The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced the discovery of a tomb dating to the Wadi Suq period and the Late Bronze Age (c. 2000–1300 BC) at the Qattara Archaeological Site in Al Ain, opening new horizons for understanding the social and cultural transformations the region underwent during prehistoric times.
The significant archaeological find offers in-depth insights into the continuity of cultural practices and the capacity of ancient communities in the Arabian Peninsula for adaptation and innovation. It also contributes to a deeper understanding of Al Ain's rich civilisational heritage and affirms its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that played a pivotal role in the emergence and development of civilisations over thousands of years.
The Qattara Archaeological Site, renowned for its exceptional richness and diverse historical features, ranks among the most prominent archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates. Over the decades it has yielded a series of important discoveries spanning multiple historical periods, including collective burials from the Wadi Suq period and tower tombs from later eras.
The latest discovery is distinguished by its exceptional state of preservation and remarkable architectural style, having been constructed using stone blocks repurposed from earlier funerary structures dating to the Umm Al Nar civilisation (c. 2700–2000 BC).
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: