Mleiha, Al Dhaid Fort & Falaj on final Islamic World Heritage List

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In a new cultural achievement for the Emirate of Sharjah and its distinguished historical role, the Islamic World Heritage Committee of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) added the Mleiha archaeological site and Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj to the list of the Islamic World Heritage.

Preserving Sharjah's tangible cultural heritage sites

Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has completed the nomination dossier of Mleiha archaeological site titled "Mleiha: The Pre-Islamic Period in Southeast Arabia". The nomination highlights the historical and archaeological value of Mleiha and its archaeological architectural elements that were unearthed during continuous excavations. Reports on the state of the archaeological site conservation, and its monitoring system were also cited.

This listing comes within the framework of the SAA strategy to preserve tangible cultural heritage of the emirate and share it with the world by listing these sites on international heritage. These international recognitions help boost tourism in the inscribed properties.

An exceptional testimony to the civilisation of 'Mleiha'

The inscription of Mleiha archaeological site on this list is based on the Mleiha cultural influence during the pre-Islamic period from the 300 BCE to 300. Archaeological discoveries confirmed Mleiha's external connections, which prove the vital role Mleiha played in the caravan trade across the Arabian Peninsula desert, linking the Indian Ocean coasts to the Mediterranean Sea.

Mleiha has great archaeological value as continuous excavations prove.

It is noteworthy that the excavations and research work that began at Mleiha archaeological site has been carried by local teams since the seventies of the last century in cooperation with the Iraqi mission, followed by the studies of the French mission in the eighties. Since 2009, joint field studies have been carried out with the Belgian team.

Nomination of “Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj” on the ICESCO list

Listing of Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj on the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage List was the result of joint efforts between the Authority for Initiatives Implementation and Infrastructure Development “Mubadara,” and the Sharjah Archaeology Authority. to nominate “Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj.” In 2017, “Mubadara” restored the Fort Al Dhaid and Al Falaj building following the generous directions of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

A witness to the ancient history of the city of Al Dhaid, the security and safety of its residents

The listing of Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj comes due to the archaeological and economic importance that the Aflaj irrigation system represents to the city of Al Dhaid. Falaj is considered one of the oldest archaeological evidence of life in the city and is distinguished by ancient engineering techniques that ensure sustainability and justice in the local community’s benefit from water resources. These water resources served the caravans that used to pass through the city of Al Dhaid due to their strategic location that connects the cities, and the presence of defensive elements for protection, such as Al Dhaid Fort. The Fort is a witness to the ancient history of the city and the security and safety of its residents and the routes of commercial caravans.

Three Sharjah sites listed on the ICESCO Heritage List in the Islamic World

It is worth mentioning that the Islamic World Heritage List is a prestigious international designation dedicated to protecting cultural heritage and natural heritage in the Islamic world. The inscription of the archaeological site of Mleiha, Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj bring the total number of listed sites in the Emirate of Sharjah to three. It is noteworthy that the Sharjah Archaeology Authority has inscribed the Heart of Sharjah and Al Hisn on the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage List in 2021.