The World Heritage Office at the **Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA)** has officially concluded the **Faya Stone Age Workshop 2026**, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of the UAE’s rich history. This initiative is a cornerstone in strengthening the scientific knowledge and specialist expertise required to research, protect, and manage the **Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage** property for future generations.
At **Business Promotion24**, we closely follow the developments in Sharjah’s cultural and tourism sectors, and this latest achievement highlights the emirate’s commitment to international heritage standards.
### Strengthening Regional Archaeological Expertise
The workshop brought together 22 selected participants, including 18 from the UAE and four from the wider region (Oman, Egypt, and Jordan). The intensive program combined field training at the Faya site with specialized sessions held at the SAA headquarters from October 5 to 8.
The event was organized under the **Emirati Fellowship of the Faya Research Grant Programme**. This Dhs2 million initiative, running from 2026 to 2028, is designed to foster scientific collaboration and support the development of Emirati specialists capable of contributing to Faya’s long-term stewardship.
### Building Skills for Long-Term Protection
Participants received hands-on training in several critical archaeological disciplines, including:
* **Archaeological evidence and dating methods**
* **Palaeoenvironments and lithic analysis**
* **Excavation and site documentation**
Leading the program were internationally recognized experts, including German archaeologist **Dr. Knut Bretzke** (University of Jena) and Canadian archaeologist **Ms. Natasha Singh** (University of Tübingen). SAA experts, including Dr. Ossama Khalil and Dr. Maja Kominko, also contributed sessions on site management and interpretation.
**Eisa Yousif**, Director-General of SAA, emphasized the importance of this work: *“World Heritage recognition brings a responsibility to deepen our knowledge and share it with future generations. We are building the expertise needed for the long-term research and stewardship of the Faya Palaeolandscape.”*
### Connecting Heritage with Sustainable Tourism
The significance of the Faya site extends beyond archaeology into the realm of sustainable cultural tourism. Recently, the **Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)** announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 that it is expanding the **Al Faya Retreat**.
Located within **Mleiha National Park**, the retreat will grow from five rooms to 20 accommodation units by late 2026. This expansion allows visitors to experience the UNESCO-listed Faya site responsibly, positioning the retreat as a gateway to understanding human adaptation to climatic change over deep time.
**Khuloud Alhouli**, Director of the World Heritage Office at SAA, noted that World Heritage inscription is not an endpoint but the beginning of an ongoing responsibility to research and protect these unique landscapes.
Through the efforts of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority and partners like Shurooq, Sharjah continues to set a global standard for how heritage and modern development can coexist. Stay tuned to **Business Promotion24** for more updates on Sharjah’s cultural and economic milestones.
