The Al Faya Site: Arab Lessons in Heritage Management

The Al Faya site in the Emirate of Sharjah has witnessed a remarkable transformation since its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025. This achievement reflects not just an addition to the list of cultural sites but is the result of intensive efforts to protect and manage Arab heritage. In the context of these efforts, it becomes clear that the Al Faya site offers rich lessons in how to manage heritage, requiring the collaboration of governmental and research initiatives alongside a clear vision for the future.

A Genuine Vision: Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi and His Support for Heritage

The story begins with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who believes that human heritage is a fundamental part of the cultural identity of the state. Sheikh Sultan has been keen to support culture and present it as a means to ensure a bright future for generations to come. In this framework, thorough research and excavation operations have been carried out over decades in collaboration with prestigious scientific bodies, leading to the discovery of evidence proving human presence at the Jebel Al Faya site for over 210,000 years. These discoveries indicate humans’ ability to survive and adapt to arid environments, reflecting the history of civilization in the region.

Coordination and Cooperation for Success

The government’s efforts to coordinate work to place the Al Faya site on the World Heritage List soon commenced. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the UAE’s ambassador for the file, played a pivotal role in this effort through close collaboration with the country’s ambassadors and its representative at UNESCO. These diplomatic efforts were essential in garnering international attention for the Al Faya site, which deserves recognition and appreciation.

The Importance of Enhancing Arab Cooperation

There is an urgent need in the Arab world to enhance cooperation and harmony to highlight great heritage sites. We must take pride in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, who recognizes the importance of heritage and its role in shaping the future. Culture is not merely a past we cherish; it is an integral part of our identity that we must work to promote and preserve.

The Al Faya site stands as a living testament to the importance of effective heritage management, requiring Arab countries to draw lessons from this experience to place their historical sites at the forefront of global attention.