3 UAE Sites Included in ICESCO Heritage List

  • Publish date: Thursday، 17 October 2024 | Last update: Tuesday، 10 December 2024
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Great news for Sharjah! The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) just announced that Dibba Al Hisn Fort and Settlement, Fili Fort, and Wadi Shees have been included in the Islamic World Heritage List by ICESCO. This recognition highlights how important these sites are to our culture and history.

The nomination was a joint effort by the Authority for Initiatives Implementation and Infrastructure Development (Mubadara) and the SAA at the 12th ICESCO Heritage Committee meeting in Shusha, Azerbaijan, which is the 2024 Islamic World Cultural Capital. Having these sites on the list shows how they help strengthen our cultural identity and preserve history for the future.

Read More: Emirati Dish 'Harees' Added to UNESCO Cultural Heritage List

What Makes These Sites Special

In total, the ICESCO Heritage Committee added 91 historical sites to its list, and three of them are right here in Sharjah! Here’s a bit about each one:

  • Dibba Al Hisn Fort: This fort has played a huge role in trade and cultural exchange for over five centuries. It has artefacts from places like China, India, and Europe, showing how important it was for regional commerce.

  • Fili Fort: Located in a strategic spot, Fili Fort helped protect water resources and trade routes between Al Dhaid and Oman. It’s also supported by a historic aflaj irrigation system.

  • Wadi Shees: This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and is environmentally significant. It features ancient irrigation systems and is home to rare wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers and researchers.

Thanks to Support for Heritage

Eisa Yousif, the Director-General of the SAA, expressed his gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his ongoing support in preserving the emirate’s heritage. Yousif highlighted that these sites represent Sharjah’s dedication to protecting its cultural identity and contributing to global heritage efforts.

With the addition of Dibba Al Hisn Fort, Fili Fort, and Wadi Shees to the ICESCO list, Sharjah is making sure that these important places are preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

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