Sharjah’s ruler, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi attended the official ceremony celebrating the inclusion of the Al Faya site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, underscoring its global archaeological significance.
Speaking at the event held at Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Al Qasimi said Al Faya offers rare evidence of early human presence and adaptation, describing heritage as a living source of cultural and human knowledge rather than a material asset.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of a commemorative monument and the presentation of the official UNESCO inscription certificate by Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi announced the launch of a two-million-dirham international research grant to support scientific studies at Al Faya.
UNESCO officials praised Sharjah’s long-term commitment to protecting cultural heritage, noting that Al Faya reshapes understanding of early human migration and settlement in the Arabian Peninsula.
Follow the latest news on Google News
