ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council has approved a law for mandatory archaeological surveys of plots earmarked for building projects.
At the council meeting on Wednesday, it was agreed that in order to prevent more of the UAE’s ancient heritage being built over, experts must explore plots of land for antiquities before construction work starts.
Members also added an article to the bill stating that specialised authorities must train Emiratis in archaeological surveying and digging in order for them to supervise the surveys.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi (Abu Dhabi) said: “We would like every plot of land to be examined for antiques. Specialised authorities must train Emiratis in this field.
“These antiques that the surveys will find are priceless. They are found in every inch of the country and today we have lost many. This is a national issue and a national treasure, and the Ministry of Culture has seen the value of it. We must preserve the little that is left, and it is needed for our future generations.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, who attended the session, agreed that Emiratis must be in charge of the surveying process.
However, there was some disagreement among council members about the law.
Rashad Bukhash (Dubai) said a survey of all plots was unnecessary. Instead, he said the research should be limited to areas where artefacts have been found before.
Ahmad Al Shamsi (Ajman) also said surveying all plots would become a costly burden for Emiratis.
“Our antiques are specified and known, there are islands or areas that are known to have them, but they won’t be found in regular industrial areas or where individuals will build houses, and that will make nationals have to pay more fees,” he said.
Dr Al Qubaisi argued all services provided by the Government, such as Etisalat, and water and electricity, requested fees.
The law also states that anyone who possesses an artefact must take it for an official inspection, registration and for a permit.
Those who fail to do so face a fine of between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000, and a minimum two years in jail.
Dr Mona Al Baher (Dubai) said: “It is in the interest of the owner of the antique to provide the authorities with the item to be inspected to know of its value and history.”
An FNC legal counsellor said authorities will have the right to inspect the artefact without the owner’s approval. The law also states that anyone who finds an artefact must not touch it, and must report it to the authorities.
The time period in which an artefact must be taken to the authorities was reduced from 48 hours to 24 hours.
The new law also states that any person defacing or destroying an antiquity will be fined between Dh500,000 and Dh10 million, and receive a minimum two-year jail sentence.
The law will now go to the Cabinet and then to the President for final approval.
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