The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage elements are the non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts. The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003 and took effect in 2006. Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.
Kuwait signed the convention on 9 April 2015.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Representative List Name Image Year No. Description Traditional weaving of Al Sadu + 2020 02158 Al Sadu, or simply Sadu, describes an embroidery form in geometrical shapes hand-woven by Bedouin people. Arabic calligraphy: knowledge, skills and practices + 2021 01718 The artistic practice of writing Arabic letters and words to convey grace and beauty. Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices + 2022 01902 The Palm tree is considered to be a part of the history of the countries where it is a source for farmers, craftsmen, handicrafts owners, merchants, factory owners and food companies. Henna, rituals, aesthetic and social practices + 2024 02116A temporary tattooing practice with medicinal and aesthetic motivations. Bisht (men's Abaa): skills and practices + 2025 02233 A bisht is a traditional men's cloak popular in the Arab world for hundreds of years. The Diwaniya, a unifying cultural practice in Kuwait 2025 02281
Good Safeguarding Practices Name Year No. Description Al Sadu Educational Programme: Train the trainers in the art of weaving 2022 01905 Al Sadu, or simply Sadu, describes an embroidery form in geometrical shapes hand-woven by Bedouin people.
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References
External links UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kuwait: Official site