After more than a decade of meticulous research and preservation efforts, the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the first desert Palaeolithic site in the world to receive this prestigious recognition.

This historic achievement affirms Sharjah’s longstanding commitment to cultural heritage, sustainable development, and education, a vision personally championed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Sharjah submitted the Faya nomination to UNESCO in February 2024. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the site was acknowledged for its Outstanding Universal Value, fulfilling key criteria that emphasise both historical importance and exceptional preservation.

Located in the central region of the emirate, the Faya Palaeolandscape preserves one of the oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in arid environments, dating back over 200,000 years. This fossil desert landscape has played a crucial role in deepening scientific understanding of human evolution and prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia.

The site has also been an active contributor to UNESCO’s Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme, standing alongside globally renowned locations such as South Africa’s Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave.

To safeguard its legacy, the UAE and Sharjah have jointly launched a comprehensive conservation strategy covering the period 2024–2030. This initiative focuses on continued archaeological research, educational outreach, and the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure.

Next, Sharjah aims for World Heritage site status for Wadi Al Helo, Mleiha. 

Following the success of the Al Faya inscription, Sharjah has accelerated its efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for two additional heritage sites. Currently, UNESCO has included Wadi Al Helo and Mleiha on its Tentative List.

Wadi Al Helo, meaning “the sweet valley,” spans 84 square kilometres in the Hajjar Mountains and dates back to the Bronze Age. Far more than an ancient mining area, the site offers rare insights into early copper extraction, environmental harmony, and long-distance trade in ancient Arabia.

Mleiha, in Sharjah’s Central Region, boasts an archaeological legacy stretching over 130,000 years. From prehistoric tools and fossils to Bronze Age tombs and pre-Islamic forts, Mleiha is a living chronicle of Arabia’s deep past. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre further enhances the experience by blending educational exhibits with desert adventure activities, such as dune trekking, hiking, and stargazing.

A broader vision for global cultural recognition

The inscription of Faya, supported by 13 of 21 World Heritage Committee members, has energised Sharjah’s broader heritage ambitions. By advancing the cases of Wadi Al Helo and Mleiha, the emirate aims to position itself not only as a regional hub for archaeology and tourism, but also as a global destination for cultural exploration and preservation.

With each step, Sharjah reinforces its role as a custodian of ancient civilisations — protecting legacies shaped by stone, copper and time.

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