Salem Omar hails Faya’s UNESCO listing as Sharjah milestone

July 11, 2025 / 8:21 PM

Sharjah24: Salem Omar Salem, Director of the ISESCO regional office in Sharjah, praised the inclusion of Al Faya site in the United Arab Emirates on the UNESCO World Heritage List. He described the achievement as a well-deserved historical milestone that reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his deep belief in the value of human heritage in shaping the present and envisioning the future.

Crowning Years of Work

He emphasised that this international recognition crowns years of scientific and tireless work led by the Emirate of Sharjah under His Highness’s direct supervision and guided by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. As ambassador of the nomination file for Al Faya, she dedicated her cultural expertise to securing global acknowledgment of this unique site, which stands as one of the oldest archaeological testimonies of early human development and migration paths over 200,000 years ago.

Global Cultural Validation

He stated that listing Al Faya is a global affirmation of Sharjah’s cultural and intellectual standing and its pioneering efforts in safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage. It is also a proud moment for the UAE’s leadership and people and reinforces Sharjah’s regional and global position as a hub for culture, science, and knowledge.

Commending Collaborative Efforts

He commended Sheikha Bodour and the nomination team, along with Sharjah’s cultural and research institutions, stressing that the achievement would not have been possible without the integration of efforts, scientific planning, and strategic international partnerships that positioned Al Faya prominently on the global heritage map, reinforcing the UAE’s place on the international cultural stage.

Beyond Legal Protection

Salem Omar Salem added that the significance of listing sites like Al Faya extends beyond legal protection or academic documentation. It includes raising generational awareness about the importance of heritage in shaping identity and promoting archaeological sites as bridges of cultural exchange—something Sharjah has successfully accomplished as part of the UAE’s cultural leadership.

Turning Point for Sharjah

He remarked that the inscription of Al Faya represents a significant milestone in Sharjah’s civilizational journey, ushering in a new era of international responsibility for preserving and promoting heritage in scientific, cultural, and tourism contexts. He emphasised ICESCO’s ongoing partnership to support the UAE and Sharjah in their efforts to protect heritage and enhance its global visibility, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in safeguarding world heritage.

A Human Message

Salem concluded by stating that Al Faya, with its archaeological importance, conveys a universal message from Sharjah and the UAE to the world: that safeguarding heritage is a collective responsibility, and investing in it paves the way for a more conscious, interconnected, and unified future for all communities.