Abu Dhabi Hosts GCC Heritage Conference On Regional Maritime Traditions

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has revealed that the 12th GCC Heritage and Oral History Conference will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi on 16th and 17th September. The event, themed "Shared Gulf Maritime Heritage," will explore the historical bond between Gulf communities and the sea, which has been a crucial source of sustenance, livelihood, and inspiration.

The conference aims to narrate the relationship between Gulf communities and the sea through insights from divers, pearl merchants, sailors, shipbuilders, and experts in Gulf astronomy and navigation. Specialists and researchers in Gulf maritime heritage will examine shared performing arts, traditions, and practices related to pearl diving and trade.

Participants will include universities from GCC states along with Gulf associations and institutions focused on maritime performing arts. They will highlight traditional crafts such as shipbuilding, fishing gear manufacturing, diving techniques, marine-related food industries, and preservation methods.

During the sessions, discussions will cover maritime trade relations between Gulf states and other countries. Topics will include maritime trade routes and regional import-export materials. The conference will also shed light on the science of astronomy's role in maritime navigation.

Live performances of maritime performing arts like "Al-Nahma" (traditional maritime singing) will be featured. These performances aim to enhance visibility for practitioners in these arts while linking shared Gulf legacy with sustainable development.

Safeguarding Shared Heritage

The annual GCC Heritage and Oral History Conference underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving the shared heritage and oral history of Gulf Arab states. The event's sessions aim to boost recognition for practitioners in maritime performing arts while connecting this heritage with sustainable development goals.

The conference will also review traditional crafts including shipbuilding, fishing gear manufacturing, diving techniques, marine-related food industries, and preservation methods. This comprehensive approach aims to present a full picture of the Gulf communities' relationship with the sea.

By engaging universities from GCC states along with specialised associations and institutions in maritime performing arts, the conference seeks to highlight traditional crafts such as shipbuilding and fishing gear manufacturing. It also aims to preserve diving techniques and marine-related food industries.

This year's theme reflects on how the sea has historically served as a vital source of sustenance for Gulf communities. The event will build a narrative around this connection by presenting insights from various stakeholders involved in maritime activities throughout history.

The conference highlights aspects of shared oral heritage among Gulf Cooperation Council states. It aims to safeguard this legacy through discussions on various themes related to maritime heritage.

The event promises to be an engaging platform for specialists and researchers in Gulf maritime heritage. They will review shared performing arts traditions related to pearl diving and trade while discussing broader themes like maritime trade relations.

The 12th edition of this conference is set to enhance the visibility of practitioners in maritime performing arts while linking their efforts with sustainable development goals for the region.

This gathering not only celebrates but also seeks to preserve the rich maritime heritage that has shaped Gulf communities over centuries.

With inputs from WAM