Bodour Al Qasimi Named Ambassador For Faya Palaeolandscape's UNESCO Nomination
In a significant move towards cultural preservation, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has been appointed as an ambassador by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA). This role is in support of Sharjah and the UAE's bid to have the Faya Palaeolandscape, a site of immense historical importance located in central Sharjah, recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.
As an ambassador, Sheikha Bodour will play a pivotal role in representing Sharjah and the UAE before UNESCO and various international organizations. Her responsibilities will include coordinating efforts between local and federal government agencies to bolster the nomination of the Faya Palaeolandscape. This initiative underscores the UAE's dedication to safeguarding its rich cultural heritage on a global platform.
The inclusion of sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List is instrumental in ensuring their preservation and restoration, aligning with international standards set by UNESCO. It also serves to elevate these sites' profiles, making them more accessible to the public.
Expressing her gratitude for the appointment, Sheikha Bodour highlighted the significance of the Faya Palaeolandscape as a key Stone Age site within not only the Arabian Peninsula but also across the world. She emphasized its archaeological value, offering insights into early human migration patterns. Her commitment to securing its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List reflects a broader goal to preserve and promote cultural heritage for future generations.
Eisa Yousef, Director-General of SAA, praised Sheikha Bodour's nomination, acknowledging her extensive experience with international organizations and her passion for archaeology and cultural activities. Her involvement is expected to significantly contribute to the nomination file's success.
The Faya Palaeolandscape stands as a testament to early modern human occupation from the Early Middle Palaeolithic to the Neolithic period, showcasing human adaptation over time under varying climatic conditions. The site provides one of the earliest continuous records of human life in a desert landscape, with archaeological layers dating back approximately 210,000 years.
Scientific studies have revealed that climatic shifts every 20,000 years transformed the region from an arid desert to a wet environment with lakes and flowing rivers. These findings have been crucial in understanding human adaptation to extreme climates.
In February 2023, following comprehensive studies by SAA and collaboration with experts, four significant cultural sites in Sharjah were added to UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List. These include Mleiha, The Rock Art of Sharjah, Wadi Al Helo, and notably, the Faya Palaeolandscape. This achievement marks a significant step towards recognizing Sharjah's rich archaeological heritage on an international scale.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google