Socio-Economic Development, Globalization and the Need for Heritage Policy in Qatar: Case Study

Abstract

Qatar, has a rich history and seen many changes in a small amount of time, investigating its heritage. Although a young state established in 1868 Qatar’s key sectors is trying to create their own policy strategies. Major issues concern cultural heritage, sporting, education and natural resources. In present paper it is argued Qatar’s Benefit by recentralising focus on to heritage policies. Is-sue of Qatar’s heritage policy regarding safeguarding of cultural Heritage is deemed important. We place Qatar’s need to reserve cultural heritage as one of great concern worldwide that remains a critical duty. The UNESCO upholds heritage protection as a universal issue and here we focus on two closely con-nected factors, social change, and globalizations; a change as a result of a large economic development, which the country is witnessing from the rapid acce-leration in development and social changes. The impact of economic growth and globalization on the Qatari heritage is inevitable. Following UNESCO policies in practice we are proposing a new model for Qatar’s heritage poli-cies, with example topics to be covered refer to activities, education, policies, preservation. A critical discussion on the social, economic, external factor is made. Emphasis is given to the sustainability in cultural heritage, the cohesion and well-being, the ecosystem supporting artists, cultural and creative profes-sionals and Arabian content, the gender equality, the international cultural relation, with the culture as a driver for sustainable development. The pro-posed integrated heritage model for Qatar is considered valuable in main-taining its heritage, while also adapting to future challenges and enhance re-gional and international cooperation and peace.