Page 179 - UAE Ministry of Culture PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

9/9/25, 11:53 AM UAE, UNESCO, EU partner to reconstruct Mosul's cultural heritage sites - Aletihad News Center

In her remarks at the ceremony, Al Kaabi expressed her gratitude to the Iraqi government and UNESCO for their

productive cooperation, which made possible the successful reconstruction of Mosul’s historical and cultural sites.

Al Kaabi said: “Since signing the agreement with Iraq and UNESCO to take part in the ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’
initiative, the UAE has remained committed to restoring the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri, its Al-Hadba Minaret, and the Al-

Tahera and Al-Sa’aa churches. Our vision has been to safeguard Mosul’s memory and identity. Our message was

clear: the UAE stands with the people of Iraq to preserve, protect, and restore their human history. Protecting heritage
is a moral and humanitarian responsibility toward future generations.”

Al Kaabi emphasised that, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE
President, the UAE has regarded the reconstruction of Mosul as a shared international responsibility. She highlighted

that the UAE worked with partners in Iraq and UNESCO to make this project a model of international cooperation in
safeguarding human heritage.

Al Kaabi added: “Mosul is both a memory and a mirror of the lives and identity of its people. The revival of its cultural
sites means the city itself has come alive again, and its people have regained confidence in their future. When the

minaret rose again, it was not merely an architectural achievement, but a declaration that Mosul’s voice is stronger

than all those who sought to silence it. It is a symbol of the will to live and a message of hope to its people and to the
entire world that Mosul will remain a city of civilisation and coexistence.”

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to preserving cultural
heritage in conflict-affected areas and highlighted its conviction in the role of culture in fostering coexistence and

supporting community recovery. He noted that the UAE’s strategic partnership with UNESCO reflects its vision of

supporting international efforts aimed at safeguarding human heritage and strengthening cultural dialogue among
nations.

Sheikh Salem said: “The ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’ project is a leading model of international cooperation. It not only
involved the reconstruction of historic landmarks but also included training and educational programmes that helped

build and empower the local community.”

He noted that the UAE allocated $50.4 million for the reconstruction of Mosul and the restoration of its heritage

landmarks and historic urban fabric, with $48.2 million contributed by the European Union, in addition to support from
the international community. These efforts reflect a shared commitment by the international community to safeguard

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/uae/4602769/uae--unesco--eu-partner-to-reconstruct-mosul-s-cultural-heri 2/3