Asuncion: The Ministry of Culture secured the inscription of Arab-backed Henna file on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The decision was made during the 19th session of the intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, a gathering set to run through December 7 in Asuncion, Paraguay.
The recognition was the result of joint efforts by 16 Arab countries.
In an inscription announcement, the UNESCO said Henna is "a deciduous tree that grows in hot regions and perceived as sacred by communities in Northern Africa and the Middle East".
The announcement spoke about Henna as a source of adornment and joy for women and is linked to centuries-old societal traditions.