The UAE has formally nominated the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, citing its significance as one of the world’s oldest and most continuous records of early human settlement. The nomination, submitted in 2024 under the “Cultural Landscape” category, is currently under evaluation by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Located in Sharjah’s Central Region, the site offers archaeological evidence of human presence dating back more than 210,000 years. It is considered crucial to understanding how early humans adapted to and survived in harsh desert conditions across Southeast Arabia.
National and global efforts
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, serving as the official ambassador for the nomination, is leading international efforts to raise awareness of Faya’s significance.
“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 said.
She added: “The Faya Palaeolandscape’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world.”
Scientific research and discoveries
Over three decades of archaeological work have uncovered 18 distinct layers at the Faya site, each marking a period of human occupation. Research by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), in collaboration with Germany’s University of Tübingen and the UK’s Oxford Brookes University, has established the area as a former settlement rather than a transit point for human migration.
The site’s natural resources — including freshwater sources, flint for tools, and natural shelter — made long-term habitation possible. These findings contribute to the global understanding of how early humans migrated and adapted to desert environments.
Conservation and future plans
Eisa Yousif, Director of the SAA, highlighted the site’s legal protection and global significance.
“The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah’s Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah,” he said.
He added, “This property… holds immense value for the world — not just Sharjah and the UAE.”
The UAE has also developed a long-term management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, covering 2024 to 2030. The plan follows UNESCO’s guidelines and aims to support conservation, research, and public engagement.
