Five UAE heritage sites have been inscribed on the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (ICESCO) List of Islamic World Tangible Heritage, including Saruq Al Hadid in Dubai, alongside four sites in Sharjah – Al Faya site in the central region, the historic towers and forts of Khorfakkan, the Al Nahwa and Wadi Al Helo.
Located about 95 kilometres from the city, Saruq Al Hadid is one of the Dubai’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Discovered in 2002, the site dates back to the Early Bronze Age (2600 BCE) and remained active until the Late Iron Age (550 BCE), making it one of the richest mining and metal production sites in the south-eastern Arabian Peninsula.
In Sharjah, ICESCO inscribed the Faya Palaeolandscape, one of the region’s most significant heritage sites and an exceptional testament to early human settlement. Additionally, the inscription included Wadi Al Helo in the Eastern Region, recognised as the most ancient testimony of copper mining in the Arabian Peninsula during the transitional period from the Neolithic period.
ICESCO also inscribed the historic towers and forts of Khor Fakkan, which form an integrated defensive system reflecting the city’s strategic importance over the centuries. These include the Portuguese Fort and Al Adwani Tower. These fortresses have played a pivotal role in protecting the harbour, from the 14th century to the 20th century.
Located south of Khor Fakkan, Al Nahwa was inscribed on ICESCO's List for its unique archaeological and cultural value. The area features rock carvings from various historical periods, ranging from the Bronze Age to modern times.