Dubai Culture Teams Up with Police and Customs to Protect Archaeological Treasures

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Police and Dubai Customs to enhance their joint cooperation in preserving, protecting, and safeguarding Dubai’s archaeological assets. The MoU reflects the parties’ collective keenness to achieve Dubai’s visions and aspirations and enhance its position as a global tourist destination by exchanging expertise and experiences and investing in the efforts made to safeguard antiquities.

Key Figures Present at the Signing

The MoU was signed in the presence of:

• Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture
• Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation
• Colonel Mubarak Saeed Al Ketbi, Director of the Organised Crime Department at Dubai Police

Goals of the MoU

The agreement establishes effective communication channels among the three parties, ensuring a swift response to reports related to the archaeological sector. It includes facilitating the exchange of information, studies, and reports, building professional capabilities in archaeological inspection, enhancing skills, and integrating technology and digitisation tools to improve processes.

Statements from Key Figures

Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of the Culture and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, expressed a strong commitment to building cooperation with various government entities in Dubai. She stated, “Archaeological sites are crucial markers of Dubai’s history, showcasing the vibrancy and depth of the emirate, and its potential to bolster its standing on the global heritage map through the preservation of these sites.”

Brigadier General Harib Mohammed Saeed Al Shamsi, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said, “Dubai Police’s commitment to nurturing collaborations and aligning with the government’s vision for integrated action is unwavering. This approach is vital in achieving strategic goals and ensuring that the ambitions of our government and wise leadership are fully realised.”

Mansoor Al Malik, Executive Director of the Policies and Legislation Division at Dubai Customs, stated, “At Dubai Customs, we are enthusiastic about deepening our collaboration with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Dubai Police. Our goal is to enhance efforts in preserving historical artifacts, managing valuable art pieces, and protecting sites of archaeological and cultural significance.”