The Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Umm Al Quwain has recently announced significant findings from the Al-Siniyah Island’s archaeological excavations. The discoveries reveal the existence of the oldest pearl-fishing city in the Arabian Gulf that thrived from the late sixth century to the middle of the eighth century AD. The city is situated close to the old Christian monastery, Deir al-Siniyah, which was previously unearthed last year. Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, head of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized that the discovery marks a crucial moment in the history of Umm Al Quwain, the UAE, and the Arabian Gulf. For over 7,000 years, pearl hunting has been an important source of livelihood and an integral part of the country’s heritage. Moreover, the discovery indicates that Umm Al Quwain is one of the oldest regions known for pearling, and the pearl hunting city encompasses a 12-hectare area. Rania Qanouma, head of the Department of Antiquities, added that the extensive research and archaeological excavations reveal that this closed city is one of the largest urban areas discovered in the Emirates. This discovery implies that the city likely accommodated a significant population of people during that era, comparable to the flourishing city of Julfar in Ras Al Khaimah in the Middle Ages.
The Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Umm Al Quwain revealed the latest developments in the archaeological excavations on Al-Siniyah Island in its third season, which indicate the existence of the oldest pearl-fishing city in the Arabian Gulf on the island, which flourished during the period between the late sixth century to the middle of the eighth century AD. The city is located near The old Christian monastery (Deir al-Siniyah), which was discovered last year.
Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Head of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities, confirmed that the discovery is of great importance to the history of Umm Al Quwain, the UAE and the Arabian Gulf, as pearl hunting was an essential part and source of livelihood and an essential component of the country’s heritage for more than 7,000 years. In Umm Al Quwain is one of the oldest known evidence of pearling.
For her part, the head of the Department of Antiquities, Rania Qanouma, explained that the city of pearl hunting covers an area of 12 hectares, and is distinguished as a result of its discovery during archaeological excavations organized in the 2023 excavation season.
The latest developments in research and archaeological excavations indicate that the city is one of the largest urban agglomerations ever remaining in the Emirates, which can be compared to the flourishing of the city of Julfar in Ras Al Khaimah in the Middle Ages. This indicates that there were thousands of people who lived there at the time.
The recent discovery of the oldest pearl-fishing city in the Arabian Gulf on Al-Siniyah Island in Umm Al Quwain is undoubtedly a significant milestone for the history of not only the UAE but also the entire Arabian Gulf. The excavation season that began in 2023 has revealed a lot regarding the life and customs of the people who lived in the city, thereby providing us with valuable insights into ancient times. This discovery has brought to light the fact that pearl hunting has been a vital part of the heritage of the UAE for over 7,000 years, and this finding is further proof of that. The city’s size proves that thousands of people had lived there at the time, which is a fascinating piece of information in itself. All in all, the latest archaeological excavations have indeed opened up new avenues for exploration and have helped us better understand our past.