SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — The Sharjah Archaeology Authority has launched the Sharjah World Heritage Office to strengthen the management and protection of World Heritage sites across the emirate in line with international standards.
The move follows an Emiri Decree issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi approving the authority’s organisational structure and comes after Faya was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025.
The new office will oversee the management of listed, nominated and potential heritage sites in Sharjah, including the preparation of nomination files for sites considered to hold Outstanding Universal Value.
Authorities said the office would coordinate research, documentation, monitoring and conservation efforts while working with local and international entities to ensure compliance with the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
The office will also supervise the international AED2 million Faya Research Grant programme established by the Sharjah government for the Faya World Heritage Site.
Eisa Yousif, director-general of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, said the launch marked a “new milestone” in managing the emirate’s cultural heritage following Faya’s inclusion on the UNESCO list.
“This places greater responsibility on us to protect sites of Outstanding Universal Value and ensure they are managed in line with international standards, preserving their authenticity, integrity and value for future generations,” he said.
The office will additionally prepare digital databases and heritage records, conduct specialised studies, and coordinate management and conservation plans for listed and potential sites.
Officials said it would work with international organisations including UNESCO, ICOMOS, ICCROM and International Union for Conservation of Nature to exchange expertise and strengthen Sharjah’s global heritage presence.
The authority said the office would also coordinate with government agencies to update planning and development regulations in core and buffer zones around heritage sites, including conducting Heritage Impact Assessments for infrastructure projects.
Sharjah said the initiative reflects its long-term institutional approach to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage while positioning the emirate as a regional centre for research, conservation and heritage management.
-With Inputs from WAM