Faya Palaeolandscape moves closer to UNESCO recognition

The UAE has reached another defining moment in its cultural and scientific journey, as Sharjah advances the nomination of the Faya Palaeo-landscape for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Situated in the Central Region of Sharjah, this ancient desert site holds one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back to over 210,000 years.

Formally nominated in 2024 under the “Cultural Landscape” category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia.

Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file.

Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement.

Sheikha Bodour commented, "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."