Sheikh Sultan and Sheikha Bodour with archaeology experts at the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in Monday. WAM

During the meeting, attended by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador for the international nomination file for the Al Fayha Heritage Site, discussions revolved around the significant archaeological, historical, and diverse topographical features of the Mleiha region.

Additionally, the efforts of the emirate of Sharjah in preserving archaeological sites, ongoing excavation operations, and the non-interference and development within heritage areas to ensure compliance with the regulations and laws of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) were addressed.

Sharjah Ruler emphasised that Al Fayha region is one of the most significant sites of the Stone Age in the Arabian Peninsula and the world, bearing substantial evidence regarding the history of early human migration. Abounding in numerous archaeological discoveries, it is poised for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

He pointed out that the objective of listing Al Fayha region as a World Heritage Site is to preserve the cultural heritage for future generations, share it with the world, and promote it.

Al Fayha mountain site is considered an exceptional example of the desert environment during the Stone Age, documenting early human settlement in the area from the beginnings of the Middle Stone Age to the Stone Age, amid changing climatic conditions in the Arabian Peninsula. Studies of the historical and environmental layers at the site have documented the continuity of human settlement for 210,000 years.

Earlier, the emirate of Sharjah had included four important archaeological sites on the tentative list for UNESCO's World Heritage, following a series of studies conducted with academic experts and specialists. These sites included the pre-Islamic period site of Mleiha in southeastern Arabia, the rock engravings in Khatam al-Melahah and Khorfakkan, Wadi Al Helo witnessing copper mining in the Bronze Age in the Arabian Peninsula, and the cultural scene of prehistoric eras in Al Fayha.

Sharjah Ruler receives Emirates Institute of Finance’s members

Also during the day, Dr Sheikh Sultan received Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), along with the board members at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre.

The Sharjah Ruler praised the efforts of the Board of the institute, commending their diligent follow-up and developmental plans for the banking and financial sector in the country.

He also appreciated their employment initiatives and support for Emiratisation, which reflects positively on enhancing community development.

The Sharjah Ruler listened to an explanation of the training programmes in banking and financial services in the UAE and the region, as well as the institute's plans and strategies aimed at graduating students with high skills that serve the financial sector in line with the vision and aspirations of the wise leadership.

The Ruler of Sharjah also reviewed the institute's periodic reports and statistics aimed at preparing institute graduates for the job market, as well as developing future plans that align with government directives, increase Emiratisation rates, and make the banking sector an attractive environment for graduate students.

The Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Institute of Finance and the accompanying delegation expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Ruler of Sharjah for his warm reception and significant support, as well as his continuous guidance that supports the institute's strategies and contributes to the development of the financial and banking sector.

WAM