Al Faya Joins UNESCO World Heritage Status

Al Faya Desert Site Added to UNESCO Heritage List - A New Era in Understanding Humanity's Past

The United Arab Emirates can celebrate another historical milestone: the Al Faya Palaeo landscape located in the central part of Sharjah has officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. This is not just a local accolade but a global cultural breakthrough that sheds new light on the ancient human presence in the desert environment. The decision was made on July 11th, 2025 in Paris at the 47th session of UNESCO, putting the emirates' heritage conservation efforts in the global spotlight.

Unique Scientific and Historical Value

The uniqueness of Al Faya lies in the fact that it is the first desert area that documents human presence since the Stone Age. With a history of more than 200,000 years, its eighteen layered geological strata preserve the traces of the people who lived there. This offers researchers an opportunity to understand how our ancestors adapted to extreme desert conditions and how early human societies developed in this harsh terrain.

The site is not only valuable archaeologically but also provides key anthropological, climate historical, and evolutionary data. According to the official justification for its World Heritage designation, it holds "extraordinary global value" because it uniquely documents long and continuous human presence in a desert environment.

The Triumph of Collective Memory

Being added to the UNESCO list is not just an administrative or scientific recognition. It represents a profound, emotional, and symbolic moment for those involved in heritage preservation. As the official ambassador for the nomination, Sheikha Bodour—a member of the Sharjah ruling family—expressed her emotional response: these were not just tears of joy but tears of faith in a shared goal and respect for the past.

The recognition reinforces the intention that preserving the past is not only a cultural duty but a strategic avenue for future-building. As Sheikha Bodour stated: "This moment is not only national pride but an invitation to listen more closely to the messages of the earth and let them guide us towards the future."

Women's Role in Cultural and Technological Development

The Al Faya recognition also coincides with the celebration of Emirati Women's Day, and this is no coincidence. Sheikha Bodour’s role extends beyond cultural diplomacy: she has led numerous initiatives in education, publishing, technological innovation, and social engagement. She was the first Arab and Muslim woman to serve as the president of the International Publishers Association (IPA), during the pandemic, when the global book sector faced unprecedented challenges.

For her, leadership is not about wielding power but about service, and her goal has always been to pave the way for others, particularly for young women in the Emirates. She believes that women's voices are not just supplementary to social discourse but are its shapers.

Education, Innovation, and Community Building

As president of the American University of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour pays special attention to developing women's leadership roles. The institution not only awards degrees but nurtures leaders through mentorship programs, research fellowships, and institutional positions dedicated to female leadership.

She is also a pioneer in the field of technology, supporting women's involvement in artificial intelligence and new technologies. She believes that technology is never neutral—it reflects the values of those who create it. Therefore, it is crucial that empathy, ethics, and sustainability are reflected in development processes—values that women often bring into the system.

Social Engagement on a Global Level

Sheikha Bodour's activities do not stop at the academic and business spheres. She actively supports disadvantaged communities, including refugee children, blind readers, and regions without access to books. She is convinced that service is not tied to rank or position but to human intent and commitment.

Her PublisHer initiative and the Sheraa innovation ecosystem supporting female startups demonstrate that her goal is not only inspiration but the creation of practical opportunities as well.

Measuring True Success

While the results of Sheikha Bodour's activities can also be measured in numbers—support for 150 startups, investments worth billions of AED—the true measure of success for her is human impact. It is the moment when a woman confidently steps up as an entrepreneur, when a student sees themselves as a leader, or when a community finds its voice in the world.

Shaping a Nation's Future

The UNESCO decision, educational and social initiatives, and strengthening women’s roles all show that the UAE is not just developing economically or infrastructurally, but is evolving deeply on cultural and social levels as well. For future generations, history is not a forgotten past but an inspiration, a compass, and a legacy.

The World Heritage recognition of the Al Faya desert site reminds us all: the desert is not just sand and silence, but a home to stories, lessons, and messages that can still shape our futures.

(Source: Addition to UNESCO World Heritage List.)