Dubai inaugurates unique archaeology exhibition

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing's (DTCM) Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem inaugurated an archaeological exhibition displaying exhibits and antiques dating back to the Neolithic period or Stone Age at the Dubai Museum today.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer and DTCM Specialist of Archaeology Dr. Hussain Kandil with other senior officials from the department as well as by the Jordanian archaeological team.

The excavations were conducted by a combined archaeological team of the DTCM and Jordanian experts. Surveys of 33 separate areas at the five sites were conducted. The five archaeological sites are Al Sufoh, Sarug Al Hadeed, Jumeira, Al Ashush and Mughanna.

During the past two years excavations at the archaeological sites were being carried out under the instructions of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and Chairman of the DTCM. "Dubai's past is exciting and intriguing and discoveries of artifacts dating back to Stone and Iron Age, will be adding another facet to the emirate's diverse attractions," said Mr. bin Sulayem.

He noted that HH Sheikh Mohammed's farsightedness and active interest, has made us successful unveiling our ancient glorious past. "The archaeological site 'Al Sufoh' unearthed a large number of camel bones, a few bronze tools  and some pottery shards dating back 2000-1600 BC. Moreover, one of the largest and most important archaeological sites measuring 14 sq m called the  'Sarug Al Hadeed', which was sighted and discovered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed himself," Mr. bin Sulayem revealed.

The archaeological evidence found during the excavation dates back to  7000-4000 BC and 1st millennium BC. The diggings at this place also led to the discovery of large settlements engaged in copper production. "Copper ore, slag heap, furnace fragments, copper ingots, large number of grinding and crushing stones found at the site, suggested that the site was one of the ancient copper-smelting villages in the region", stated Mr. bin Sulayem.

Jumeira archaeological site dates back to 10th century and shows that the civilizations settled there were influenced by the Islamic art. "The site consists of three buildings, and a number of houses, shops and a mosque, beside many of geometric designs and ornaments, which were applied on the doors and windows, and carried Islamic art features," he said.

The presence of small copper items, melting cups, pottery shards, and golden pieces indicates that inhabitants of Jumeira dealt in variety of  industrial activities particularly manufacturing pottery and glass objects.

DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer said that discoveries conducted at all the sites indicate that copper was in abundance in the Emirate. "The excavations and results dating back to period of Stone and Iron Age have been a thrilling experience for all of us. These discoveries  also show that how the old inhabitants of the Emirate made a noteworthy progress in the field of art, architecture, agriculture and industry and also developed an excellent trade relations," said Mr. Al Seghayer.

He recalled the discovery of an old trunk of Mangrove tree, which was unearthed during the survey jointly conducted by the DTCM's archaeological team and Munich University. "The tree dates back to 6000 years from the present time and is the oldest tree in the UAE," he added.

The exhibition, which is from 5th to 14 February, is open from public between 8 am to 9 pm.