Living Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage: Processes, practices and sustainable development

This report examines the growth of the heritage ecosystem through a focus on those practitioners who through their work, personal background, and research contribute to heritage practice, transmission, and dissemination in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and abroad. Following UNESCO’s approach of placing culture at the centre of sustainable development, the interview data collected for this study is analysed in relation to the UN SDGs. Cultural heritage (both tangible and intangible) can indeed act as a catalyst to effectively achieve the UN SDGs. In this framework, the report also identifies ways to further support heritage sustainability over time. The recommendations focus on the increasing importance of cultural heritage to promote economic growth and sustainable development. Through the analysis of observable heritage- related dynamics present in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the report provides recommendations for regulation of the sector, and highlights the factors impacting the practice of heritage and community-led strategies to strengthen the heritage ecosystem’s connectivity.