3,000-Year-Old Iron Age Cemetery Unearthed in Al Ain

Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the discovery of the UAE's earliest recorded major Iron Age cemetery in the Al Ain Region. Unearthed by the Archaeology Section of DCT Abu Dhabi’s Historic Environment Department, the 3,000-year-old necropolis comprises over 100 tombs, shedding light on a previously obscure chapter of the nation's history.

The tombs, dating back to around 1000 BCE, were constructed by digging vertical shafts approximately two metres deep, leading to oval burial chambers. These chambers were sealed with mudbricks or stones and then backfilled, a method that likely contributed to their preservation and the lack of surface markers explains why they remained undiscovered until now.

Despite evidence of ancient looting, archaeologists have recovered a wealth of artifacts, including gold jewellery, decorated ceramics, carved stone vessels, and copper-alloy weapons such as spearheads and arrowheads. Personal items like shell cosmetic containers, bead necklaces, bracelets, rings, and razors were also found, providing a glimpse into the daily lives and burial customs of the period.

Human remains discovered at the site are undergoing laboratory analysis to determine age, gender, health status, and potential familial relationships through ancient DNA studies. This research aims to enhance understanding of the population's demographics and migration patterns during the Iron Age.

The discovery is part of the 'Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain' project, initiated in 2024 to investigate prehistoric tombs uncovered during construction activities. This project aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's efforts to research and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain, which includes significant cultural landmarks like Hili Archaeological Park and Bidaa Bint Saud.