Abu Dhabi announces new archaeological discoveries after unearthing dozens of graves believed to be over 2,000 years old

New archaelogical sites and artefacts — dating as far back as 1300 BCE — were unearthed in Abu Dhabi, the emirate's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced on Friday.

The authority's archaeologists discovered the significant finds during excavations of part of a Late Pre-Islamic (300 BCE-300 CE) cemetery encountered during the upgrading of roads and infrastructure in the Shaabiya neighbourhood in the Kuwaitat area of Al Ain.

Around 20 individual graves were uncovered, producing some well-preserved objects, including intact amphorae and other ceramics, bronze bowls and other glass and alabaster vessels. Substantial quantities of iron weaponry was also found in the graves including arrows, spears, and a number of swords, including one 70cm long example preserved intact.

The existence of a cemetery suggests a settlement of the same period was probably located nearby, and the presence of deep underground-water channels (aflaj) in this area provides further evidence for the creation of the nearby Al Ain Oasis in this period and the development of the historic landscape of Al Ain.

More treasures

Additional treasures have also been uncovered during a project along an 11.5km stretch of Al Khrais area. These include an Iron Age cemetery containing a monumental stone tomb and at least 35 graves. Another area along the border fence revealed pre-Islamic tombs, one containing a cache of iron weaponry. Archaeologists also identified more than 50 ancient aflaj of various dates and construction techniques, evidence of different phases of Iron Age agriculture and the organisation of irrigation systems and agricultural plots. These ancient fields provide a tangible and relatable link to traditional agriculture systems.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The exciting recent archaeological discoveries in Al Ain are the result of DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to uncover and protect the rich history of the emirate and the wider nation. We are making significant contributions to knowledge of life in the region during time periods about which little has been known, for example, proof that early settlers in this land implemented agricultural systems far earlier than previously thought. Through these undertakings, we continue to obtain a more complete picture of Abu Dhabi’s past, bolstering our pride in the achievements of our ancestors and making valuable contributions to regional and worldwide scientific discourse.”

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Artefacts recovered include ceramics from funerary and agricultural contexts, decorated soft stone vessels, jewellery, shells, metals, weapons, and other objects found in graves and tombs. Extensive soil samples were taken from the site, which will provide further information on the use of the ancient environment and the type of crops being cultivated in the Iron Age.

The pre-Islamic discoveries provide evidence that a period which until recently was relatively absent from the archaeological records in Al Ain is not only present, but seemingly widespread. In addition, the discovery of swords show the adoption of new weaponry, which may indicate the rise of horse-borne warfare in the region at this time.

As part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s continued efforts to further develop knowledge of the UAE’s history and safeguard its cultural heritage, excavation and research activities are taking place continuously across Abu Dhabi. DCT Abu Dhabi also partners with leading educational institutes and governmental organisations to provide students and stakeholders with the most up-to-date knowledge on the management and protection of the historic environment.

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