Date palm listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

AMMAN — The Date palm was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday.

“Typically found in deserts and dry, temperate climates, the date palm is an evergreen plant with roots that deeply penetrate the earth in search of humidity. Date palms grow in oases in desert areas with suitable water levels for irrigation,” said a statement posted on the UNESCO website.

“For centuries, many populations have been associated with the date palm tree, which has aided them in the construction of their civilisations in arid regions. The ancient historical relationship between the Arab region and date palms has enabled a rich cultural heritage that has been passed on through generations. Today, the communities, groups and individuals in the areas where the date palm has spread still maintain the related practices, knowledge and skills,” UNESCO said.

The date palm is culturally significant to the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen.