Sharjah Archaeology Authority has launched the Sharjah World Heritage Office as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the protection, documentation, and international management of heritage sites across the emirate.
The initiative follows an Emiri Decree issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi approving the authority’s updated organisational structure. It also arrives shortly after Faya’s inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2025, marking a major milestone for the UAE’s archaeological and cultural landscape.
Accordingly, the new office will oversee the management of World Heritage sites already listed, nominated, or under consideration within Sharjah. Its responsibilities include preparing nomination files, supervising documentation systems, and coordinating with local and international entities involved in conservation and heritage policy.
Focus on Research, Documentation, and Sustainable Conservation
The office will also manage digital databases and specialised heritage records designed to support long-term monitoring, conservation planning, and archaeological research. In addition, it will supervise the international AED2 million Faya Research Grant programme, established by the Sharjah government, to support research related to the newly recognised World Heritage Site.
Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, said the initiative represents a significant development in the emirate’s heritage strategy.
“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.
Yousif added, “The vision of His Highness has established a more advanced approach to heritage as part of human knowledge, not just a record of the past. The office translates this into a clear institutional framework linking scientific research with sustainable protection, while strengthening Sharjah’s presence on international heritage platforms.”
The office will further coordinate with organisations including UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature to support expertise exchange, training, and international representation.
Integrating Heritage Protection With Urban Development
Alongside research and international coordination, the Sharjah World Heritage Office will work with government authorities to align urban planning and infrastructure projects with international heritage standards. This includes updating development requirements for heritage zones and surrounding buffer areas.
The office will also conduct Heritage Impact Assessments for construction and infrastructure projects while preparing Urban Guidelines intended to balance contemporary development with the protection of cultural and archaeological value.
Moreover, public engagement is central to the initiative. Local and international programmes will aim to raise awareness about the role of World Heritage sites in preserving cultural identity and supporting sustainable development.
By establishing a dedicated institutional framework for conservation, Sharjah continues to position itself as a regional centre for archaeology, heritage research, and cultural preservation. The launch further reflects the emirate’s broader effort to present its archaeological landscapes and historic sites as part of a shared global heritage narrative.