Sharjah: 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.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Faya Palaeolandscape, formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, 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.
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.' She emphasised the importance of preserving these ancient sites for their historical value and educational potential for future generations, viewing the nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for people worldwide.
Interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tbingen and Oxford Brookes University confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. Essential resources like 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. These discoveries offer fresh insights into early human migration and adaptation, establishing Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), highlighted the site's preservation under Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, ensuring its protection for future generations. He noted that over 30 years of meticulous research have revealed an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation, and survival in Sharjah.
The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape from 2024 to 2030, aligning with UNESCO's World Heritage standards. This plan ensures the site's preservation while allowing for continued exploration and education.