Sharjah Museums Authority Launches 'Shaped By Stones' Exhibition Featuring Prehistoric Artefacts From Qatar

The exhibition "Shaped by Stones: The Tools that Made Prehistoric Qatar" was inaugurated by Sheikh Majid bin Sultan bin Saqer Al Qasimi at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. This event is a collaboration between the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) and Qatar Museums, and it will be open to the public until 30th April, 2026.

Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, expressed that the exhibition provides a unique insight into humanity's earliest chapters in the region. She highlighted how stone tools reflect creativity and resilience in shaping civilisation. "The collaboration with Qatar Museums provides an educational and cultural experience showcasing the shared heritage connecting Gulf societies over thousands of years," she stated.

The exhibition showcases over 110 archaeological artefacts from prehistoric Qatar. These include flint scrapers, arrowheads, and other tools that demonstrate early human adaptation and craftsmanship during various Stone Age periods. A notable highlight is the discovery of a camel buried beside its owner, dating back to pre-Islamic centuries.

Attendees at the opening included Maissa Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of the Authority; Halima Humaid Al Owais, Vice-Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council; Issa Yousef, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; representatives from the Qatari Consulate and Qatar Museums; along with several archaeology and culture experts.

The exhibition features interactive programmes designed to engage visitors. These include a seminar on Qatar’s archaeological excavations and a hands-on workshop focused on flint tool production scheduled for 16th November, 2025. Such initiatives aim to enhance understanding of historical craftsmanship techniques.

This initiative underscores the pivotal role played by the Sharjah Archaeology Museum in highlighting the Arabian Peninsula’s historical legacy. It fosters research collaboration across Gulf countries while promoting cultural heritage preservation. The museum aims to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a regional centre for archaeology, research, and education through these efforts.

Through this exhibition, the Sharjah Museums Authority reaffirms its commitment to preserving cultural heritage while providing educational experiences that connect past societies with present-day audiences.

With inputs from WAM