Archaeologists working on Ghagha Island, west of the capital city, have unearthed the remains of structures dating back a remarkable 8,500 years – the earliest ever found in the UAE.
This exciting revelation, led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), sheds new light on the region’s past and challenges previous assumptions. Earlier theories placed the rise of settlements in the area alongside the development of long-distance maritime trade routes during the Neolithic period. However, the presence of these ancient structures on Ghagha Island suggests human presence well before the establishment of such trade networks.
Cutting-edge technology, including carbon-14 analysis of charcoal fragments, played a crucial role in dating the structures. This analysis definitively places them at least 8,500 years old, surpassing the previous record held by similar structures found on Marawah Island, also off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
The unearthed structures themselves are described as “simple round rooms” with surprisingly well-preserved stone walls reaching up to a meter in height. These were likely dwellings for a small community who may have resided on the island year-round. Archaeologists also discovered hundreds of artifacts within the rooms, including finely crafted stone arrowheads used for hunting.
The findings suggest a thriving community that likely capitalized on the abundant marine resources surrounding the island. While the duration of their settlement remains unclear, the presence of a grave from roughly 5,000 years ago amidst the ruins hints at the continued significance of the location even after the original inhabitants moved on. This burial site is one of the very few from that period ever discovered on the Abu Dhabi islands.
The discovery fundamentally changes our understanding of the environment of the islands. Previously thought to be arid and inhospitable, the evidence from Ghagha Island points towards a “fertile coast” that attracted inhabitants due to its favorable “local economic and environmental conditions.”
This remarkable find is part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing emirate-wide archaeological program. This program aligns with their mission of safeguarding, protecting, and promoting the rich cultural heritage and ancient history of Abu Dhabi. Ghagha Island joins other significant discoveries like the remains of an ancient monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island and the UNESCO-inscribed Al Ain Oasis, a World Heritage Site since 2011, further enriching the tapestry of Abu Dhabi’s past.
The revelations on Ghagha Island open a new chapter in the story of Abu Dhabi, highlighting the ingenuity and adaptability of its earliest inhabitants. With ongoing research, this latest discovery promises to further unveil the fascinating secrets buried beneath the sands of time.