Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah National Park (WWNP), the UAE’s first mountain natural reserve, has been included in the UAE’s draft list of nominees for Unesco World Heritage Site classification. Unesco scientific teams will now be given a full description of the park’s ecosystem and biodiversity, as well as its worldwide significance.

The nomination has been sent to Unesco’s World Heritage Centre for evaluation based on the Outstanding Universal Value, OUV, of the natural heritage of Wadi Wurayah. The Fujairah Environment Authority, in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, created an official nomination document. The UAE National Commission for Unesco then presented this to Unesco.

“I am delighted that the first steps have now been taken for recognition of Wadi Wurayah as a World Heritage Site,” the Crown Prince of Fujairah, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, said. “Under directives of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, Fujairah Government has given all types of support to the Wadi Al Wurayah National Park.”

“On this occasion, I am also pleased to announce the launch of Wadi Al Wurayah’s new official identity and brand, aesthetically resonating with the ancient and rich heritage of the Wadi,” he said. “The identity shall serve the program’s vision in becoming an iconic world heritage site as well as its newly developed purpose that shall educate people about the unique characteristics of the wadi and its conservation efforts.”