UAE achieves global milestone as Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah joins UNESCO World Heritage List

The United Arab Emirates has achieved a historic milestone with the inscription of Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The recognition highlights Wadi Wurayah’s rare biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and cultural and scientific significance. It marks the UAE’s first World Heritage site recognised for outstanding natural value and its third site overall to be included on the prestigious list.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and Ambassador of the Wadi Wurayah nomination file to UNESCO, described the achievement as “a significant milestone in the accomplishments of both the UAE and the Emirate of Fujairah.” He said the recognition reflects the UAE’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage “in accordance with the highest international standards.”

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that Wadi Wurayah now stands as “a global model” for conservation and environmental protection, noting that the site reflects the vision of the Fujairah government to preserve areas of outstanding cultural and natural importance for future generations.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Chair of the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, said the inscription represents “a strategic national achievement” that strengthens the UAE’s leading role in protecting natural heritage and biodiversity.

He added that the recognition “embodies a national vision that places heritage at the heart of national identity, positions it as a driver of sustainable development, and recognises its preservation as a shared responsibility towards humanity and future generations.”

The achievement follows a coordinated national effort involving the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, the Ministry of Culture, the Fujairah Environment Authority, and other relevant entities, in cooperation with UNESCO.

Located in the Hajar Mountains, Wadi Wurayah is one of the UAE’s most important ecological areas. The reserve is home to rare and endangered species, diverse ecosystems, and the country’s only permanent natural waterfall. It is also among the few sources of permanent surface water in the UAE, making it a valuable site for scientific research and environmental conservation.

Asilah Abdullah Al Mualla, Director-General of the Fujairah Environment Authority, described the UNESCO recognition as a milestone of global value, highlighting that Wadi Wurayah represents “one of the last and most authentic pristine ecosystems of the arid foothill region in the Hajar Mountains of the Arabian Peninsula.”

Officials reaffirmed their commitment to continuing conservation efforts and developing Wadi Wurayah as a global destination that demonstrates the harmony between humans and nature while ensuring the protection of its natural heritage for generations to come.