Sheikha Bodour thanks UNESCO for historic honour to Sharjah's Faya
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.
Sheikha Bodour with dignitaries at the event in Paris.
Accepting this historic recognition on behalf of the UAE and Sharjah, 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.
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Al Etihad
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- Al Etihad
Culture Minister: Al Faya boosts UAE's worldwide heritage impact
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Time Out Abu Dhabi
14-07-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
This UAE location has just been named a World Heritage Site
A historically significant site in the United Arab Emirates has been added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah is one of the oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in the world. It has been recognised for its outstanding universal value and serves as a living document of humanity's existence in arid environments for over 200,000 years. The intact fossil desert landscape, which has been excavated by scientists over the past 30 years, has 18 distinct archaeological layers of earth, each representing a different period of human activity. UNESCO has recognised the site as being extremely significant in understanding prehistoric life in southeast Arabia at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris. Faya (Credit: Supplied) Faya becomes the second site in the UAE to receive this recognition from the UN's educational, scientific and cultural organisation after the cultural sites of Al Ain were inscribed in 2011. There are currently 96 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the region, spanning a total of 18 different countries. Unlike areas traditionally viewed as corridors for human migration, the decades of research at Fay found that it was repeatedly a place that people settled down to live in. Sharjah formally submitted the nomination file for Faya to UNESCO in February 2024, after 12 years of preparation for the nomination dossier and the property. The UNESCO World Heritage List includes 1,226 sites around the world that hold outstanding universal value with exceptional significance and future relevance. Archaeologists at Faya (Credit: Supplied) Faya (Credit: Supplied) Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador for Faya's nomination file, said that the site is of deep cultural significance. She said: '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.' Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, said: ''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.' Summer in Abu Dhabi The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss The best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi Your full weekend itinerary 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Al Etihad
13-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Faya's UNESCO listing affirms UAE's civilisational stature: Bodour Al Qasimi
13 July 2025 15:05 SHARJAH (WAM)Under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah hosted a gala dinner at The Peninsula Paris Hotel to honour and celebrate the successful inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape on the UNESCO World Heritage Palaeolandscape was the only Arab nomination considered by the World Heritage Committee for its 47th session, making this achievement even more historic and meaningful for Sharjah, UAE, and the wider now stands as the second site in the UAE to receive this recognition, after The Cultural Sites in Al Ain that was inscribed in 2011. The event gathered key figures from the World Heritage Committee, diplomatic representatives, and experts to reflect on this historic achievement. Sheikha Bodour expressed pride in Sharjah's continuous efforts to inscribe Faya, and bring the site's instrumental role in shaping early human history to dedication to preserving Faya's legacy takes centre stage with UNESCO World Heritage inscription, marking a historic milestone for the UAE and the Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who is the official ambassador for Faya's nomination file, spoke about the significance of this historic achievement and Sharjah's commitment to preserving Faya's legacy for future generations.'The inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape on the World Heritage List is a collective achievement. Congratulations to Sharjah and to everyone who has supported us throughout this long and meaningful journey,' said Sheikha Bodour in her opening remarks.'This year, Faya was the only Arab nomination considered by the World Heritage Committee. It is now the second site in the UAE to receive this prestigious recognition, following The Cultural Sites of Al Ain in 2011. This is a monumental win for Sharjah. A win for the UAE. And a win for our region,' Sheikha Bodour also emphasised that Sharjah will remain steadfast in its commitment to preserving and protecting Faya, continue to invest in its conservation, and expand research efforts to ensure that its story reaches and resonates with the Alhaj Al Ali, Permanent Delegate of the United Arab Emirates to UNESCO, emphasised the country's steadfast commitment to heritage and the broader significance of this milestone, stating: 'The United Arab Emirates remains deeply committed to UNESCO's mission and is proud to stand as an active, engaged partner in preserving our shared global heritage. The World Heritage List is more than a register of sites — it reflects humanity's diverse stories, values, and identities."It reminds us that heritage knows no borders, and that every culture has something essential to contribute to the global narrative. In this spirit, the inscription of Faya is a step forward in broadening the representation of voices and landscapes from the Arab world and other regions that have long remained on the margins.'Guests reflected on the collective work that made Faya's inscription possible. The evening enabled attendees to celebrate not only this achievement but the shared commitment and momentum driving the preservation of human heritage. A visual display illuminated the milestones reached, showcasing the dedication of researchers, experts, and partners who played an integral role in the nomination Yousif, Director-General, Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), personally acknowledged the contributions of those who made this achievement emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to safeguard Faya's legacy and its contributions to the understanding of early human history.'This inscription is far more than a global recognition of an archaeological site — it is a tribute to decades of unwavering vision and leadership by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who laid the foundations for protecting our cultural heritage in service of humanity. We also extend profound appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her exceptional stewardship of this nomination, driven by rigorous science and powerful partnerships."'Faya stands today as a living testament to early human ingenuity and resilience, and it has redrawn our understanding of the Arabian Peninsula — not merely as a passage for migration, but as a true homeland for settlement and creativity. For us at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, this is a historic milestone that deepens our commitment to preserving and sharing our story with the world," Yousif said."Together, with our partners and communities, we will continue investing in research and education to ensure Faya remains a beacon of knowledge for generations to come," he concluded. Faya Palaeolandscape The Faya Palaeolandscape is not just a site of historical discovery; it is a window into the adaptive capacities of early humans who lived in one of the harshest environments on Earth over 200,000 years layers of human activity uncovered at Faya offer profound insights into the resilience and ingenuity required to thrive in the Arabian Peninsula's most challenging landscapes, the desert. They reveal that the Arabia was not merely a transit point but a destination; a home where innovation, habitation, and cultural exchange 30 years of archaeological work have revealed 18 distinct layers of human settlement, each telling a different chapter in the story of human survival and innovation. Faya continues to reshape our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present, illustrating the importance of preserving such knowledge for future 11 years, Faya Palaeolandscape 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 longstanding partnership between UNESCO and Faya Palaeolandscape underscores the site's role in advancing global palaeoanthropological research, environmental studies, and international heritage cooperation.
