Archaeologists have uncovered the UAE’s first large-scale Iron Age necropolis in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. The discovery, announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), dates back 3,000 years.
More than 100 tombs have been found, making it one of the region’s most significant archaeological breakthroughs. The find is part of the Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain Project, which began in 2024 to investigate ancient tombs exposed during construction.
Jaber Saleh Al Merri, Director of the Historic Environment Department at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the discovery reshapes how we understand the ancient Emirates. “For years, Iron Age burial traditions were a mystery. Now, we have physical evidence that brings us closer to the people who lived here 3,000 years ago. It also strengthens our efforts to preserve Abu Dhabi’s heritage for future generations,” he explained.
Artifacts Reveal Daily Life and Rituals
The tombs held a wide variety of grave goods. These include gold jewellery, shell cosmetic containers, beaded necklaces, bracelets, rings, razors, and copper-alloy weapons like arrowheads and spearheads. Pottery items—such as spouted vessels, bowls, and small cups—were also recovered.
Archaeologists believe the tombs were constructed by digging a shaft nearly two meters deep. Workers then carved out a horizontal, oval-shaped chamber where the body and items were placed. Finally, they sealed the entrance with mud bricks or stones and filled the shaft with earth.
Experts found human remains in poor condition. Ongoing analysis will help determine the age, gender, and health of the individuals buried there. DNA tests could also reveal family ties and migration patterns.
Because the graves lacked surface markers, they were hard to detect. Looting in ancient times may have further contributed to the rarity of such finds.
A Major Step in Understanding UAE’s Past
During the Iron Age, people in the region developed the falaj, an underground irrigation system. This innovation helped farming communities grow. Other discoveries from the same era include temples, forts, and palm gardens.
Still, burial practices from this time had remained unclear—until now. According to field archaeologist Tatiana Valente, “We knew how people buried their dead in the Bronze Age and the late pre-Islamic period. But the Iron Age was a missing link. With this find, we can begin to understand how burial customs evolved and what they tell us about the beliefs of that era.”
The Cultural Sites of Al Ain have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. This latest discovery adds a vital chapter to the region’s rich historical narrative.