Abbasid Dirham Found at Ras Qurayyah Port in Al Ahsa

An Abbasid dirham minted in 765 AD has been uncovered at Ra’s Qurayyah Port in Al-Ahsa governorate, Eastern Province, during the second archaeological season conducted at the site.

The excavation, led by the Heritage Commission, also revealed 147 architectural units, including large courtyards and ancient wells. The site lies approximately 26 kilometres northwest of Al-Uqair Port.

In addition to the silver dirham, artefacts recovered include bronze ornaments and glazed pottery, offering further insight into trade and daily life in the region across successive historical periods.

According to the commission, comparative analysis and organic sampling indicate that the site’s timeline spans from the pre-Islamic era through the early Islamic period and into the late 10th century. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of settlement patterns and material culture in the Eastern Province over several centuries.