Abu Dhabi, UAE – 21 April 2025: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has revealed the remarkable discovery of the first major Iron Age cemetery ever found in the UAE. The ancient 3,000-year-old necropolis, found in Al Ain Region, which likely included over a hundred tombs with a treasure trove of grave goods, has cast a new light on a previously unknown chapter of the nation’s rich heritage.

The new findings mark DCT Abu Dhabi’s efforts in understanding the history of the Arabian Peninsula and its ancient communities. As one of the most preserved and richly documented chambered tomb necropolis from the Iron Age, it offers a rare glimpse into the region’s social, cultural, and economic dynamics at a key stage in its development.

All the tombs found so far were looted in antiquity. The human remains had been disturbed by ancient looters and were found in a fragile condition. A team of forensic archaeologists including an osteoarchaeologist was present to ensure that human remains were treated with the utmost care and respect. Laboratory analysis will reveal information regarding age, gender, and health, while the ancient DNA promises to cast light on family relationships and migration movements.

The Iron Age: A period that characterised the oasis landscape of the UAE

The Iron Age played a pivotal role in the development of the oasis landscape of Al Ain Region. The invention of the falaj – a type-of underground aqueduct – around 3,000 years ago, at the start of the Iron Age, set in motion a sustained period of agricultural expansion and intensification that created the oasis landscape characteristic of the United Arab Emirates.

Iron Age villages, forts, temples, aflaj and ancient palm gardens have been found in Al Ain Region by archaeologists, who have been working in the region for over 65 years. Yet, until recently, the location of the Iron Age cemeteries and burial customs have been a complete mystery.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman — DCT Abu Dhabi, commented: “This remarkable discovery transforms our understanding of the ancient Emirates and fills a critical gap in our knowledge of Iron Age burial traditions. It offers tangible evidence that brings us closer to the lives, beliefs, and cultural evolution of those who lived here 3,000 years ago. Furthermore, these findings reinforce our commitment to preserving, protecting and promoting Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, ensuring that its rich history continues to inspire future generations. As we uncover more about our past, we not only strengthen our cultural identity but also share our story with the world.”

The discovery was made as part of the Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain Project. This was set up in 2024 to investigate the growing number of prehistoric tombs found during archaeological monitoring of construction work at the border fence, part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to research the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain.

The Cultural Sites of Al Ain were inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2011 in recognition of their outstanding universal value. This discovery provides exceptional testimony to the development of prehistoric cultures in the region and the management of water in a landscape characterised by oases, deserts, and mountains.

‘Afterlife package’ in the Iron Age tombs

The cemetery’s tombs were built by first digging a shaft approximately two metres deep, and then digging sideways to create an oval burial chamber. After the body and grave goods were placed in the chamber, the entrance was sealed with mudbricks or stones and the shaft was backfilled. The lack of grave markers on the surface explains why Iron Age tombs have never been found before in Al Ain Region.

While all the tombs found so far were looted in antiquity, a few small pieces of gold jewellery that escaped the looters’ attention survived to suggest what might once have been found. Despite this, impressive burial goods include richly decorated items as part of the ‘afterlife package,’ displaying high-quality craftsmanship in a range of media including pottery, carved soft-stone, and metalwork.

Drinking sets include spouted vessels, bowls and small cups, alongside numerous copper-alloy weaponry, such as spearheads and caches of arrowheads. These last ones often show traces of preserved wood and filaments from their shafting, and one example seems to preserve traces of the quiver that used to contain them. Numerous more personal items have also been found, such as shell cosmetic containers, bead necklaces and bracelets, rings and razors.