Archaeology Conference to Highlight UAE’s Ancient Past

ABU DHABI - History and heritage of the UAE were proven over 50 years ago, when the Umm Al Nar civilisation was brought to the surface in the first-ever archaeological excavation in
the country.

by

Silvia Radan

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Published: Mon 23 Feb 2009, 2:51 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 1:33 AM

“Before thatthere was virtually nothing known about the inhabitants of this land, except for a few writings by Marco Polo or Ibn Battuta,” pointed out Peter Hellyer, information advisor to the National Media Council.

Hellyer’s remark came ahead of the Archaeology Conference that will be held in Abu Dhabi on March 1-3 to celebrate 50 years of archaeological discoveries in the country.

The conference will be the second of its kind in the country and the 10th Scientific Forum of the History and Archaeology Society in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Nearly 170 archaeologists, professors and specialists from UAE and overseas will present 23 research papers not only on archaeological matters, but also on history, heritage, customs and traditions of the ancient inhabitants of Arabia.

According to Hellyer, since there is very little knowledge about the UAE’s prehistoric times among the residents and visitors, one of the aims of this conference will be to shed more light on the country’s ancient years.

“We want to tell the world that yes, UAE has a history, a heritage,” 
stressed Hellyer.

Since the discovery of Umm Al Nar civilisation 50 years ago, thousands of excavations and discoveries were made throughout the country.

“Many of the findings are too large to move, but there are some exhibited in museums in Sharjah, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and, soon, in the Shaikh Zayed museum, which is being built in Abu Dhabi,” Hellyer stated.

He also pointed out that 99 per cent of archaeological findings are within the country, and just one per cent was sent mostly to Europe for
further studies.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com


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