The listing recognises Wadi Wurayah’s exceptional ecological importance and natural heritage.
Fujairah: Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, becoming the UAE’s first site to receive recognition for its Outstanding Universal Natural Value and the country’s third World Heritage property overall.
The landmark decision was announced during the 48th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, following the committee’s assessment of the UAE’s nomination dossier.
The inscription recognises Wadi Wurayah’s outstanding natural importance, highlighting its diverse biodiversity, distinctive geological features, and its status as one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most significant freshwater ecosystems.
The designation represents a major milestone in the UAE’s environmental conservation efforts, reflecting the country’s long-term commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage in accordance with international standards.
The recognition further enhances Wadi Wurayah’s global standing as a site of exceptional ecological value while supporting continued efforts to protect its ecosystems for future generations.
The UAE delegation, led by the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Fujairah, participated in the World Heritage Committee session to follow the progress of the nomination process.
Already designated as a protected area of national significance, the reserve is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered varieties. It has long been considered one of the UAE’s most important natural landscapes.
