UAE-backed project ends first phase of Mosul’s Al Nuri Mosque restoration

UAE-backed project ends first phase of Mosul’s Al Nuri Mosque restoration

ABU DHABI--On June 2017, in the midst of the battle against ISIS, inhabitants of Mosul faced one of their most difficult chapters - the bombing of the city's most important monuments, the Great Mosque of Al Nuri and its historic leaning minaret.

Three years later, the damaged mosque is set to be restored thanks to a $50.4 million project financed by the United Arab Emirates and implemented in collaboration with UNESCO.

In late May, Emirati Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura al-Kaabi and former Iraqi Culture Minister Feryad Rawanduzi signed a protocol for cultural cooperation between the two ministries to start the project of rebuilding the mosque.

Kaabi said the mosque's restoration is extremely important for the culture and spirit of Mosul, Iraq and the region, noting that the Emirati support is part of the "UAE's efforts to protect global heritage and landmarks.“

The restoration and revamping of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri and its Al Hadba Minaret in Mosul City, Iraq. (WAM)

During a discussion entitled "Mosul Heritage: A New Era Built by Youth“ organised by the Emirati Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, in partnership with the UNESCO, she said that the first phase of the reconstruction project is nearing completion with