Wadi Al Helo, Faya Paleolandscape, Al Nahwa, and the Khorfakkan Historic Towers and Forts
Sharjah Archaeology Authority Strengthens Sharjah’s Civilizational Presence with the Inclusion of Four New Sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List
The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has announced the inclusion of four new archaeological sites in the Emirate of Sharjah on the Islamic World Heritage List of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The newly listed sites include the Wadi Al Helo, and Faya Paleolandscape, as well as the Historic Site of Al Nahwa and the Khorfakkan Historic Towers and Forts, which were inscribed through joint cooperation between SAA and the Sharjah Initiatives Execution Authority (Mubadara).
A Result of Continuous Scientific Work in Research, Documentation, and Protection in Line with the Highest International Standards
HE Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, affirmed that the inclusion of these sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List represents a significant achievement that reflects Sharjah’s strategic vision for safeguarding archaeological heritage and presenting it as a shared historical value that transcends time and place. He noted that this international recognition comes as an extension of the continued support and cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has placed the preservation of human heritage at the core of Sharjah’s cultural project. He added that this accomplishment is the outcome of sustained scientific efforts in research, documentation, and protection, implemented in accordance with the highest international standards.
HE Eisa Yousif said: “This inclusion marks an important milestone in preserving Sharjah’s cultural legacy and underscores the significance of these sites as living records of human memory and the evolution of civilizations across thousands of years. At SAA, we are committed to utilizing this heritage to support scientific research, enhance public awareness of its value, and strengthen its presence on the global cultural stage, contributing to the protection of archaeological sites and reinforcing their role in knowledge development and sustainable cultural tourism, in line with Sharjah’s vision of investing in people and history alike.”
Wadi Al Helo
Wadi Al Helo stands as one of the most prominent archaeological sites associated with the history of copper mining and smelting in southeastern Arabia during the Bronze Age, offering clear evidence of early metallurgical activity in the region. Located in the eastern part of Sharjah within the Hajar Mountain range, the site contains remains of ancient mining locations, smelting residues, furnaces, and industrial waste that confirm the practice of copper production thousands of years ago. Archaeological studies indicate that the valley witnessed continuous human settlement since prehistoric times and gained particular importance during the Bronze Age when it became a major source of copper and a center for its production and trade across extensive regional networks, with evidence suggesting the export of locally produced copper to various parts of the Gulf and the Near East.
Faya Paleolandscape
The Faya Paleolandscape represents one of the world’s most significant testimonies to early human settlement in desert environments. Located in a strategic area between the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, its archaeological layers, dating from the Middle Stone Age to the Neolithic period (approximately 210,000 to 6,000 years ago), reveal how early human communities adapted to major climatic changes and utilized natural resources for survival. The site also provides important scientific evidence of the southern migration route of modern humans out of Africa, giving it exceptional value in understanding the history of human settlement.
The Historic Site of Al Nahwa
The listed sites also include the historic mountainous area of Al Nahwa, distinguished by its unique geographical and cultural character within a mountain enclave in the eastern region of Sharjah. The area contains a collection of heritage features that reflect traditional mountain life over centuries, including old stone houses, a historic mosque, an Islamic cemetery, watchtowers, prehistoric rock engravings, and mountain paths used by residents for movement and trade. Al Nahwa represents an integrated model of harmony between humans and their environment, where local communities have preserved traditional agricultural practices and inherited knowledge linked to life in mountainous settings.
Khorfakkan Historic Towers and Forts
The list also includes the Khorfakkan Historic Towers and Forts, forming an integrated defensive system that served for centuries as the city’s first line of protection and safeguarded its natural harbor. These landmarks are spread across coastal and mountainous elevations and include Khorfakkan Fort, the Portuguese Fort, Al Rabi Tower, and Al Adwani Tower, all constructed in strategic locations to monitor the sea and secure trade and land routes. These fortifications reflect the evolution of defensive architecture in the region and highlight their vital role in protecting historic ports and maritime trade networks that connected the Gulf with the Indian Ocean and East Africa, while also carrying cultural and architectural value that demonstrates local building expertise and adaptation to coastal and mountainous environments.
Increase in Listed Sites to 10 Strengthens Sharjah’s Civilizational Presence
This inclusion builds on Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage and adds to a series of previous achievements that saw several historic sites in the emirate inscribed on the Islamic World Heritage List in past years. With this latest addition, the total number of listed sites has risen to ten, reflecting a sustained and strategic approach to preserving and documenting cultural heritage, and reinforcing Sharjah’s presence on both regional and international cultural platforms.
