Sharjah's coastal heritage network added to Unesco World Heritage Tentative List
A trio of historic coastal sites in Sharj ah have been added to Unesco's Tentative List for World Heritage, recognising their significance as a unified maritime network spanning more than two millennia, state news agency Wam reported on Wednesday. The Coastal Fortified Network of South Eastern Arabia comprises Dibba Al-Hisn, Khor Fakkan and Khor Kalba – three sites that formed a strategic…
Three historic coastal sites in Sharjah have been added to Unesco's Tentative List for World Heritage, highlighting their shared maritime significance spanning over two millennia. The Coastal Fortified Network of South Eastern Arabia includes Dibba Al-Hisn, Khor Fakkan, and Khor Kalba. This designation recognizes the strategic maritime corridor formed by these three sites along the Oman Sea.
The inclusion brings the total number of UAE sites on Unesco's Tentative List to 16, with six of them located in Sharjah. The serial property documents a history from early trade integration into the Indian Ocean, through the Kingdom of Hormuz and Portuguese occupation, to Al Qasimi administration. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Unesco Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, emphasized the importance of viewing heritage as knowledge and responsibility for the future.
Archaeological evidence at each site reveals fortifications, settlement remains, harbors, and coastal landscapes illustrating the network's integrated function. At Dibba Al-Hisn, excavations uncovered settlement layers dating from the Neolithic period to the 20th century. Khor Fakkan preserves two fortified sites and a historic town wall, while Khor Kalba features a Portuguese rammed-earth fortification.
The next phase will intensify archaeological research for a potential full international nomination. Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape was already inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in July 2025, making it the second UAE site to receive this designation.
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