Dubai Culture Showcases Key Archaeological Milestones at Prestigious Conferences in Cairo and Frankfurt
Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has bolstered its reputation as a custodian of heritage through its participation in two significant events: the 27th Arab Council of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists Conference in Cairo, Egypt, and the Islamic Archaeology Conference at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. These platforms provided an opportunity for Dubai Culture to highlight the emirate’s rich archaeological history and its vital role in fostering cultural connections.
This participation aligns with Dubai Culture’s strategic goal of enhancing the emirate’s presence on the global heritage map and preserving its historical identity for future generations.
Highlighting Dubai’s Archaeological Heritage
During the Cairo conference, themed ‘Studies in the Antiquities and Civilisations of the Arab World’, Dubai Culture presented two significant research papers.
- ‘A Glimpse into the Ancient History and Archaeology of Dubai from the Stone Age to the Islamic Era’:
Authored by Dr. Mansour Boraik, this paper explored prominent archaeological sites such as Al Sufouh, Jabal Al Yamh Tombs in Hatta, Al Ashoush, and Al Qusais. It also delved into the latest discoveries at Saruq Al-Hadid, showcasing advanced excavation techniques and findings. The presentation included detailed insights into the ongoing excavation at the Margham Archaeological Site and the survey work conducted at Suhaila Archaeological Sites in Hatta. - ‘Archaeology and History of Jumeirah Archaeological Site’:
Prepared by Fatma Saeed, this paper focused on the Jumeirah Archaeological Site, one of Dubai’s most prominent Islamic heritage locations, dating back to the Abbasid period (10th century). Recent excavations at this site revealed significant structures, including a caravanserai, a mosque, and a marketplace, emphasising its historical importance as a hub of trade and culture.
Sharing Discoveries in Frankfurt
At the Islamic Archaeology Conference, Dubai Culture collaborated with the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures of the Polish Academy of Sciences to present research titled ‘Jumeirah Archaeological Research Project: Preliminary Results of the Study on the Abbasid Settlement in the UAE’.
This paper examined:
- Architectural features of buildings at the Jumeirah site, including decorative stucco patterns.
- Ceramic analysis, which revealed that 95.66% of pottery unearthed was locally or regionally produced, reflecting the influence of the Gulf region, particularly Siraf, during the Abbasid period.
- Evidence of settlement continuity from the Umayyad period to the modern era, with peaks during the Abbasid and Post-Medieval periods.
Fostering Collaboration and Cultural Exchange
Eng. Bader Mohamed Al Ali, Director of the Antiquities Department at Dubai Culture, emphasised the importance of such international conferences in fostering collaboration and advancing archaeological research.
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“Dubai’s archaeological sites are rich sources of knowledge, especially for researchers exploring the ancient connections between Dubai and other civilisations,” said Al Ali. “Our participation in the Arab Council of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists Conference and the Islamic Archaeology Conference has provided a comprehensive view of the emirate’s archaeological assets and their role in enhancing cultural exchange throughout history.”
Commitment to Heritage Preservation
Dubai Culture’s active involvement in these conferences underscores its commitment to documenting and preserving the emirate’s history. By presenting meticulously researched papers, the organisation ensures that Dubai’s archaeological sites are recognised for their cultural value and safeguarded for generations to come.
The Authority’s contributions to these prestigious events not only highlight the historical depth of Dubai but also reinforce its role as a bridge between ancient civilisations and modern aspirations. With initiatives like these, Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in heritage preservation and cultural dialogue.
