logo
Faya Palaeolandscape marks 11 years in UNESCO programme

Faya Palaeolandscape marks 11 years in UNESCO programme

Gulf Today04-06-2025
Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape, one of the most scientifically significant prehistory archaeological sites in Arabia, continues to serve as a cornerstone in UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) programme.
For 11 years, the site has played a vital role in advancing global understanding of early human migration, adaptation, and survival in desert environments.
This long-term collaboration between Sharjah and UNESCO HEADS programme has established Faya as a global reference point in palaeoanthropology and archaeology, placing the UAE at the centre of international scientific discourse on human origins.
The property's uninterrupted record of over 210,000 years of human habitation has made it a key contributor to the evolving narrative of early life in Southeast Arabia.
'Faya's recognition in the HEADS programme for more than a decade is a testament to the UAE's commitment to safeguarding its ancient heritage,' said Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the official ambassador for Faya Palaeolandscape ongoing UNESCO World Heritage nomination.
'Sharjah has never viewed archaeology as merely a glimpse into the past, but as a vital part of our national identity and a platform for international cultural dialogue. Faya stands as evidence of how Sharjah combines scientific research with cultural vision, elevating the emirate as a leading contributor to global heritage. The site strengthens our cultural identity, supports cutting-edge research, and invites the world to explore how deeply rooted our region is in the story of human civilisation.'
According to Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), Faya has played a pivotal role in shaping international scientific discourse on early human life.
'Faya has long been a cornerstone in the global understanding of how early humans adapted, survived, and evolved in arid landscapes,' he said.
'Its archaeological record - spanning more than 210,000 years - reveals unprecedented insights into toolmaking, burial practices, and shifting lifestyles in response to climatic extremes. Faya challenges long-held assumptions and affirms that the Arabian Peninsula was not merely a corridor, but a cradle of human evolution in its own right. It demonstrates that early societies did not just pass through this region - they thrived here, innovated, and laid cultural and social foundations that deepen our understanding of human resilience.'
As one of the few documented Stone Age desert landscapes in the world, Faya provides exceptional evidence of early modern human adaptation to hyper-arid environments over tens of thousands of years.
From the earliest hunter-gatherer communities to pastoral nomadic herders with funeral practices, the archaeological record at Faya reveals how humans evolved socially, technologically and spiritually in response to extreme and changing climates.
Beyond its regional significance, the property contributes to a larger global understanding of how early humans navigated survival, resource management, and social development in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
The sediment layers and preserved palaeoenvironmental features at Faya have made it a key site for understanding water availability, vegetation distribution, and climatic shifts during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs.
These findings offer invaluable insight not only into human resilience but also into wider environmental transformations that shaped early civilisations.
Faya is part of key sites recognised by the UNESCO HEADS programme for their critical contributions to human evolutionary studies, including Klasies River Caves, Border Cave and Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa, and the Tchitundo-Hulu Rock Art Site in Angola. What distinguishes Faya, however, is its location within the Arabian Peninsula - a region previously understudied in global narratives of human migration. Faya is now helping reshape that narrative, anchoring Arabia as a key locus in the shared history of species.
WAM
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New discoveries at Italy's Pompeii show signs of life post historic volcano eruption
New discoveries at Italy's Pompeii show signs of life post historic volcano eruption

Al Etihad

time12 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

New discoveries at Italy's Pompeii show signs of life post historic volcano eruption

6 Aug 2025 21:37 ROME (AFP)Archaeologists have discovered new evidence pointing to the reoccupation of Pompeii following the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius that left the city in ruins, the directors of the famous site said the massive destruction suffered by Pompeii, an ancient Roman city home to more than 20,000 people before the eruption, some survivors who could not afford to start a new life elsewhere are believed to have returned to live in the devastated believe they were joined by others looking for a place to settle and hoping to find valuable items left by Pompeii's earlier residents in the rubble."Judging by the archaeological data, it must have been an informal settlement where people lived in precarious conditions, without the infrastructure and services typical of a Roman city," before the area was completely abandoned in the fifth century, they said in a some life returned to the upper floors of the old houses, the former ground floors were converted into cellars with ovens and mills."Thanks to the new excavations, the picture is now clearer: post-79 Pompeii reemerges, more than a city, a precarious and grey agglomeration, a kind of camp, a favela among the still recognisable ruins of the Pompeii that once was," said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the that the site was reoccupied had been detected in the past, but in the rush to access Pompeii's colourful frescoes and still-intact homes, "the faint traces of the site's reoccupation were literally removed and often swept away without any documentation"."The momentous episode of the city's destruction in 79 AD has monopolised the memory," said estimate that 15 to 20 percent of Pompeii's population died in the eruption, mostly from thermal shock as a giant cloud of gases and ash covered the ash then buried the Roman city, perfectly preserving the homes, public buildings, objects and even the people until its discovery in the late 16th century.A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii is Italy's second most-visited tourist spot after the Colosseum in Rome, with some 4.17 million visitors last year. It covers a total area of approximately 22 hectares (54.4 acres), a third of which is still buried under ash.

7 short-haul summer trips from Dubai to avoid jet lag
7 short-haul summer trips from Dubai to avoid jet lag

Emirates Woman

time2 days ago

  • Emirates Woman

7 short-haul summer trips from Dubai to avoid jet lag

It's time to escape the Dubai heat this summer with a short-haul flights that won't leave you jet-lagged. Just a few hours away, destinations like Salalah in Oman offer misty mountains and monsoon greenery, while Baku and Tbilisi provide charming old towns, cool weather, and rich culture. For beach lovers, Maldives promises coastal beauty without the long-haul fatigue. With minimal time difference and direct flights, these trips are perfect for a refreshing break without the exhaustion. Baku, Azerbaijan (Flight Time: Approx. 3 hours) Azerbaijan offers a fascinating blend of European and Asian influences. Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a stunning Old Town alongside modern marvels. For a truly opulent stay, consider the Four Seasons Hotel Baku. This iconic hotel features breathtaking Caspian Sea views, gourmet restaurants, and a luxurious spa. Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Baku Tblisi, Georgia (Flight Time: Approx. 3.5 hours) Culture lovers will find plenty to explore along Rustaveli Avenue, from historic theaters to contemporary museums, before winding down with soulful Georgian cuisine like khachapuri. Tbilisi's unique blend of warmth, history, and lively energy makes it an ideal destination for a brilliant, quick getaway. Tbilisi, Georgia's vibrant capital, is a compact gem perfect for a short-haul escape. Where to stay: Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel Jaipur, India (Flight Time: Approx. 3.5 hours) A few hours away from Dubai, this picturesque and opulent destination promises a unique experience for everyone. For a decadent experience, Raffles Jaipur promises a secluded escape with dazzling interiors and a service standard that offers immaculate attention-to-detail. Where to stay: Raffles, Jaipur Malé, Maldives (Flight Time: Approx. 4 hours) Malé, the vibrant capital of the Maldives, is the perfect short-haul getaway just a breezy four-hour flight from Dubai. Despite its small footprint, the city pulses with life: local markets bustle with fresh seafood and colorful Maldivian handicrafts. Malé packs a tropical punch without the hassle–making it an ideal destination for a soulful, sun-kissed escape. Where to stay: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Bodrum, Turkey (Flight Time: Approx. 4.5 hours) Bodrum is Turkey's answer to Mediterranean glamour, an effortlessly chic coastal escape just 4.5 hours from Dubai. With its whitewashed villas, bougainvillea-lined streets, and turquoise bays, this Aegean gem strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and revelry. Wander through ancient ruins by day and toast sunset cocktails at a yacht-studded beach club by night, Bodrum is where history meets hedonism. Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum Colombo, Sri Lanka (Flight Time: Approx. 4.5 hours) Steeped in history and culture, Sri Lanka's biggest city is an alluring short-haul destination. With a focus on once-in-a-lifetime experiences that move beyond traditional sightseeing, Calm Palm Escapes will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Where to stay: Calm Palm Escapes Oman, Jabal Akhdar (Flight Time: Approx 1 Hour 13 mins) Located at a height of about 3,000 metres above sea level, temperatures in Jabal Akhdar are on average 15 degrees Celsius less than other parts of Oman. Jabal Akhdar is the ultimate destination for relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable experiences. Where to stay: Anantara, Jabal Akhdar Your packing guide: – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @dekota_thompson

Czechia offers the perfect mix of adventure and cultural charm for summer travel
Czechia offers the perfect mix of adventure and cultural charm for summer travel

Web Release

time6 days ago

  • Web Release

Czechia offers the perfect mix of adventure and cultural charm for summer travel

This summer, Czechia is being presented as the ideal destination for travellers seeking a balance of outdoor adventure and cultural charm. Across its diverse landscapes and heritage cities, Czechia promises experiences that bring together movement, discovery and relaxation – creating a holiday that is as meaningful as it is memorable. Travellers can explore Czechia's natural beauty through scenic paths and soulful moments. Cycling beside riverbanks lined with vineyards, hiking to the panoramic peaks of the Krkonoše Mountains, rafting down the Morava River, or cruising the quiet Ba?a Canal are just some of the outdoor adventures awaiting visitors. For those looking for slower moments, forest trails can be explored on horseback, or a round of golf can be enjoyed at one of the country's countryside courses. In Czechia's cities, history is brought to life in every detail- from Prague's grand architecture and vibrant squares to Brno's lively cultural scene. Open-air performances, galleries and public spaces reflect the nation's creative spirit and invite visitors to immerse themselves in the local way of life. A summer day might begin with a visit to a UNESCO-listed town such as ?eský Krumlov or Tel?, where centuries-old streets and buildings tell stories of the past, and end with a relaxed evening in a cosy café on a heritage-filled square. Beyond Prague, travellers are invited to discover more of Czechia's treasures. From the healing waters of the spa towns Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázn? to the sunlit vineyards of South Moravia and the breathtaking Lednice–Valtice complex, Czechia offers a rich and varied tapestry of experiences. Wherever the journey takes them, visitors will find a destination where beauty, history, and quiet wonder come together seamlessly – creating memories that linger long after the trip ends.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store