Al Nuri Mosque reconstruction committee holds first meeting in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Al Kaabi highlighted the need for joint efforts to work together as a team to deliver a unique project that will contribute to building a cohesive society.

The Joint Steering Committee for the restoration and reconstruction of Al Nuri Mosque and its Minaret Al Hadaba held the first meeting in Abu Dhabi with the participation of Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Ernesto Renato Ottone Ramirez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Humim, Head of the Sunni Endowment in Iraq, Yousef Aldobeay, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Qais Hussein, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture for Tourism and Antiquities Affairs, Ramon Blakeau, Ambassador of the European Union to Iraq, Raad Al-Alousi, Iraqi ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Zaki Aslan, Director of ICCROM-ATHAR and representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
In her remarks, Noura Al Kaabi welcomed the members of the Committee, stressing the UAE's support for Iraq in establishing security and stability, building strong and prosperous institutions, achieving peace and progress, and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come. Al Kaabi highlighted the need for joint efforts to work together as a team to deliver a unique project that will contribute to building a cohesive society.
Al Kaabi emphasized that the reconstruction project of the Al Nuri Mosque and Minaret Al-Hadaba ' coincides with the UAE's celebration of the centennial anniversary of the founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embodying Sheikh Zayed's legacy and his contribution to the sustainable development and prosperity of brotherly Arab countries. The project is a model that highlights the role of the UAE in safeguarding world heritage and preserving cultural resources in conflict zones by adopting initiatives that ensure future generations preserve and enjoy their own historical and cultural sites.
"The project brings hope to Iraqi youth who will effectively participate in the reconstruction process with the provision of 1000 employment and training opportunities during the 5 year-long project. It will also promote cultural tourism, support sustainable development of the Moslawi community, ensure a more prosperous future for the people of Iraq and nurture values of tolerance, peace and hope.", added Al Kaabi.
During the meeting, the committee members discussed various topics to initiate the project, including ways in which the local community can be engaged, demining the site and the time required for it, and ways to proceed with the reconstruction and its major milestones. Project commencement will help in the return of displaced Moslawis and gradually make life in Mosul more pleasant.
The project's timeframe has been agreed to be executed in two phases. Phase one is given high importance due to the extensive planning required to determine phase two. The first year will be dedicated to removing debris, assessing the remaining foundations, and doing the necessary for the reconstruction of the mosque. The project will be fully completed by 2023.
The project supports the reconstruction of the Al Nuri Mosque, Minaret Al Hadaba and its base, and to rebuild the necessary infrastructure for the project, the historical gardens, and a memorial site with community and educational spaces.
The members of the Committee agreed to hold periodic meetings every six months to make decisions related to the development of the project. They also agreed that the technical committee will assess and make related recommendations to all the technical aspects of the project. A scientific committee can be created, if needed, to support the technical committee.
Early this week, Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge development participated in Paris at the first UNESCO Partners Forum and highlighted UAE's support to Mosul through its investment in the reconstruction of the Al Nuri Mosque and Minaret Al Hadaba. She also took part in a panel discussion at the International Conference entitled "Reviving the Spirit of Mosul " and stressed on the need to build cultural and educational institutions in Mosul. She also invited the attendees to imagine the bright future for Mosul, one in which Moslawis live in peace and thrive.

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi