Archaeological discoveries in Fujairah redefine the Emirates’ ancient human settlement history

Fujairah: The Government of Fujairah, working with international researchers, has made a significant discovery at Jabal Kaf Addor in the al-Habhab region. This site, previously thought to have been uninhabited for tens of thousands of years due to dry conditions, now reveals evidence of human settlement between 13,000 and 7,500 years ago. This challenges old beliefs about when people first lived in Southeast Arabia.

Saeed Al Samahi from Fujairah’s Tourism & Antiquities Authority highlighted the government’s commitment to archaeological research, which has unearthed tools and settlements dating back to ancient times. Ali Qasim of the Natural Resources Corporation praised Fujairah’s leadership for safeguarding and documenting the emirate’s geological and historical sites, making it a hub for scientific and cultural tourism.

Also read: World’s last wild horses return to Kazakhstan after nearly 200 years!

Dr. Knut Bretzke, overseeing excavations from the University of Jena, emphasized that their findings push back the region’s human history timeline significantly. Professor Adrian Parker of Oxford Brookes University noted the resilience of early humans who adapted to challenging climates over 13,000 years ago.

The project also identified more than 30 geological sites and revealed three layers of artifacts and animal remains at Jabal Kaf Addor. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal confirmed multiple occupations spanning millennia, marking it as Fujairah’s oldest archaeological site.

Future excavations and surveys are planned, supported by the Crown Prince’s office, to explore further and preserve Fujairah’s rich heritage. This initiative not only enriches our understanding of ancient civilizations but also promotes scientific cooperation and tourism in the emirate.