A Historic Milestone for Sharjah, UAE
On July 11, the Faya Paleolandscape in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category of “Cultural Landscape.” This marks the first site in Sharjah and the UAE to be included in this prestigious list.
Recognized for Exceptional Universal Value
The Faya desert, located in central Sharjah, was acknowledged for its outstanding universal value as it harbors one of the oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in arid environments over more than 200,000 years.
Three Decades of Archaeological Discoveries
Over the past 30 years, scientists have excavated Faya, uncovering 18 distinct archaeological layers of earth. Each layer represents a different period of human activity.
“Faya is an intact fossil desert landscape. Its crucial role as a recurring residential destination – rather than just a migratory transit area – has dramatically transformed our understanding of prehistoric life in southeast Arabia and marks a significant milestone in human evolution. Therefore, its inclusion on the World Heritage List is of utmost significance as paleolithic desert sites have never been represented in this list before.”
Global Recognition of Sharjah’s Early Human History
The inscription of the Faya Paleolandscape further establishes Sharjah and the UAE’s position as the cradle of early human history globally.
Key Figures and Their Statements
- Jequesa Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi: Expressed gratitude to the Chair of the World Heritage Committee on behalf of the UAE and Sharjah for recognizing Faya’s history as part of humanity’s shared history.
- Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA): Described the inscription as the culmination of a carefully coordinated effort combining scientific rigor, cultural management, and international diplomacy aligned with Sharjah’s broader 30-year vision of integrating heritage, education, and community development.
UAE’s Growing Presence on the UNESCO World Heritage List
With the inscription of Faya Paleolandscape, the UAE now has two sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The other is Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, which includes six oases and the archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Hafeet, and Hili, with seven more on the Indicative List for future nomination.
