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The role of Al Qasimi: Inclusion "Alpha" Within the UNESCO World Heritage List, the UAE’s civilizational and humanitarian status is established

Paris, July 13/ WAM/ The Emirate of Sharjah organized an official party in the French capital, Paris, last night to celebrate the inclusion of “Al -Faya” on the list of the World Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization “UNESCO”, which is recorded in a milestone in the history of the achievements that are added to the balance of Sharjah, the UAE and the entire Arab region, as the “Al -Faya” was the only Arab nomination in which the World Heritage Committee considered its seventh session And forty.

“Al -Fayy” is the second site in the UAE to obtain this global recognition after the cultural sites in the city of Al Ain, which was included in 2011 to continue to establish the state’s position on the map of human heritage.

The ceremony was collected by a group of members of the World Heritage Committee, diplomats and international experts at the moment of a collective celebration of this historical achievement, which reflects Sharjah’s commitment to protecting and collapsing human heritage.

Sheikha Badour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the official ambassador of the nomination file (the cultural scene of prehistoric times in Al -Faya), expressed her pride in Sharjah’s continuous efforts to include “Al -Faya”, and highlighting his essential role in enriching the understanding and development of the first human history.

She stressed the importance of this historical achievement, noting that the inclusion of (Al -Fayya) in the World Heritage List embodies Sharjah’s firm commitment to preserving this human heritage for future generations.

Sheikha Badorvi said her opening speech during the ceremony that “the inclusion of Al -Fiyah on the World Heritage List is a collective achievement we congratulate Sharjah and everyone who stood by our side throughout this inspiring and value trip.”

She added that this year was the only Arab nomination in which the World Heritage Committee looked at and today it becomes the second site in the UAE to obtain this global appreciation after the cultural sites in the city of Al Ain, which was included in 2011 that it was a great victory for Sharjah, a victory for the UAE and a victory for the entire region.

She emphasized Sharjah’s commitment to continuing its efforts in preserving and protecting the Al -Fayya site and investing in its preservation work and expanding the scope of scientific research associated with it to ensure the arrival of its story and its cultural impact to the whole world.

For his part, His Excellency Ali Al -Hajj Al -Ali, the permanent delegate of the United Arab Emirates to UNESCO, affirmed the state of the firm commitment to preserving heritage, noting the connotations of this achievement at a broader level.

He said that the UAE will remain committed to the UNESCO message, and is proud to be an active partner and a participant in preserving our common human heritage, pointing out that the World Heritage List is not just a record of sites but rather an embodiment of the various human stories, values and identities. Al -Faya is an advanced step towards expanding the representation of sounds and landscapes from the Arab world and other regions that have been for long periods on the sidelines of this record, in order to enhance its presence in the story of the universal humanity.

During the ceremony, the attendees recalled the fruitful cooperation march that conveyed the file of the “cultural scene of prehistoric times in Al -Fayya” to this advanced stage, and witnessed a visual presentation documenting the most prominent work stations and achievements and reviews the dedication of researchers, experts and partners who formed a basic pillar in the nomination march.

His Excellency Issa Youssef, Director General of the Sharjah Antiquities Authority, expressed his deep appreciation to all those who contributed to achieving this achievement, stressing the importance of continuing international cooperation to protect the legacy of Al -Fayya and enhance its role in expanding our understanding of early human history.

He said that the inclusion of (Al -Faya) site on the UNESCO World Heritage List is not just a global recognition of an archaeological site but rather the crowning of decades of wise vision and the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who laid the basis for protecting our cultural heritage and creating a sustainable scientific environment to serve humanity.

He appreciated the exceptional leadership of Sheikha Badour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who stood behind this achievement with a solid vision, a scientific method and enthusiastic partnerships locally and internationally led by the authority’s team with an indisputable dedication.

He added that (Al -Fayy) is a living testimony on the genius of the first human being and its ability to adapt and innovate in the face of the harshest environmental challenges, it has re -drew a map of our understanding of the human journey and emphasized that the Arabian Peninsula was not a transit pathway for migrations, but rather an authentic home and a center for early human creativity, this inclusion represents for us the Sharjah Antiquities Authority of a milestone that enhances our deep commitment to protect the cultural heritage For our country and our region, and prompts us to continue investing in research, documentation and education to ensure that the story (Al -Fayy) is present in the awareness of future generations and the conscience of the world.

He said: “Together we make (Al -Faya) a beacon of knowledge and a symbol of our collective dedication to preserving the past of humanity for a more awareness and attached to its roots.”

The cultural scene of prehistoric times in “Al -Fayy” is a window that overlooks the capabilities of the ancient man to adapt in one of the harshest desert environments on the face of the earth more than 200 thousand years ago, as the layers of human activity discovered on the site – which dates back to more than 200 thousand years – reveal stories rich in steadfastness and innovation and confirm that the Arabian Peninsula was not just a transient corridor in immigration paths but rather a destination and an active center For innovation and cultural exchange.

During more than thirty years of accurate exploration, led by the Sharjah Antiquities Authority in cooperation with prestigious international teams, 18 successive geological classes were disclosed, each documenting a different time period of human activity, which gives “Al -Faya” an exceptional scientific value in drawing a path of human development in arid environments and the site continues today to reshape our understanding of the past and its deep and present with the present, stressing the importance of preserving this type of knowledge And transfer it to future generations.

The cultural scene of prehistoric times in “Al -Fayya”, and for more than 11 years, was a pivotal location within the UNESCO program “Heads” (human development, adaptation, spread and social developments), along with iconic sites such as the Caves of the Classy River and the Cave and Noverek in Africa and this long -term cooperation emphasizes the importance of “Al -Faya” in supporting global research in ancient human science and environmental studies and promoting international cooperation in Global cultural heritage protection.

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