The Kingdom of Bahrain is at the forefront of efforts to nominate the Arabian Horse for UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and hosted a coordination meeting with 17 Arab countries to discuss the planned nomination.

The meeting was organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO).

This marks the first time Bahrain has led a joint Arab submission for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, building on previous successes in contributing to shared heritage files, including Arabic calligraphy and the date palm.

Bahrain’s standalone submission of the musical art of Fjiri – a traditional recital, dating back to the 19^th century, performed by pearl divers and pearling crews to describe the hardships faced at sea – was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2021. Bahrain has also launched various initiatives to emphasise the importance of preserving its cultural heritage.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain is proud to lead joint Arab efforts to include the Arabian Horse on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list alongside 17 Arab countries,” said His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of BACA.

Shaikh Khalifa emphasised that this step reflects Bahrain’s pioneering role in safeguarding Arab cultural heritage and its dedication to preserving this legacy for future generations.

He added that the collaboration underscores a shared cultural identity and enhances cultural integration among Arab nations, voicing his hope that this initiative will elevate awareness of the importance of protecting the rich intangible heritage of the Arab world and strengthen the values of authenticity and pride in identity at both local and regional levels.

During the intensive three-day meeting, participants discussed various aspects of the Arabian Horse nomination file, highlighting the horse’s deep-rooted significance in Arab heritage and culture, its historical contributions and its impact on the social, economic and cultural landscapes of the region.

Attendees also examined the criteria for nomination, focusing on the transfer of skills and knowledge related to Arabian horse breeding and training across generations. Strategies for preserving this heritage through effective safeguarding measures aligned with sustainable development were discussed, along with ways to foster community engagement and promote pride in this shared heritage.

The initiative follows a recommendation from the 23rd Conference of Ministers Responsible for Cultural Affairs in the Arab World, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2022, to pursue the nomination of the Arabian Horse for UNESCO’s Representative List.

Bahrain will finalise the nomination file this year for submission to UNESCO in March 2025, with an anticipated evaluation by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2026.

Nominating the Arabian Horse for UNESCO’s Representative List supports regional efforts to preserve this cultural heritage and ensure its continuity, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to safeguarding the finest horse breeds in the Kingdom.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh for more information.