Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: WAM
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has marked a major achievement in cultural preservation. Sharjah’s Faya Palaeolandscape has officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This historic decision was made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, making Faya the second site in the UAE to receive this honor, after Al Ain’s cultural sites were recognized in 2011. Faya is also the only Arab site added to the list this year.
Located in Sharjah’s central region, Faya holds one of the world’s oldest and most continuous records of early human life in desert conditions, dating back more than 200,000 years. It is now the first Paleolithic desert site in the world to be inscribed on UNESCO’s list.
This recognition highlights the UAE’s global leadership in archaeology and heritage protection and the efforts of over 30 years of research and conservation work.
A Window Into Ancient Human Life
Faya Palaeolandscape offers researchers and historians a deep look into how early humans adapted to extreme desert environments. Scientists have discovered stone tools, artifacts, and signs of settlement that prove humans lived in this area even during ancient times when the climate was harsh and dry.
The site contains 18 layers of archaeological history, showing how people lived, migrated, and evolved over many thousands of years. These discoveries are key to understanding the journey of humans from Africa through the Arabian Peninsula to the rest of the world.
Because of its unique history and valuable discoveries, UNESCO listed the site under the "Cultural Landscape" category. This means it is not just a natural place, but one that tells a story of the deep connection between humans and their environment.
Over 12 Years of Work Led to Recognition
The process of getting Faya recognized by UNESCO took more than a decade. The Sharjah Archaeology Authority prepared the official nomination over 12 years, with help from top universities like the University of Tübingen in Germany and Oxford Brookes University in the UK.
In February 2024, Sharjah officially submitted the nomination file to UNESCO. The site was then carefully reviewed based on UNESCO’s criteria for Outstanding Universal Value. After a detailed review, the committee approved the inclusion of Faya in the World Heritage List.
This success reflects the long-term vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has always supported efforts to protect and celebrate the UAE’s ancient history.
Proud Voices from Sharjah
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who served as the ambassador for the nomination, shared her pride and gratitude after the announcement. She said,
“The stone tools found at Faya show how smart and creative our ancestors were. Faya proves that our region played an important role in human history and migration. We are committed to protecting this site and keeping it alive for future generations.”
Her words reflect how much this recognition means for the people of Sharjah and the entire UAE.
A Global Treasure for All Humanity
Eisa Yousif, the director-general of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, also spoke about the site’s importance. He said,
“Faya now belongs to all the people of the world, just like it did 200,000 years ago. This is the result of years of scientific research, cultural preservation, and international teamwork.”
He explained that this UNESCO listing not only honors the site but also encourages continued education, conservation, and tourism around it.
Conservation Plan to Protect Faya
The UAE and Sharjah have created a conservation plan for 2024 to 2030. This plan focuses on:
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Protecting the site’s environment and archaeological materials
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Encouraging scientific research and discoveries
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Educating young people and future generations
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Building eco-friendly tourism that respects the area
This plan shows that Sharjah is serious about protecting its heritage and sharing it responsibly with the world.
Faya's Role in Global Research
Faya has also played a major part in UNESCO’s HEADS Programme. HEADS stands for Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals, and Social Developments. The program includes world-famous sites like
By being part of this program, Faya has already shown its importance in the global story of human history. Now, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it will gain even more attention and support from around the world.
World Heritage List: Global Snapshot
With Faya’s inclusion, UNESCO’s World Heritage List now includes:
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1,226 total sites
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955 cultural sites
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231 natural sites
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40 mixed sites
The Arab region now has 96 World Heritage sites across 18 countries. The addition of Faya makes the UAE even more prominent in the field of global heritage conservation.
What Makes Faya Special
Here’s why Faya stands out and deserves its place on the list:
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Oldest Desert Human Settlement: It shows evidence of human life in deserts over 200,000 years ago.
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Scientific Value: Its tools, fossils, and layers help scientists understand how people survived and evolved.
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Cultural Importance: It connects the Arabian Peninsula to early human migration from Africa.
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Strong Leadership: The project reflects Sharjah’s commitment to combining heritage, education, and sustainability.
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Global Significance: Now recognized as a part of world history that belongs to all humanity.
A Moment of Pride for the UAE and the World
The addition of Faya Palaeolandscape to the UNESCO World Heritage List is a moment of deep pride for Sharjah, the UAE, and the entire Arab region. It shows that the UAE is not just a land of modern skyscrapers and fast development, but also a place of ancient wisdom, culture, and human history.
This recognition is a gift to the world, as it helps everyone understand more about where we came from and how early humans survived in extreme conditions.
As Sharjah continues to protect and promote this site, Faya will remain a symbol of human resilience, cultural richness, and the UAE’s growing role in global heritage conservation.
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