In a significant milestone for cultural heritage preservation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully secured a spot for the Faya Palaeolandscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This accolade, conferred at the recent session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, marks not only a triumph for Sharjah but also the broader Arab world, as Faya is the sole site from the region to be inscribed this year. Importantly, it is the second site from the UAE to receive this prestigious designation since the cultural sites of Al Ain entered the list in 2011.
Strategically situated in the central region of Sharjah, the Faya Palaeolandscape is esteemed for hosting one of the world’s most ancient and unbroken records of human habitation in arid terrains, dating back in excess of 200,000 years. This makes Faya a notable exception as it is recognized as the first desert Paleolithic site on the World Heritage List. Its inclusion not only sheds light on human evolution but also provides crucial insights into prehistoric life in Southeastern Arabia, a region often overlooked in discussions about early human societies.
The advancement of Faya to the World Heritage designation is a reflection of over three decades of tireless archaeological research, predominantly orchestrated by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority. Collaborations with reputable institutions, including the University of Tübingen and Oxford Brookes University, have yielded remarkable findings. The site has revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers, each offering critical evidence of human adaptation and settlement in harsh desert landscapes.
Faya’s nomination process commenced formally in February 2024, following an exhaustive 12-year period devoted to the comprehensive preparation of its candidacy dossier. The successful inscription was secured after a thorough evaluation process, which adhered to UNESCO’s stringent criteria recognizing sites of Outstanding Universal Value. This accomplishment underscores Sharjah’s enduring vision to harmonize heritage conservation, education, and sustainable development, which is a cornerstone of the policies championed by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, designated ambassador for the nomination, articulated her gratitude to the World Heritage Committee for this recognition, emphasizing the importance of Faya in understanding early human history. She highlighted the Faya site’s relevance in illustrating the Arabian Peninsula’s critical role in the narrative of human migration from Africa. “The stone tools found at Faya serve as a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors and reveal the deep cultural roots embedded in our region,” she remarked, reaffirming the commitment to the preservation of this invaluable site for future generations.
Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, remarked on the shared nature of world heritage, stating, “Faya now belongs to all peoples of the world, just as it did over 200,000 years ago.” He noted that this milestone is not just an achievement for the UAE but symbolizes a collective effort in scientific exploration, cultural preservation, and international collaboration.
Looking ahead, the UAE and Sharjah have adopted an ambitious conservation strategy for the years 2024 to 2030 dedicated to upholding Faya’s universal significance. The focus will remain on expanding research, enhancing educational outreach, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. For over a decade, Faya has played a pivotal role within UNESCO’s Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals, and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme, joining the ranks of globally revered sites such as the Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave.
With the addition of Faya, the total number of World Heritage Sites has reached 1,226 across 168 countries, encompassing 955 cultural sites, 231 natural sites, and 40 mixed sites. Notably, the Arab region now accommodates 96 such sites spread across 18 nations, further solidifying the importance of cultural heritage in connecting contemporary societies to their historical foundations.
In conclusion, the recognition of the Faya Palaeolandscape represents a landmark achievement for cultural heritage preservation in the UAE and the Arab world, highlighting the need to protect and celebrate our shared human history while fostering a sustainable future.
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