Latest news with #SharjahArchaeologicalAuthority
Zawya
13-07-2025
- Science
- Zawya
UNESCO cements UAE's historical significance by inscribing Sharjah's Faya as the only Arab World Heritage Site inscription this year
Bodour Al Qasimi: The inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history and highlights the Arabian Peninsula's central role in humanity's journey out of Africa. We remain fully committed to protecting Faya and preserving our ancestors' legacy so it continues to inspire generations worldwide. Faya Palaeolandscape has achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the latest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Faya Palaeolandscape bears one of the oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in arid environments for over 200,000 years, documenting the deep roots of cultural traditions in the region. UNESCO's historic recognition for Faya also highlights the Arabian Peninsula's central role in humanity's journey out of Africa. New research and archaeological discoveries conducted by Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA), in collaboration with global experts, prove that Faya served as a destination for early human settlement; not only a transit point for migration. As one of the earliest continuous records of human existence outside Africa, it affirms our ancestors' ingenuity and our region's contribution to the cradle of early human history. Over the past 30 years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct archaeological layers of earth, each representing a different period of human activity. Paris: The UAE has crossed a major milestone in heritage preservation as the 47th annual UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris has reached a consensus decision to inscribe Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape in its prestigious list. The cultural heritage property, situated in the emirate's central region in the UAE, has been recognised for its outstanding universal value (OUV) for holding one of the world's oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in arid environments over 200,000 years. The Faya Palaeolandscape is an intact fossil desert landscape. Faya's critical role as a repeated destination for habitation has fundamentally altered our understanding of prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia, and represents a significant milestone in human evolution. This is what makes the inscription of Faya on the World Heritage List extremely significant. Until the inscription of Faya, desert Paleolithic sites were not represented in the World Heritage List. Under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, this year, Faya Paleolandscape was the only Arab nomination considered by the World Heritage Committee, making this achievement even more historic and meaningful for Sharjah, UAE and the wider region. Faya now stands as the second site in the UAE to receive this recognition, after The Cultural Sites of Al Ain inscribed in 2011. The inscription of Faya Palaeolandscape globally affirms Sharjah's and the UAE's place as a cradle of early human history. There are currently 96 UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed across the Arab States region, spanning a total of 18 different countries. Deserts represent 20% of global habitats. They are located at critical waypoints of humanity's journey to the colonisation of the entire planet. Their settlement reflects a critical chapter of humanity's past. Unlike areas traditionally viewed as mere corridors for human migration, decades of interdisciplinary research at Faya have revealed it as a repeated destination for habitation, fundamentally altering our understanding of prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia. Over 30 years of meticulous excavations, led by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) in collaboration with international institutions such as the University of Tübingen that specialises in prehistory archaeology and Oxford Brookes University's department on palaeoenvironment study, have uncovered 18 distinct archaeological layers. This historic inscription reinforces the UAE and Sharjah's consistent efforts and importance in safeguarding humanity's shared heritage and highlights the decades-long commitment of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to scientific research, cultural preservation and global collaboration. 'The inscription affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history' Accepting this historic recognition on behalf of the UAE and Sharjah, Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador for Faya's nomination file, thanked the World Heritage Committee's Chair and distinguished members for recognising that Faya's story is part of the shared story of humanity. 'On behalf of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah, I extend our deepest thanks to the World Heritage Committee, the Advisory Bodies, and the World Heritage Centre for this historic recognition', she continued, adding, 'the inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history and highlights the Arabian Peninsula's central role in humanity's journey out of Africa. The stone tools found at Faya, over 200,000 years old, are testimony of our ancestors' ingenuity and the deep roots of human cultural tradition in our region.' 'We remain fully committed to protecting this site and honouring those who came before us by ensuring their legacy continues to inspire generations around the world,' she concluded. 'Faya now belongs to all the peoples of the world, just as it did over 200,000 years ago' According to H.E. Eisa Yousif, Director-General, Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA): 'The UAE and Sharjah resonate deeply with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's ethos of the universal belonging of inscribed sites, and we strongly promote free cultural and humanistic exchange even in a world with borders. The human race has thrived as a result of the fluidity of movement and free exploration that the old world order allowed us. Therefore, we are equally proud and happy to bring Faya Paleolandscape into the fold of the UNESCO World Heritage List, as a result of which it now belongs to all the peoples of the world, just as it did more than 200,000 years ago.' 'This inscription is the culmination of a carefully coordinated effort combining scientific rigor, cultural stewardship, and international diplomacy - all aligned with Sharjah's broader 30-year vision to integrate heritage, education, and community development', he further noted. Sharjah formally submitted the nomination file for Faya to UNESCO in February 2024, after 12 years of preparation of the nomination dossier and the property. These preparations have been informed and enriched by more than 30 years of intensive archaeological work, environmental studies, and conservation planning. Faya Palaeolandscape has received this global recognition after undergoing a rigorous evaluation based on UNESCO's established criteria designed to ensure that only those sites with exceptional significance and future relevance are included. Sharjah shares a future plan for Faya demonstrating continued commitment to protecting global human and cultural heritage The UAE and Sharjah have established a robust management and conservation plan (2024–2030) for the Faya Palaeolandscape. This initiative aims to uphold the site's Outstanding Universal Value according to UNESCO standards, while being continually committed to promoting research, education, and sustainable tourism. It serves as a prime example of integrating heritage preservation with scientific exploration and community involvement This commitment is also demonstrated in Sharjah's past efforts in this field. For 11 years, Faya Paleolandscape has been a cornerstone site within UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme, alongside iconic sites like Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave in Africa. This long standing partnership between UNESCO and Faya Paleolandscape underscores the site's role in advancing global palaeoanthropological research, environmental studies, and international heritage cooperation. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located. The World Heritage List includes 1226 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. These include 955 cultural, 231 natural and 40 mixed properties in 168 States Parties. For more information, visit
Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Faya Palaeolandscape moves closer to UNESCO recognition
The UAE has reached another defining moment in its cultural and scientific journey, as Sharjah advances the nomination of the Faya Palaeolandscape for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Situated in the Central Region of Sharjah, this ancient desert site holds one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back to over 210,000 years. Formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia. Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file. Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement. Sheikha Bodour commented, 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years – a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learned to survive.' 'The Faya Palaeolandscape's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world,' she added, affirming the significance of this nomination in shaping global heritage discourse. While much of the region has been viewed as a mere transit point for early human migration, interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tübingen in prehistory studies and Oxford Brookes University for paleoenvironmental studies, confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. The convergence of essential resources — water from springs and wadis, stone raw materials like flint for tool-making, and shelter within the jebels — made sustained occupation possible. Over the past 30 years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct layers of earth, each representing a different period of human occupation, and providing unprecedented insights into early human migration and adaptation. These game-changing discoveries offer a fresh understanding of human migration from Faya, which holds the most detailed record of ancient human life in Arabia. From these facets of discovery, which have fully revealed the site's potential to offer a rare and completely intact record of human survival in the face of environmental adversity, Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) has been established. Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised: 'The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah.' 'As we advance Faya's UNESCO World Heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world – not just Sharjah and the UAE,' he added. The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030. This plan aligns with UNESCO's World Heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education.
Gulf Today
25-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape advances in its nomination for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The UAE has reached another defining moment in its cultural and scientific journey, as Sharjah advances the nomination of the Faya Palaeolandscape for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Situated in the Central Region of Sharjah, this ancient desert site holds one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back to over 210,000 years. Formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Center. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi spearheads global outreach for Faya's UNESCO nomination Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi,who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file. Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi commented, 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years - a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learned to survive.' 'The Faya Palaeolandscape's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world', she added, affirming the significance of this nomination in shaping global heritage discourse. Why Faya matters: A closer look at the landscape While much of the region has been viewed as a mere transit point for early human migration, interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tübingen in prehistory studies and Oxford Brookes University for paleoenvironmental studies, confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. The convergence of essential resources—water from springs and wadis, stone raw materials like flint for tool-making, and shelter within the jebels—made sustained occupation possible. Over the past 30years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct layers of earth, each representing a different period of human occupation, and providing unprecedented insights into early human migration and adaptation. These game-changing discoveries offer a fresh understanding of human migration from Faya, which holds the most detailed record of ancient human life in Arabia. From these facets of discovery, which have fully revealed the site's potential to offer a rare and completely intact record of human survival in the face of environmental adversity, Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) has been established. H.E Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised: 'The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah'. 'As we advance Faya's UNESCO World Heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world - not just Sharjah and the UAE', he added. The future of Faya The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030. This plan aligns with UNESCO's World Heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education.
Sharjah 24
25-05-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Faya Palaeolandscape advances in its nom. on UNESCO List
Formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Center. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi spearheads global outreach for Faya's UNESCO nomination Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi,who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file. Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi commented, 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years - a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learned to survive.' 'The Faya Palaeolandscape's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world', she added, affirming the significance of this nomination in shaping global heritage discourse. Why Faya matters: A closer look at the landscape While much of the region has been viewed as a mere transit point for early human migration, interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tübingen in prehistory studies and Oxford Brookes University for paleoenvironmental studies, confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. The convergence of essential resources—water from springs and wadis, stone raw materials like flint for tool-making, and shelter within the jebels—made sustained occupation possible. Over the past 30years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct layers of earth, each representing a different period of human occupation, and providing unprecedented insights into early human migration and adaptation. These game-changing discoveries offer a fresh understanding of human migration from Faya, which holds the most detailed record of ancient human life in Arabia. From these facets of discovery, which have fully revealed the site's potential to offer a rare and completely intact record of human survival in the face of environmental adversity, Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) has been established. His Excellency Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised: 'The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah'. 'As we advance Faya's UNESCO World Heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world - not just Sharjah and the UAE', he added. The future of Faya The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030. This plan aligns with UNESCO's World Heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education.
