Sharjah Opens World Heritage Office After UNESCO Faya Listing

The Sharjah Archaeology Authority has launched the Sharjah World Heritage Office to strengthen the management and protection of UNESCO-listed, nominated, and potential heritage sites across the emirate. The launch follows an Emiri Decree issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi approving the authority’s organisational structure, and comes shortly after the inscription of Faya on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025. According to the authority, the office will oversee the preparation and management of nomination files for sites considered to hold Outstanding Universal Value, alongside administrative supervision of sites already listed on the World Heritage List and UNESCO Tentative List. Its responsibilities will also include preparing digital databases and documentation systems for cultural heritage sites, conducting specialised studies supporting heritage preservation work, and strengthening monitoring and conservation mechanisms ahead of future international nominations. The office will additionally oversee the AED 2 million Faya Research Grant programme established by the Sharjah government to support research connected to the Faya World Heritage Site. The office will coordinate locally and internationally on the management of cultural, natural, and mixed heritage site nominations, while also overseeing conservation plans, monitoring systems, and periodic reporting required under the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Additional responsibilities include conducting Heritage Impact Assessments for development and infrastructure projects, updating planning regulations around heritage zones, and developing Urban Guidelines aligned with international conservation standards. The office will also expand cooperation with international heritage organisations including UNESCO, ICESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, and IUCN.