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 pearl diving.
For her part, the head of the antiquities department at the department, Rania Qanouma, explained that the pearl-fishing city 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.
