Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, has re-asserted that the launch of the National Committee for Antiquities and Museums Experts represents "a qualitative leap in UAE archeology and reflects the development of the antiquities and museum sectors in the UAE".

Sheikh Nahyan was speaking during his attendance at the first meeting of the National Committee for Antiquities and Museums Experts yesterday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was attended by Muna Al Gurg, Managing-Director of the Dubai Museums Company at Dubai Culture Authority, Saeed Al Samahi, Managing-Director of the Antiquities and Tourism Authority in Fujairah, and Eissa Abbas, Head of Archaeological Excavations Department at Sharjah Antiquities Authority.

Sheikh Nahyan expressed his pride in the support of the wise leadership and their interest in the position of culture, knowledge and antiquities, giving new generations the opportunity to know more about the UAE's history and heritage. He added that the launch of Federal Law No. 11 for 2017, to organise the work of the antiquities sector in accordance with international standards, is a clear reflection of our leadership’s support.

He also stressed the importance of the Ministry’s cooperation with local bodies specialising in preserving the UAE's cultural heritage, in addition to the important role of the committee in developing the antiquities and museums sector in the country for the future.

Antiquities are considered an important pillar of culture and knowledge at both the local and international level, and Sheikh Nahyan reiterated the importance of media and awareness in this regard, urging committee members to exert every effort in the development of this sector according to international standards.

Sheikh Nahyan added that the Ministry also works to overcome the most common challenges faced by the sector, such as the lack of specialised human resources in the fields of antiquities and museums and a lack of community awareness. Other common challenges he addressed are the protection and preservation of antiquities, banning the illegal trade of antiquities, lack of archeological sites open to the public and lack of archeology related research projects and field trips.

"The main objectives of the National Committee for Antiquities and Museum Experts will include the preservation and promotion of the UAE’s antiquities and cultural heritage, training national human resources working in the field of antiquities and museums in the UAE, and introducing the country’s antiquities to society using modern communication tools. The committee will also insure the application of international standards to protect antiquities, the utilization of technology and digital services in producing archeology related products, and the promotion of cultural tourism, research and scientific studies," he said.

The Minister noted that the tasks of the committee will include providing artistic guidance, recommendations and suggestions to the Ministry, which will help in creating future plans for the preservation of UAE cultural heritage, in coordination with other local, regional and international Departments. The committee will also work on facilitating cooperation and coordination between Federal Governments, represented by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, and local Antiquities and Museums Departments. It will also provide suggestions and recommendations related to legislation and local and international archeology agreements which the country wishes to issue, attest or enter.

Sheikh Nahyan said that the committee will play an extremely vital role in supporting the Ministry’s plan of unifying procedures, rules and conditions related to antiquity protection in the country.

The National Committee for Antiquities and Museums is headed by Hakkam Al Hashmi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Culture, Arts and Antiquities, and includes 13 members including Heads of Local Departments and Institutions specialised in the field of antiquities in the UAE, a number of archeology experts and the Head of the Antiquities Department at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development