UAE, UNESCO and EU celebrate milestone in Mosul reconstruction

The UAE has marked a major milestone in its support for cultural restoration in the Iraqi city of Mosul, joining UNESCO and the European Union in celebrating the official reopening of several historic landmarks.

The sites were rebuilt with funding from the UAE and international partners, as part of the 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' initiative.

A high-level UAE delegation, led by Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi and Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, attended the ceremony.

Al Kaabi said the UAE remains committed to preserving Mosul’s memory and identity, describing the restoration of key landmarks, including Al-Nouri Mosque, Al-Tahera Church and Al-Saa’a Convent, as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.

She emphasised that, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE views heritage protection as a moral duty to future generations.

Sheikh Salem highlighted the UAE’s belief in the power of culture to support recovery in conflict-affected areas. He noted that the initiative also included training and educational programmes to help rebuild and empower the local community.

To date, the UAE has contributed over $50 million to the reconstruction of Mosul’s cultural heritage, with additional support from the European Union and other global partners, making it a model of international cooperation in cultural recovery.