Egypt’s koshary, Gulf’s bisht gain UNESCO recognition
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added more than 10 cultural practices from across the Middle East and North Africa region this year.
Several cultural traditions from across the Middle East and North Africa region were added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage this week, adding to the region’s diversity on the global map.
The new additions were announced during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held this week in New Delhi.
The list typically highlights cultural practices, traditions, skills and knowledge that communities recognize as part of their shared heritage. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, physical monuments and natural landscapes that are protected once they make the list, the intangible heritage list focuses on living traditions. Additions to the list do not impose ownership or legal protection over a tradition, but the list does help to create international visibility.
Below is a list of the cultural practices added to UNESCO’s 2025 List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:
