Sharjah24: The Sharjah Government Media Bureau, in partnership with the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), organised a familiarisation tour for members of the Global Media Network (GMN) , ENEX (European News Exchange) of the prominent archaeological sites in the Emirate of Sharjah, which are part of the preliminary UNESCO World Heritage List.

The archaeological sites spread across Sharjah, which enjoy the special attention and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, are recognised for their historical importance and form the rich cultural heritage of the Emirate and the region.

The familiarisation tour for members of ENEX included visits to the Mleiha Centre for Antiquities, the archaeological sites in the Mleiha region including Al-Faya and Wadi Al-Hilu, and the ancient sites of rock inscriptions found in Kalba and Khorfakkan. The ENEX team also had the opportunity to visit Sharjah Art Biennial, Buhais Geological Park, Khor Kalba Centre for Mangroves, Sharjah Mosque, and the stunning Khorfakkan Amphitheatre.

The experts from Sharjah Archaeology Authority provided a detailed explanation of the various sites and their historical importance.

The visitors got an opportunity to learn why Sharjah, known for its diverse cultural heritage, is considered one of the most important tourism destinations in the UAE and the region, and is known for its world-renowned archaeological and heritage sites. 

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah accords highest importance to this invaluable human and historic cultural heritage as it embodies the collective memory and legacy of previous generations and peoples. The various archaeological sites and discoveries that abound in the Emirate reflect the nature and importance of the civilizations that flourished in this part of the world in the ages and times past.

ENEX media delegation thanked the SGMB for organising the familiarisation tour of Sharjah's archaeological and heritage sites, which have documented the history of the region's inhabitants over the centuries and beyond, celebrating the ancient customs and traditions, and human achievement in various fields of life.