UNESCO Recognises Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape As A World Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has officially added Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape to the World Heritage List. This site, recognised under the Cultural Landscape category, is the only Arab site included this year. It follows Al Ain’s cultural sites, which were listed in 2011. Located in Sharjah’s central region, Faya offers one of the oldest records of early human habitation in arid environments, dating back over 200,000 years.

Faya is notable as the first desert Paleolithic site on the World Heritage List. It provides invaluable insights into human evolution and prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia. The inclusion of this site highlights the UAE’s and Sharjah’s commitment to heritage preservation. Over three decades of archaeological research led by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority have contributed to this achievement.

Sharjah submitted its nomination for Faya in February 2024 after 12 years of preparation. The site was evaluated based on UNESCO’s standards of Outstanding Universal Value. This recognition aligns with Sharjah's vision to integrate heritage, education, and sustainable development. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has been instrumental in this commitment.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi expressed gratitude for the recognition of Faya's significance. She stated that this inscription affirms Sharjah’s role in early human history and highlights the Arabian Peninsula’s importance in human migration from Africa. "The stone tools found at Faya are testimony to the ingenuity of our ancestors," she noted.

Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, emphasised that Faya now belongs to all peoples worldwide, just as it did over 200,000 years ago. He remarked that this milestone represents a culmination of scientific research, cultural preservation, and international cooperation.

The UAE and Sharjah have adopted a conservation plan for 2024–2030 to protect Faya's universal value. This plan focuses on research, education, and sustainable tourism. For over a decade, Faya has been part of UNESCO’s Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme.

Global Significance and Future Plans

Faya's addition brings the total number of World Heritage sites to 1,226 across 168 countries. These include 955 cultural sites, 231 natural sites, and 40 mixed sites. The Arab region now hosts 96 such sites across 18 countries.

This achievement underscores Sharjah's dedication to preserving its rich heritage while contributing to global understanding of human history. The ongoing efforts ensure that future generations will continue to be inspired by these ancient roots.

With inputs from WAM