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AC Co-Facilitates Training on Countering Cultural Heritage Crime in the UAE

July 24, 2024

In June of 2024, the Antiquities Coalition partnered with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Abu Dhabi Police to implement a joint two-day workshop on the Preservation of Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities.

The United States is in a unique position to make a difference in the fight against cultural racketeering, making up 42% of the global art market.  However, the Gulf States are quickly becoming global players in this field with the creation of new and prominent museums, a booming art market, and increasing cultural tourism.  In particular, the United Arab Emirates is well-positioned to become a leader in the global fight against the illicit trafficking of art and artifacts.

Combatting cultural racketeering requires collaboration across disciplines, industries, the public and private sectors, and national borders.  The workshop recognized this global issue and covered a variety of topics including the problem of looting and trafficking, the legal framework that addresses these crimes, how to investigate these crimes from beginning to end, and how to work with SMEs and the heritage sector.

Antiquities trafficking is a crime first and foremost.  It may be described as a failure of governance, law, diplomacy, civil society, and markets, but it is not a preservation failure.  It cannot be solved by better archaeology, conservation, or restoration, but by strengthening law enforcement, international cooperation, and economic integrity.

Law enforcement are key partners in the fight against antiquities trafficking, as they are on the front lines of investigating and prosecuting international crimes in this field.

“The U.S. Mission to the UAE is proud to partner with each of the Saif bin Zayed Academy for Police and Security Sciences, Abu Dhabi Police, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Antiquities Coalition, as well as educational and cultural leaders, and non-government entities.  This whole-of-government and all-sector approach is the type of collaboration we need for sustainable and effective tactics to counter this problem.  The looting of cultural property and the illegal trade and smuggling of archaeological property and cultural materials erases our cultural heritage and degrades the study and appreciation of our collective past.  We all have a shared duty, and this initiative is part of our continued, collaborative effort to engage bilaterally and multilaterally, with government and non-government actors, to strengthen and unify our efforts to combat the illicit trafficking in antiquities and artifacts.” – DCM Eric Gaudiosi, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Mission to the UAE

“HSI Abu Dhabi stands ready to collaborate with US and International governmental and private sector entities to combat the destruction of cultural heritage sites, and the illicit trafficking of artifacts. Along with our State Department colleagues, the Antiquities Coalition and the Abu Dhabi Police we seek to seize the opportunity to raise awareness, and exchange knowledge and experiences in this significant field.” – DHS Regional Attaché Rebecca A. Peters

The Antiquities Coalition thanks all those who participated in this training, including representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, the American University in Sharjah, and the University of Qatar.  It would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of law enforcement from both countries and the support of the U.S. Department of State