UAE: Fae Palayolandscape UNESCO in Sharjah added world news as second national site in World Heritage List

TL; Dr.

Recognition of UNESCO: A milestone for UAE

In a historical achievement for the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates, Fae Palaylandscape in Sharjah is officially mentioned in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement was made in July 2025 in the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris.This site joins the rank of the most important cultural sites in the world and after adding the cultural sites of Al AN in 2011, becomes the second entry of the UAE in the list.This recognition is not only a cultural milestone for Sharjah’s Emirates, but also a national achievement that confirms the growing role of UAE under global heritage protection. This is expected to promote archaeological research, strengthen international educational participation and support permanent tourism in the region.

Why it was chosen: Case for Faya

UNESCO nominates the status of the World Heritage based on strict criteria, and Faya was listed under the cultural heritage category. To qualify, a site must display “outstanding universal value” (OUV) and fulfill one of at least ten defined standards. Complete the status of Faaya:“An excellent example of a type of landscape that shows important stages in human history.”The strength of Faya’s case lies in its archaeological continuity. Located in the interior of Sharjah, the site preserves one of the oldest and most uninterrupted records of human occupation in the Arabian Peninsula, which extends over 210,000 years.Unlike other sites that show temporary or isolated evidence of human activity, the faya presents a layered history of repeated disposal and adaptation. In the last three decades, the archaeological excavation has highlighted the layers of 18 occupation, showing how humans lived in thousands of years, innovation, and responded to environmental challenges.This continuity, rarity, and scientific value Faya was deployed as a clear candidate for the UNESCO design.

The major discovery that strengthened its case

One success helped to solidify the global importance of Faya: discovery 80,000 year old stone appliances in Jebel Fa, which a limestone outflow within pallollandscape. The excavation was part of a long -running international research project led by Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in partnership with universities in Germany and United Kingdom. The conclusions were published in the magazine of Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences in early 2025.These devices were used separately a technique that is known as a bidaretial deficiency, a method where the stone core is exactly shaped with a strike in turn on both ends. This manufacturing process requires a deep understanding of foresight, technical skills and the use of raw materials.According to archaeologists, equipment was used for various purposes, including hunting, animal processing, plant preparation, and preparing other equipment. Their sophistication suggests that the early Homo Sapies in the region were not only nomadic travelers, they were inhabited, adaptive and technically capable.Beyond the devices themselves, the research team used luminesense dating to establish an almost continuous timeline of human appearance on the site from 210,000 years ago to 80,000 years ago. This 130,000-year window of occupation indicates that the early human groups either lived uninterrupted or returned over the millennium repeatedly, compatible with the changing climate and landscape of the region.This long -term residence, combined with technical evidence, gave Faya a unique scientific profile, one who directly supported the cultural heritage criteria of UNESCO. It was demonstrated that the site was not only archaeological rich, but also to understand the early human flexibility, innovation and adaptation in one of the world’s most challenging environment.

What happens next: management and future use

After scientific successes and by UNESCO votes, the UAE took formal steps to prepare the site for nomination. In the beginning of 2025, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad al Kasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, approved the official boundaries and site designation for Faae Palailandscape.A long -term management plan, which is aligned with UNESCO standards, is now in place and will guide the safety, research activity and visitor engagement through 2030. The plan balances protection with access, ensuring that the site is further preserved by enabling scientific exploration and educational use.Listing is expected to increase international interest, attract responsible tourism and promote widespread public understanding of ancient human history of the region.

Why does it matter to UAE

Faya’s inclusion in the World Heritage List is more than the recognition of Sharjah’s archaeological heritage, this is a statement about the role of UAE in the global story of human origin.By preserving and studying Faya Palailandscape, the UAE is not only protecting a national property, but also contributing valuable knowledge to the international scientific community. This shows how the Arabian Peninsula was not the only corridor for human migration outside Africa, but a place where early humans lived, learned, and developed.With this belief, the UAE strengthens its cultural identity, claims its leadership in heritage protection, and secures its place in one of the most permanent chapters in human history.

FAQS:

Q. What is Fa Pallialandscape? It is an ancient archaeological site in Sharjah that reflects one of the oldest and most constant records in the human settlement in Arabia.Q. Why did UNESCO recognize it? Because it meets the criteria of the “outstanding universal value” and shows how humans lived in more than 210,000 years, adapted and innovated.Q. What was the main discovery there? Researchers found that 80,000 years old stone appliances were made with advanced techniques, proving that early humans were fixed and skilled-that only were passing.Q. Who led Research in Faya? Sharjah Archaeological Authority in collaboration with universities in Germany and UK.Q. What happens next for the site? A UNESCO-Anupal Husbandry Management Scheme will guide its protection, public access and future archaeological research through 2030.