UAE's Wadi Wurayah Natural Reserve Joins UNESCO World Heritage List
UNESCO has added Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, to its World Heritage List, marking the country's first site recognised for outstanding natural value and its third World Heritage property overall. The decision was announced at the 48th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea.
The inscription highlights the reserve’s exceptional biodiversity and geological features, including a permanent natural waterfall, permanent surface water, and a range of ecosystems spanning terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal environments. The park covers roughly 220 km² and is home to about 1,099 species, among them 216 plant species, 883 animal species, and numerous rare or endangered organisms.
UAE officials praised the designation. Crown Prince of Fujairah Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi called it a milestone for the emirate and the nation. Culture Minister Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi said the listing strengthens the UAE’s role in protecting natural heritage and biodiversity. Asilah Abdullah Al Mualla, Director‑General of the Fujairah Environment Authority, noted the site’s importance for regional conservation and scientific research.
Entities: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi · Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi · UNESCO · Wadi Wurayah National Park
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] UNESCO inscribed Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on its World Heritage List.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Wadi Wurayah contains the UAE’s only permanent natural waterfall and permanent surface water.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The inscription was announced at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The reserve covers about 220 km² and hosts approximately 1,099 species, including 216 plant species and 883 animal species.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Culture Minister Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi said the designation strengthens the UAE’s position in protecting natural heritage and biodiversity.
- [● 4 SOURCES] It is the first natural heritage site in the UAE on the World Heritage List.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi said the inscription is a milestone for Fujairah and the UAE.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Wadi Wurayah is the UAE’s third World Heritage site overall.