FNC approves Federal Draft Law on Cultural Heritage with penalties up to 10 years prison

The Federal National Council has approved a federal draft law on Cultural Heritage aimed at protecting, documenting, preserving, managing and promoting the UAE's cultural heritage in all its forms. The law encourages the study of heritage, enhances cultural diversity and exchange, ensures sustainability and transmission to future generations, and supports heritage and cultural tourism. The draft law introduces two new concepts: "digital heritage," which includes digital materials and resources of cultural, historical, scientific, social, environmental or economic value; and "archaeological survey," which encompasses the exploration, documentation and recording of archaeological sites using various scientific methods. The Ministry of Culture will be responsible for preparing legislation, policies and strategies for cultural heritage protection, implementing public awareness and tourism promotion programmes, supporting education and scientific research, and building national capacities. The law permits nomination of cultural heritage elements for inclusion on regional and international heritage lists. The draft law includes stringent penalties including prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines ranging from AED 500,000 to AED 10 million for serious offences such as deliberate damage of tangible cultural heritage or archaeological sites, theft, smuggling, or carrying out construction, alteration or relocation works without authorization.