Baghdad: Sharjah has translated the inclusion of Al Faya on the World Heritage List into a comprehensive system for scientific research and heritage preservation. One year after its recognition by UNESCO as the only Arab site included during the 47th session, the emirate has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance scientific research, protect the site, and expand its global presence.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, within the past year, Sharjah has launched a series of initiatives, including the establishment of a specialized World Heritage Office and the introduction of the AED 2 million “Al Faya Research Grant” program. This program attracted research projects from international universities and scientific centers, aiming to improve the visitor experience, strengthen international cooperation, and ensure sustainable site management.

These initiatives align with Sharjah’s vision of Al Faya’s inscription as a new chapter in its history. By investing in knowledge and developing protection and management tools, Sharjah ensures Al Faya’s continued contribution to global studies related to human history, solidifying its status as an international reference in prehistoric research.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi highlighted the significance of Al Faya’s inscription, emphasizing that it represents an opportunity to enhance scientific research, conservation efforts, and expand the knowledge the site offers the world about human history.

The past year witnessed the establishment of the Sharjah World Heritage Office, responsible for conservation, documentation, scientific research, international cooperation, and long-term management of World Heritage sites in the emirate under the Sharjah Archaeology Authority.

One of the key initiatives was the ‘Al Faya Research Grant’ program, with an investment of two million dirhams, aimed at supporting long-term studies related to human history in southeastern Arabia. The grant program attracted 49 research applications from universities and research centers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, resulting in the selection of five projects led by teams from the UAE, UK, US, Germany, and Spain.