Fujairah's New Archaeological Discoveries Challenge Historical Narratives Of Human Settlement

The Government of Fujairah, in partnership with an international research team, has discovered evidence of early prehistoric settlement in interior Fujairah. The findings indicate that mobile groups repeatedly occupied the Jabal Kaf Addor rock shelter in the al-Habhab region between 13,000 and 7,500 years ago. This challenges previous beliefs that Southeast Arabia was uninhabited from about 38,000 years ago until around 7,000 years ago.

Ali Qasim, Director of Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation, highlighted the significant efforts led by the government of Fujairah. He credited H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi for their roles in safeguarding and documenting the Emirate's geological and archaeological sites. "These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of the history of our region but also place Fujairah at the forefront of major sites for archaeological and geological research, opening new horizons for scientific cooperation and cultural tourism in the emirate," he stated.

Test excavations at Jabal Kaf Addor revealed three layers containing stone tools, animal bones, and fireplaces. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal from these fireplaces indicates multiple occupations between about 13,000 and 7,500 years ago. These findings make Jabal Kaf Addor the oldest archaeological site in the Emirate.

Dr. Knut Bretzke from the University of Jena supervised the excavations at Jabal Kaf Addor. He said, "The evidence uncovered by our collaborative international team pushes the timeline of human occupation in the region back to about 13,000 years ago, challenging long-held beliefs about the habitation patterns in Southeast Arabia."

Saeed Al Samahi, Director of Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, mentioned that previous archaeological discoveries indicated human settlements dating back to prehistoric times. He noted that thanks to directives from the Fujairah government, efforts are focused on developing antiquities and heritage sectors through scientific archaeological surveys.

Professor Adrian Parker from Oxford Brookes University commented on the findings: "These findings are particularly remarkable considering the prevailing dry conditions in the region during that period, which were previously thought to have made the area uninhabitable until more moist conditions developed around 9,000 years ago." He added that their research underscores early human resilience to varying climatic conditions.

Future Excavation Plans

The Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah recently accepted a project proposal for further excavations at Jabal Kaf Addor and additional surveys in its vicinity. This initiative aims to uncover more details about early human activities in this region.

The researchers believe that prehistoric mobile groups were attracted to Jabal Kaf Addor due to high-quality lithic raw material found in its limestone. The rock shelter provided protection and access to diverse landscapes including interior plains and wadi channels.

The discovery extends known settlement history in Fujairah and fills gaps in archaeological records while challenging assumptions about human settlement timing in Southeast Arabia.

The project also identified over 30 sites with significant geological characteristics as part of an initiative by Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation with international experts' collaboration.

The findings cover a crucial period in human history marked by transitions from hunting-gathering to animal husbandry and food production. Such sites are scarce in Southeast Arabia making this discovery highly significant.

This discovery underscores Fujairah’s importance as a major site for archaeological research while promoting scientific cooperation and cultural tourism opportunities within UAE.

With inputs from WAM