Al-Faw Archaeological area scripted as the eighth UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saudi Arabia

BW Online Bureau Aug 01, 2024

During the 46th annual session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi, the committee has recorded the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area on the World Heritage List.

During the 46^th annual session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi, the committee has recorded the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area on the World Heritage List.

This marks the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's eighth World Heritage inscription, a testament to the country's ongoing commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage. The inscription of Al-Faw enhances Saudi Arabia's prestigious list of World Heritage sites, which includes Hegra Archaeological Site, At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, Historic Jeddah, Rock Art in the Hail Region, Al-Ahsa Oasis, Ḥimā Cultural Area, and ‘Uruq Bani Ma‘arid.

The successful nomination, headed by the Ministry of Culture through the Heritage Commission in collaboration with the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to safeguarding its historical sites.

Located at the north-western edge of the Empty Quarter, Al-Faw stands as a remarkable testament to human occupation spanning millennia. From early nomadic settlements to a thriving urban center in the 1st millennium BCE, the site showcases humanity's adept interaction with the environment over nearly a thousand years. Situated at the intersection of Wadi Ad-Dawasir and the Tuwaiq escarpment, Saudi archaeologists have unearthed ancient springs and a vast irrigation network made up of water channels, revealing a relict cultural landscape.

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, Saudi Minister of Culture said: “UNESCO’s recognition reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to protecting and preserving heritage. Cultural sites such as Al-Faw highlight that Saudi Arabia has been home to many civilizations, revealing a deep history and cultural significance across millennia. The Kingdom is committed to protecting these treasures, ensuring its preservation for future generations."

Al-Faw was once an oasis city that flourished as a key link in the frankincense trade route, connecting South Arabia to Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. Excavations have revealed successive occupations from at least three different civilizations, indicating extensive cultural exchanges. The site features a wide array of prehistoric remains, including spectacular avenues of tapered stone structures and an impressive number of circular tombs spread across its extensive 50 km square territory, evidencing sustained human presence.

Additionally, rock carvings depicting human and animal motifs, chariots, camels, and wild animals such as ibex and oryx, are found throughout the area, adding to its archaeological significance.