UAQ Archaeology Department Initiates Winter Excavation Season For 2024-2025 At Al Ghallah Island

The Department of Tourism and Archaeology in Umm Al Qaiwain has initiated the winter 2024-2025 archaeological excavations at Al Ghallah Island. This coastal site, located in Khor Umm Al Qaiwain, dates back to the Neolithic period, approximately seven thousand years ago. The French mission is actively involved in these excavations, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and cultural exchange in advancing scientific research.

Initial excavations on Al Ghallah Island began in 1989, led by a French team over three years. These efforts resumed in 2002 and continued until 2009 for five consecutive seasons. The site features a unique archaeological stratigraphic sequence, including a well-preserved layer from the fourth millennium BC. This makes it particularly valuable for study as it reflects a transitional phase between the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age.

Haitham Sultan Al Ali, Director-General of the Umm Al Qaiwain Tourism and Archaeology Department, highlighted the importance of archaeological excavations. He stated that these efforts are vital for preserving sites for future generations while enhancing our understanding of human history. "These efforts align with the growing interest in historical and archaeological tourism, aimed at exploring the region's cultural development, particularly in Umm Al Qaiwain Emirate," he said.

This year's excavation plan focuses on analysing the fourth millennium BC layer on the island. It also aims to complete the excavation of an area containing dugong bones. The objective is to explore connections between these findings and the island's fishing settlement from the fifth millennium BC. This will provide insights into early inhabitants' economic life and rituals.

Recent excavations by the Department of Tourism and Archaeology have uncovered what is believed to be the oldest known ritual structure on Al Ghallah Island. This discovery includes a deliberate accumulation of dugong bones dating back to the latter part of the fourth millennium BC. The area covers approximately 10 square metres and consists of around forty dugong bones.

The ongoing collaboration with international teams highlights how cultural exchanges can enhance scientific research. By working together, researchers aim to uncover more about early human settlements and their way of life on this ancient island.

The findings from these excavations not only contribute to our understanding of past cultures but also support sustainable management practices for archaeological sites. Such efforts ensure that these historical treasures are preserved for future generations to study and appreciate.

With inputs from WAM