The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention, under UNESCO, officially registered “Arab Kohl” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition took place during the Committee’s 20th session, held in New Delhi, India’s capital, on Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Libya was at the forefront of the Arab nations that actively contributed to the success of this nomination file, having participated effectively in preparing its content and documenting the deep-rooted presence of kohl in Libyan heritage. This step underscores the traditional element’s status as part of the shared cultural identity of the collaborating nations.
The file was prepared under the leadership of Syria, and supervised by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). In addition to Libya and Syria, the participating Arab states included: Iraq, Jordan, the Sultanate of Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the UAE.
This registration reflects the status of Arab kohl as one of the oldest cosmetic tools in history, which remains in use by men, women, and children alike in Arab societies. This global interest reinforces kohl’s importance as an element deeply rooted in popular heritage—a cosmetic practice and social ritual that has maintained its presence in daily life despite the massive development in modern cosmetics.