Archaeological sites in the UAE

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• Sharjah
• RAK
• Umm Al Quwain
• FAQs

The United Arab Emirates is known for its shopping hubs, state-of-the-art amenities, modern infrastructure and luxurious lifestyle. But all the glitz gives little hint of the rich history that dates back thousands of years. Much of it has been buried over time but archaeological digs in the last few decades have unearthed artefacts and sites that showcase what life was like before the country became as advanced as it is today. On that note, here are the notable archaeological sites in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi

Hili Archaeological Park

Also one of few UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE, the Hili Archeological Park has a history that dates back to the Bronze Age. Most of the site is covered with a series of settlements, tombs and water channels from the Umm an-Nar period. A notable structure is the Hili Grand Tomb with ancient engravings of people and animals. 

• Location: Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi

Jebel Hafeet Tombs

The Jebel Hafeet Tombs are pretty unmistakable considering their beehive shape. The site is permanently closed but you can catch a glimpse of the structures at the foot of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain. The tombs are close to the Jebel Hafeet Park. So you can always add a trip to this historic site to your tour.

• Location: Abu Dhabi

Bida Bint Saud

Bida Bint Said is one of the many important archaeological sites found in the UAE. The site is situated 15 kilometres from Garden City and is in the form of a large stratified rock formation.

Excavations have unearthed several stone tombs at the site, some of which are 5,000 years old — dating back to both the Bronze and Iron Age. Other notable findings include a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system.

As part of preservation efforts, access to the area is restricted. But visitors can always visit the Al Ain National Museum to see unearthed artefacts. 

• Location: Abu Dhabi

Baynunah Fossil Site

The Baynunah Fossil Site is famed for the remains of an ancient 6,000-year-old wild camel hunt and chronicle a time long before the proverbial ships of the desert were domesticated. The site provides insight into hunting practices of the Neolithic people who lived in the Al Dhafra Region of western Abu Dhabi.

• Location: Abu Dhabi

Dalma Island

Those in search of archaeological sites in the UAE may also consider Dalma Island. Over 20 sites of archeological significance were found on the island in the early 90’s.

• Location: Dalma Island

Dubai

Jumeirah Archaeological Site

This area is one of the more famous archaeological sites in Dubai. A visit to the Jumeirah Archaeological site transports visitors back to the ninth and 11^th centuries during the Abbasid period.

The site was excavated during the 1960s and has been preserved at the Dubai Museum. Expect to see ancient treasures like coins, pottery and the tools used during the time. 

• Location: Jumeirah, Dubai

Hatta Heritage Village

There are several things to do in Hatta and one of them is to visit the ruins at the Hatta Heritage Village. Home to centuries-old citadels, towers, forts and the remains of a former village, the historic location is a site that history-buffs will certainly appreciate.

Restored in 2001, it’s one of the oldest villages in Dubai. Among the historical sites is the house of the local ruler known as “Bait Al Wali”. You can also take a look at artefacts which reflect the culture of the time like furnishings, weaponry and more. 

• Location: Hatta, Dubai

Sharjah

Mleiha

Mleiha, also known as Maleha, is a residential district to the south-eastern side of Sharjah. It is home to several Bronze-age tombs and pre-historic sites. Visitors can view excavated artefacts from the area at the Mleiha Archaelogical Center.

• Location: Mleiha

Wadi Al Helo

Home to a historical site and unearthed Islamic watchtower, the Wadi al Helo is a notable archaeological site in the UAE.

Nestled deep within the Hajar Mountains, the nature reserve is home to a site from the Bronze Age. The discovery of ancient smelting furnaces, traces of ores and workshop remains leads archaeologists to believe that the area must have been used for metal production.

Also known as “Sweet Valley”, the area has been declared a protected area due to an abundance of wild flora and fauna. A trek to the top of the valley offers spectacular views of the ruins. 

• Location: Sharjah

Khor Fakkan

You may know about Khorfakkan beach. But did you know that the area has historic significance? Excavations carried out by the Department of Antiquities in Sharjah have discovered a large former settlement on slopes of the three mountains in Khor Fakkan by the sea.

• Location: Sharjah

Al Thuqaibah

One of many UAE archaeological sites from the Iron Age, Al Thuqaibah was excavated in the mid-1990s and is situated in Sharjah near the town of Al Madam.

Analysis of discovered items like bronze blades, needles and awls point to economic activity from an early age. The old settlement contains low-walled buildings with wide spaces. 

• Location: Sharjah, near Al Madam

Jebel Al Buhais

This rocky outcrop is among the oldest radiometrically dated inland burial site in the UAE. It contains a necropolis of burial sites which span the Bronze, Neolithic, Iron and Pre-Islamic human settlements.

• Location: near Al Madam

Ras Al Khaimah

Sieh Al Herf

Discovered in 2012, the Sieh Al Herf site contains ancient tombs, graves and artefacts that make it a worthy mention on our list of archaeological sites in the UAE.

Excavations were successful in unearthing around 50 mass graves dating back to 2,000 BC in addition to 10 thousand artefacts.

• Location: Al Salhiya Road, Ras al Khaimah

The Necropolis of Shimal

Visitors can spot remains of circular tombs in the necropolis of Shimal, similar to those found at the Hili Archaeological Park.

Further down the road is the area where the Sheeba Palace once stood. Apart from a few stone walls and wells, hardly anything remains of the palace. But you can still marvel at the view from above.

• Location: Shimal, Ras al Khaimah

Umm Al Quwain

Here’re top archaeological sites in the UAE located in UAQ.

Ed Dur

This area has temples, tombs and a fort that date back to the 1st century BC. It’s also known as Al Dour and is among the largest in the list of archaeological sites in the UAE.

• Location: Old UAQ

Tell Abraq

In the outskirts of Umm Al Quwain lies Tell Abraq. It’s associated with the beginning of the Umm an-Nar culture and is believed to have been occupied from the third to the first Millennium BC.

• Location: Between border of Sharjah and UAQ

FAQs

Why is Al Ain famous?

The oasis is famous for its camel souk which is frequented by breeders and buyers from all over the UAE.

Which country has the most archaeological sites?

Among all, Italy and China have the most UNESCO World Heritage sites.

That wraps up our list of archaeological sites in the UAE.

Want to learn more about the history of the UAE? Add a visit to the heritage sites in Dubai to your tour. For a more immersive experience that takes you back to the country’s nomadic roots, head to the Heritage Village Abu Dhabi.

For more posts on the history of the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.