic, archaeological and cultural heritage. The move is to bolster national efforts to preserve heritage sites, protect cultural identity and prevent illegal activities involving protected artefacts.
The new law will impose fines of up to Dhs10 million and jail sentences of up to 10 years for serious violations. Deliberate damage to tangible cultural heritage, destruction of archaeological sites, theft of heritage items, smuggling of artefacts, or unauthorised construction, modification or relocation work at protected sites are all offences covered.
The law also embodies the UAE‘s broader efforts to protect both tangible and intangible heritage. The establishment of greater legal safeguards will help to ensure that historic places, cultural records, archaeological discoveries and heritage collections are preserved for future generations.
The law is hoped to be a powerful deterrent to any person or group engaged in illegal excavation, trafficking or damage to culturally significant sites. It also contributes to the country’s long-term cultural strategy, where the preservation of heritage is at the heart of national identity, education and tourism development.
The protection of heritage has been repeatedly emphasized as a part of the UAE’s social and historical heritage. The new framework, which now includes strict fines and prison sentences, makes it clear that cultural heritage crimes will be considered serious offences.
The ruling is part of the UAE’s ongoing attempts to reconcile the country’s fast-paced modernization with the preservation of its historical heritage and national memory.
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Written by : UAE Script Staff
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