Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (SHARJAH)
What if the story of humanity's earliest journeys was written not in books, but in stone?
In Sharjah's central desert, at the foothills of Jebel Faya between the Arabian Gulf and the interior of the Arabian Peninsula, the Faya Palaeolandscape stands as one of the world's most important prehistoric sites documenting early human presence outside Africa.
Preserving evidence of human occupation and adaptation over more than 200,000 years, the site offers rare insight into early life in Arabia. It shows how people survived, innovated, and settled, reshaping the global understanding of human evolution and migration.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Osama Jamil Khalil, World Heritage Expert at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), highlighted Faya's significance as an intact fossil landscape.
"It is an outstanding example of Stone Age desert landscape that documents early modern human occupation from early Middle Palaeolithic to the Neolithic periods across diverse climatic conditions," he said.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially inscribed Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape on the World Heritage List in July, with a formal recognition ceremony held on December 15.
The inscription follows years of rigorous research at the site, ongoing since 2012, supported by long-term collaboration with international institutions, including the University of Freiburg in Germany and Oxford Brookes University. Findings and observations during this period revealed multiple phases of human occupation.
For instance, ancient tools unearthed at the Faya-1 site demonstrated "the innovation and ingenuity of the inhabitants during the late Palaeolithic period", Dr Khalil said. He noted that these tools were distinct: "The stone tools are small, elongated plates and flakes, rather than the triangular and ovoid objects documented in northern Arabian sites."
Studies have been central to Al Faya's international recognition, with nearly 500 scientific articles published about the site, Dr Khalil said.
Reflecting on its broader impact, he added that the UNESCO listing enhances the UAE's global cultural status.
"[It proves that] the United Arab Emirates is not only modern, architectural, and urban. We also have a deep and unique culture," Dr Khalil said.
For Eisa Yousif, Director of the SAA and one of the study's contributors, the findings carry both scientific and human significance.
"The discoveries at Jebel Faya show that resilience, adaptability, and innovation are among the most defining traits of humanity. These tools reflect a profound relationship between people and their land," Yousif said.
Protecting the Site
To balance preservation with controlled public access, the authorities ensured that Al Faya is legally protected. It is also managed through a three-level system combining legal, administrative, and technical oversight, Dr Khalil said.
The Mleiha Archaeological Centre plays a key role in public engagement, helping visitors understand the site before exploring it.
Dr Khalil added that Al Faya aligns with Sharjah's wider cultural and heritage strategy, following international guidelines while strengthening local frameworks.
Work is ongoing to identify and prepare future heritage nominations, reflecting Sharjah's long-term commitment to preservation and global cultural leadership.
