After Al Faya’s UNESCO triumph, Sharjah proposes Wadi Al Helo and Mleiha for world heritage status

After Al Faya’s UNESCO triumph, Sharjah proposes Wadi Al Helo and Mleiha for world heritage status (Image: Canva)

After securing UNESCO World Heritage status for the Al Faya Palaeolandscape, Sharjah is now accelerating efforts to gain similar recognition for two more archaeological treasures—Wadi Al Helo in the Eastern Region and Mleiha in the Central Region.

The inscription of Jebel Faya on UNESCO’s World Heritage List marked a major milestone for the UAE, spotlighting Sharjah as a significant site in early human history. But for the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), this victory is just the beginning.

According to Gulf Today, Eisa Yousef, Director General of the SAA, stated that the authority is “working relentlessly and sparing no effort” following Al Faya’s recognition, with its attention now firmly set on preparing the next nomination files.

Both Wadi Al Helo and Mleiha are already on UNESCO’s Tentative List, a crucial first step toward full inclusion. Their unique archaeological and historical significance is expected to bolster Sharjah’s growing reputation as a hub of heritage tourism.

Wadi Al Helo: Where History and Landscape Intertwine

Wadi Al Helo—literally “the sweet valley”—is nestled in the rugged folds of the Hajjar Mountains. Spanning 84 square kilometres, this Bronze Age site reveals a lesser-known chapter of Arabia’s ancient mining past. But this isn’t just another old quarry.

Wadi Al Helo showcases a sophisticated understanding of nature, where early human settlements developed copper extraction techniques in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Archaeological findings from the area suggest that Bronze Age communities were not only skilled in metallurgy but also actively engaged in long-distance trade. These remnants reflect a society that was both resourceful and globally connected long before the concept of globalization was born.

Valley of the caves in Mleiha, Sharjah (Image: Canva)

Mleiha: A Portal into Prehistoric Arabia

Nestled in Sharjah’s Central Region, Mleiha offers a rare glimpse into Arabia’s ancient soul. On UNESCO’s Tentative List, this archaeological treasure dates back over 130,000 years, revealing layers of human history through Bronze Age tombs, Iron Age burial sites, and pre-Islamic forts.

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre—part museum, part adventure hub—unveils these stories through curated exhibits and guided tours. From pottery and fossils to early trade routes, the past comes alive here.

But Mleiha isn’t just about history. The surrounding desert invites thrill-seekers to quad bike over red dunes, hike to Camel Rock, or unwind beneath starlit skies. With adventure and antiquity entwined, Mleiha stands as a timeless tribute to Arabia’s enduring legacy.

A Global Spotlight on Sharjah’s Heritage Vision

The successful nomination of Al Faya—with support from 13 of the 21 World Heritage Committee members—has laid a strong foundation for future bids. This international recognition affirms the authenticity, cultural significance, and global value of Sharjah’s archaeological sites.

As Sharjah positions itself as a hub of heritage tourism in the UAE, the focus on Wadi Al Helo and Mleiha could turn the emirate into a must-visit destination for history lovers worldwide. Should the UNESCO designations come through, it will be yet another feather in the cap for a region already rich in stories written in stone, copper, and time.