FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, July 28, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- The United Arab Emirates has achieved a new global milestone with the inscription of Wadi Wuraya in the Emirate of Fujairah on the
UNESCO World Heritage List, following approval at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, Republic of Korea.This international recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reflects the international significance of Wadi Wuraya in Fujairah as a significant site among the world’s natural heritage sites.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and Ambassador of the Wadi Wuraya nomination file to UNESCO, affirmed that this historic achievement represents a significant milestone in the achievements of both the UAE and the Emirate of Fujairah. He described it as a unique moment in the country’s journey and global standing, highlighting that it reflects the UAE’s commitment to preserving and protecting its natural areas in line with leading international standards.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said that this moment of pride embodies the vision of the Fujairah Government, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, to preserve this site for its great human significance, as well as its cultural and natural richness throughout history. He noted that Wadi Wuraya is now a global model that is highly appreciated and admired internationally, as well as a significant contribution to the UAE’s standing on the world stage.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also affirmed that the inclusion of Wadi Wuraya Reserve as a UNESCO World Heritage Site further highlights the great importance of the reserve, due to its unique ecological and geological features, as well as its scientific, environmental and cultural value. He stressed that this achievement reflects the efforts of the UAE and the Emirate of Fujairah to protect areas of outstanding universal value, support the ecosystem, and ensure security and sustainability for future generations.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the value of this place as an integrated and balanced ecosystem, reflecting the harmony between people and their environment throughout history. He noted that Wadi Wuraya forms a unique, living system that supports vital natural processes over time, and furthers the UAE’s national vision of promoting shared responsibility, both nationally and globally, to protect natural heritage and achieve sustainable development.
His Highness Sheikh Salim bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the UAE National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, said: "The inclusion of Wadi Wuraya on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a strategic national achievement that further strengthens the UAE's leadership in the protection of natural heritage and the preservation of biodiversity. It embodies a national vision that places heritage at the heart of national identity, identifies it as a driving force for sustainable development, and considers its protection a shared responsibility to humanity and future generations. As the third UAE site to be included in the list and the first to be designated for its exceptional natural value, Wadi Wuraya further enhances the country's presence on the global heritage map. It reflects the success of the approach to protecting natural resources while capitalizing on their scientific, intellectual and developmental value."
His Highness Al Qasimi added: "This milestone is the result of an integrated national effort, in which the UAE National Commission for Education, Science and Culture played a crucial role. The Commission coordinated the work of the Ministry of Culture, the Fujairah Environment Authority and relevant agencies, while strengthening cooperation with UNESCO. This institutional alignment highlights the exceptional universal value of Wadi Wuraya."
His Highness Al Qasimi affirmed that Wadi Wuraya, with its rich biodiversity and rare ecosystems, has an importance that goes beyond its geographical boundaries. As a natural and scientific resource, it contributes to the advancement of human knowledge. Its World Heritage status will bring the UAE's expertise in natural heritage management to the global spotlight, while expanding opportunities for international partnerships, exchange of experiences and the production of specialized knowledge.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al-Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah, said that this historic victory is a significant achievement that reflects the Fujairah Government’s strong commitment to Wadi Wuraya and its ongoing efforts to preserve the area in accordance with the highest international standards. His Excellency Dr. Al-Zeyoudi affirmed that work will continue to transform the reserve into a global site that demonstrates the deep-rooted connection between humans and nature, and to ensure its significance for future generations.
H.E. Asila Abdullah Al Mualla, Director General of the Fujairah Environment Authority, expressed her gratitude to the World Heritage Committee, the members of the advisory body and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for this international recognition of Wadi Wuraya Reserve. H.E. Al Mualla stressed that the site’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List is of global value as it is a major centre of biodiversity and ecosystems in the region, as well as the last and most authentic example of preserved ecosystems in the arid foothills of the Hajar Mountains of the Arabian Peninsula.
H.E. Al Mualla added: “Wadi Wuraya is one of the UAE’s only permanent surface water sources and is home to the country’s only permanent natural waterfall. The reserve is also home to a number of mammals and birds that are unique to this area, as well as many rare and endangered species of animals, plants, reptiles and insects. This makes Wadi Vuraya a vivid example of the vital ecological processes that have shaped the evolution of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems, as well as plant and animal communities, over centuries."
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