The Coastal Fortified Network of South Eastern Arabia has officially been added to the UAE’s Unesco Tentative List, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of the nation’s maritime history. This network encompasses three vital historical sites—Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan, and Khor Kalba—which served as essential hubs for trade, shipping, and defense along the Oman Sea for over 2,000 years. From the early days of Indian Ocean trade routes to the eras of Portuguese influence and Al Qasimi rule, these sites illustrate how coastal communities were intricately linked by their navigation and strategic defense efforts.

By achieving a spot on the Tentative List, these locations now receive a stronger framework for ongoing archaeological research, conservation, and global protection. Excavations at these sites have unearthed fascinating evidence of daily life and commerce, ranging from ancient glass workshops and pearl processing facilities in Dibba to the storied fortresses of Khor Fakkan and the mangrove-flanked maritime defenses of Kalba. Officials from the Sharjah Archaeology Authority emphasize that this recognition is part of a broader, long-term commitment to studying the emirate's past, ultimately paving the way for a formal nomination to the prestigious Unesco World Heritage List.