Page 182 - UAE Ministry of Culture PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

9/9/25, 11:53 AM UAE Joins UNESCO, EU in Partnership to Rebuild Mosul's Cultural Sites - World - Emirates24|7
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 civilization 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. His Excellency 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 programs 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 heritage and strengthen cultural ties.

The ceremony was attended by Abdulla Matar Al Mazrouei, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq;

Ali Al Haj, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; Khaled Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth
Authority; and several senior officials.

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