Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the official ceremony commemorating the inscription of 'Faya' on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The event was a significant milestone in acknowledging Faya's historical and cultural importance.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The event also saw the presence of Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Archaeology in Umm Al Qaiwain, and several other senior officials, cultural representatives, and diplomats.
In his speech, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi emphasized the unique narrative that Faya's rocks tell about the earliest human presence on this land. He highlighted the non-material value of historical sites as cultural and human treasures that connect the present to its roots. Sheikh Dr Sultan underscored the importance of preserving these sites as they represent accumulated knowledge and human experience that are crucial for future generations.
The Emirate of Sharjah's commitment to cultural initiatives was also a focal point in Sheikh Dr Sultan's address. He praised the researchers' efforts in uncovering groundbreaking discoveries at Faya, which have reshaped the understanding of human migration by revealing evidence of early human presence much earlier than previously believed. This underscores the Arabian Peninsula's role as more than just a passageway but as an early homeland for humans.
The ceremony, held at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, featured the unveiling of a commemorative monument for Faya's UNESCO inscription. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan received the official inscription certificate from Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, marking Faya's global significance.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi announced the launch of the 'Faya Research Grant', a significant international scientific initiative aimed at supporting specialized studies on Faya. The grant, valued at two million dirhams, will span three years and involve the Sharjah Archaeology Authority in promoting research and participation among young researchers.
Sheikha Bodour highlighted Faya's inscription as confirmation of its global importance and its role in understanding early human migration and innovation. She commended H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah for his vision and unwavering support in realizing this achievement, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of local and international institutions involved in the project.
Lazare Eloundou Assomo commended Sharjah's dedication to heritage and the efforts made by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority in preserving Faya. He emphasized the site's outstanding universal value and the opportunities it presents for further research on early human occupation in arid zones.
The celebration included artistic and scientific presentations, offering a deep dive into Faya's history and its implications for humanity's past. The event concluded with a formal dinner, underscoring Sharjah's commitment to promoting global heritage values.
The inscription of Faya on the UNESCO World Heritage List marks a significant achievement for Sharjah, reflecting years of dedicated work led by H.H. Sheikha Bodour and her team. This recognition places Faya as a critical site in understanding human history and the development of early civilizations.