The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah have announced that the heart of Sharjah has been registered in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
The new achievement reflects the significance of archaeological and historical heritage in the UAE and comes in line with Sharjah Islamic Cultural Capital 2014 celebrations.Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has formed a task force to nominate the heart of Sharjah to be included on the List of World Heritage Sites. The file will be evaluated by the Unesco’s bodies, which will conduct a number of visits and assessments over a period of two years before recommending whether to inscribe the heart of Sharjah on the World Heritage List. According to the selection criteria, the nominated site must be a place of outstanding natural importance such as a forest, mountain, island or manmade structures of cultural significance such as buildings or a city. Once listed as the Unesco World Heritage Site, the international organisation will protect the site and help with maintenance when needed.