FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates — In the shadow of the rugged Hajar Mountains, where the Gulf of Oman meets the eastern edge of the United Arab Emirates, the Emirate of Fujairah stands as a guardian of the nation’s rich heritage. Far from the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai or the cultural hubs of Abu Dhabi, Fujairah offers a quieter, more introspective glimpse into the UAE’s past—a blend of ancient forts, timeworn mosques, and rural villages that echo the resilience of Bedouin life. This commitment to preservation was underscored today with the international recognition of Qidfa Village, a modest settlement that has now joined the ranks of global heritage sites under the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Qidfa Village has received a prestigious certificate from the FAO’s Museum and Network (FAO MuNe) initiative, celebrating its role in safeguarding natural heritage, biodiversity, and traditional food practices. This accolade highlights the UAE’s broader efforts to intertwine rural heritage with modern education, hospitality, and tourism, while embracing innovative solutions for sustainable development. As Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, remarked, this recognition is a testament to the nation’s prudent policies and projects that foster comprehensive growth across all regions.
Sheikh Hamad praised the coordinated work of national institutions in executing these strategies, emphasizing Fujairah’s dedication to heritage villages and environmental protection. “The Emirate of Fujairah attaches special importance to preserving heritage villages and the natural environment,” he said, “as well as empowering local communities in a manner that strengthens national identity and achieves a balance between economic and social development while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, noted that Qidfa’s inclusion in FAO MuNe aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy. It underscores the village’s contribution to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity protection, and the preservation of local knowledge—turning rural areas into models of environmental and economic innovation.
Mohamed Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, attributed the achievement to nationwide initiatives aimed at uplifting rural communities. Through economic empowerment and cultural tourism, villages like Qidfa are being transformed into vibrant destinations that retain their authentic character.
But Qidfa is just one thread in Fujairah’s intricate tapestry of heritage. The emirate, often overlooked in favor of its western counterparts, is dotted with sites that span centuries of history, from prehistoric tombs to Ottoman-era fortifications. These landmarks not only preserve the past but also serve as living classrooms for sustainable living and cultural continuity.
At the heart of the emirate lies Fujairah Fort, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the oldest and largest forts in the UAE, featuring three circular towers and one rectangular one, rising nearly 20 meters above sea level. This imposing structure, which has withstood invasions and the ravages of time, symbolizes Fujairah’s historical role as a defensive outpost. Nearby, the Fujairah Museum chronicles the region’s ancestral story through artifacts unearthed from local digs, offering insights into ancient trade routes and daily life.
Venturing north, the Al Bidya Mosque—often hailed as the oldest known mosque in the UAE—stands as a humble yet profound monument. Constructed from local stone and mud bricks in the 15th century, its simple design, with four domes supported by a single pillar, reflects early Islamic architecture adapted to the harsh desert environment. The mosque, still in use today, is surrounded by ancient tombs and watchtowers, adding layers of archaeological intrigue.
Other forts punctuate the landscape, each with its own tale of guardianship. Al Bithnah Fort, nestled in a strategic wadi, guarded trade caravans traversing the mountains. Al Hayl Castle, a restored 19th-century stronghold, offers panoramic views and a peek into royal residences of yore. Further afield, Masafi Fort, Al Hail Fort, Wahla Fort, and Sakamkam Fort form a network of defenses that once protected against raids and controlled vital water sources.
Nature itself is part of Fujairah’s heritage narrative. Wadi Wurayah National Park, a UNESCO tentative World Heritage site and Man and Biosphere Reserve, spans over 225 square kilometers of dramatic canyons, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Here, conservation efforts mirror those in Qidfa, blending ecological protection with community involvement.
The Fujairah Heritage Village, a reconstructed traditional settlement, brings this history to life with demonstrations of pearl diving, weaving, and falconry—customs that have defined Emirati identity for generations. As tourism grows, these sites are increasingly linked to eco-friendly initiatives, much like Qidfa’s focus on food traditions and biodiversity.
In an era of rapid modernization, Fujairah’s heritage sites remind us that progress need not erase the past. As Sheikh Hamad’s vision suggests, they are bridges to a sustainable future, where the UAE’s roots nourish its ambitions. With Qidfa’s FAO recognition shining a global spotlight, the emirate invites the world to explore its treasures—not as relics, but as vital elements of a living legacy.