emirates7 - Under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah hosted a gala dinner at The Peninsula Paris Hotel to commemorate the historic inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As the only Arab site nominated during the World Heritage Committee’s 47th session, Faya’s inclusion marks a landmark achievement for Sharjah, the UAE, and the broader Arab world. It now becomes the second site in the UAE to receive UNESCO World Heritage status, following the inscription of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain in 2011.
The celebratory event brought together influential figures from the World Heritage Committee, diplomats, and heritage experts to honour this accomplishment. In her remarks, Sheikha Bodour expressed pride in Sharjah’s role in securing the inscription and highlighted the significance of Faya in uncovering early human history.
Sheikha Bodour, who served as the official ambassador for Faya’s nomination, underlined Sharjah’s deep commitment to protecting and promoting the site’s legacy. “The inscription of Faya is not just a victory for Sharjah, but a proud moment for the UAE and the entire region,” she stated. She further emphasized that Sharjah will continue investing in research, conservation, and education to ensure the site’s story is shared globally.
Ali Alhaj Al Ali, the UAE’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, reaffirmed the country’s strong partnership with UNESCO and its dedication to cultural preservation. He described the World Heritage List as more than a record of places—it is a reflection of humanity’s diverse heritage, adding that Faya’s inclusion helps amplify underrepresented voices from the Arab world and beyond.
The evening also featured reflections on the collaborative efforts that led to the successful nomination. A visual presentation showcased the contributions of researchers, archaeologists, and institutions that supported the site’s inscription.
Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, paid tribute to those involved in the decades-long journey of preserving Faya. He credited the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for laying the groundwork for Sharjah’s cultural heritage efforts and praised Sheikha Bodour’s leadership and scientific advocacy throughout the nomination process.
He described Faya as a vivid symbol of early human resilience and innovation. “This site has transformed our understanding of the Arabian Peninsula—not just as a route of migration, but as a true centre of human development and creativity,” Yousif noted. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to safeguarding Faya through research, education, and international collaboration.
A group photo concluded the evening, capturing the collective spirit of achievement and cooperation.
The Faya Palaeolandscape offers a unique glimpse into the lives of early humans who lived in one of the world’s harshest environments more than 200,000 years ago. Its 18 archaeological layers reveal how human societies adapted, innovated, and thrived in the Arabian desert, challenging previous assumptions that the region was merely a migratory corridor rather than a hub of settlement and cultural evolution.
With over three decades of excavation and research, Faya continues to redefine our understanding of prehistoric life and the development of human societies. For the past 11 years, it has been a vital part of UNESCO’s HEADS Programme (Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments), aligning it with globally renowned research sites like South Africa’s Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave. This longstanding collaboration underscores Faya’s critical role in advancing global studies in human evolution and heritage preservation.
As the only Arab site nominated during the World Heritage Committee’s 47th session, Faya’s inclusion marks a landmark achievement for Sharjah, the UAE, and the broader Arab world. It now becomes the second site in the UAE to receive UNESCO World Heritage status, following the inscription of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain in 2011.
The celebratory event brought together influential figures from the World Heritage Committee, diplomats, and heritage experts to honour this accomplishment. In her remarks, Sheikha Bodour expressed pride in Sharjah’s role in securing the inscription and highlighted the significance of Faya in uncovering early human history.
Sheikha Bodour, who served as the official ambassador for Faya’s nomination, underlined Sharjah’s deep commitment to protecting and promoting the site’s legacy. “The inscription of Faya is not just a victory for Sharjah, but a proud moment for the UAE and the entire region,” she stated. She further emphasized that Sharjah will continue investing in research, conservation, and education to ensure the site’s story is shared globally.
Ali Alhaj Al Ali, the UAE’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, reaffirmed the country’s strong partnership with UNESCO and its dedication to cultural preservation. He described the World Heritage List as more than a record of places—it is a reflection of humanity’s diverse heritage, adding that Faya’s inclusion helps amplify underrepresented voices from the Arab world and beyond.
The evening also featured reflections on the collaborative efforts that led to the successful nomination. A visual presentation showcased the contributions of researchers, archaeologists, and institutions that supported the site’s inscription.
Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, paid tribute to those involved in the decades-long journey of preserving Faya. He credited the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for laying the groundwork for Sharjah’s cultural heritage efforts and praised Sheikha Bodour’s leadership and scientific advocacy throughout the nomination process.
He described Faya as a vivid symbol of early human resilience and innovation. “This site has transformed our understanding of the Arabian Peninsula—not just as a route of migration, but as a true centre of human development and creativity,” Yousif noted. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to safeguarding Faya through research, education, and international collaboration.
A group photo concluded the evening, capturing the collective spirit of achievement and cooperation.
The Faya Palaeolandscape offers a unique glimpse into the lives of early humans who lived in one of the world’s harshest environments more than 200,000 years ago. Its 18 archaeological layers reveal how human societies adapted, innovated, and thrived in the Arabian desert, challenging previous assumptions that the region was merely a migratory corridor rather than a hub of settlement and cultural evolution.
With over three decades of excavation and research, Faya continues to redefine our understanding of prehistoric life and the development of human societies. For the past 11 years, it has been a vital part of UNESCO’s HEADS Programme (Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments), aligning it with globally renowned research sites like South Africa’s Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave. This longstanding collaboration underscores Faya’s critical role in advancing global studies in human evolution and heritage preservation.