Faya Palaeolandscape Gains UNESCO World Heritage Status

The Faya Palaeolandscape, a unique archaeological complex located in the central region of the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This prestigious recognition marks Faya as the first Paleolithic site within a desert environment to receive this status and signifies the second UNESCO World Heritage site for the UAE, following the Cultural Sites of Al Ain.

The site, dating back over 200,000 years, represents one of the oldest known pieces of evidence for human presence and adaptation in arid climatic conditions. Excavations at Faya have revealed an exceptional sequence of 18 distinct archaeological layers, formed during different phases of human occupation in the region, providing an invaluable record of early human life in the desert.

“We are deeply honoured by this recognition. Faya is a living testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors and the deep cultural roots of this region. We are proud of UNESCO’s acknowledgment and remain committed to preserving this legacy for future generations,” stated Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, underscoring the significance of the achievement.

The inscription follows an extensive 12-year research program conducted by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority in collaboration with the University of Tübingen and Oxford Brookes University. In preparation for the nomination and to ensure the site’s long-term protection, the UAE and Sharjah authorities had previously approved a dedicated strategic conservation plan covering the years 2024 to 2030.

With the addition of Faya, the total number of sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List now stands at 1,226 across 168 countries. This global list comprises 955 cultural sites, 231 natural sites, and 40 mixed properties. Within the Arab region, 18 countries now collectively host 96 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Source: Arabian Business