July 16, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: With Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi in attendance, Sharjah celebrated as Faya Palaeolandscape became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The second UAE site to be added to the international list, Faya is a beaming flagship for Sharjah, the UAE, and the Arab world.
A Landmark Recognition for Sharjah and the Arab World For Part Of The UNESCO World Heritage List
At a celebratory night at The Peninsula Paris Hotel, Sharjah marked the addition of the Faya Palaeolandscape to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was held by representatives of the World Heritage Committee, international ambassadors, and archaeologists to mark this milestone event. Faya was the sole Arab nomination to be supported during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and thus its addition means more.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah’s true ambassador to Faya’s nomination, brought the historical and cultural significance of the victory into the international spotlight. “This inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape to UNESCO’s World Heritage is a win for everyone.It is a wonderful victory for the UAE, Sharjah, and the Middle East region overall,” she said. She further asserted further investment in the protection of the site, research, and promotion of its rich heritage worldwide.
Ali Alhaj Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, addressed the wider relevance of the milestone. “The World Heritage List at UNESCO is not much more than a catalog of world sites but rather more of a tool for sharing other histories and identities,” he explained. “Registering Faya on this list gives vigor to the presence of the Arab world on this list and demonstrates our determination to defend world heritage.”
An interactive visual timeline throughout the event showed the decade-long journey to UNESCO World Heritage designation. Guests recognized the collaborative spirit of researchers, archaeologists, and international partners whose work was priceless in achieving successful Faya nomination.
Faya: A Living Testament to Human History
Eisa Yousif, SAA Director-General, attributed His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi vision for establishing Sharjah’s solid pillars in preserving culture. “This is not international recognition alone; it’s proof of our vision in the long term and continued commitment,” he added on. “Sheikha Bodour’s science leadership and collaboration enabled this nomination.”.
Faya Palaeolandscape became part of UNESCO World Heritage by name, expanding knowledge of human existence in the initial centuries of the Arabian Peninsula. Amidst one of the world’s driest climates, Faya is a shelter to human persistence and determination of archaeological sites that are over 200,000 years old. Its discovery re-scripted Arabia’s history from a migrant path to a permanent residence and cultural nucleation.
The site revealed 18 stratified human dwellings, and it provided new previously unknown information on human ingenuity over the centuries. Listing on the UNESCO World Heritage List means its value globally and highlights the Peninsula as the cradle of humanity needed.
Faya has also led the charge promoting the HEADS program of UNESCO. Long-time partnership and UNESCO World Heritage site designation places Faya alongside familiar sites near and far in the world such as the Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave of Africa.
“The inscription is a testament to Faya’s global scientific reputation,” declared Yousif. “It is a testament to our heritage but also an appeal to future generations. To be among the family of UNESCO World Heritage now is an added burden and opportunity to save and hand over our heritage.” The conference ended with a group photo in the spirit of joy and pride of the members, symbolizing oneness and unity that culminated into this vision.
UNESCO World Heritage Listing and the Future
Sharjah’s listing as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List is a strong statement of Sharjah as a center of scientific excellence and cultural leader. The listing of the UAE on this exclusive list, with two locations now inscribed, is a strong statement of its deep commitment to preservation of the past for mankind’s benefit and enjoyment.
Sharjah intends to start education programs, encourage continuous research and continue to encourage public involvement in light of Faya’s new UNESCO World Heritage status. The emirate’s activities assist in moving forward the UNESCO World Heritage cause: to protect human-kind’s shared heritage and connect its narratives across borders and through time.
With Faya forever etched on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Sharjah not just carves a moment in time but also a promise toward world heritage as heritage. The emirate, as it steps into the next phase of new projects, is a testament to the fact that cultural heritage, if conserved, still fuels inspiration to the world.
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