Prehistoric Settlements

Archaeological evidence suggests that human presence in what is now the United Arab Emirates dates back to at least 6000 BCE. Early inhabitants were nomadic herders who moved between the coast and interior depending on seasonal conditions.

Excavations at sites like Jebel Faya in Sharjah have revealed stone tools dating back over 125,000 years, suggesting that this region may have been one of the earliest migration routes for humans leaving Africa.

Bronze Age (3000-1300 BCE)

The Bronze Age marked a significant period in the region's history, with the emergence of more permanent settlements and the development of sophisticated technologies. The Umm an-Nar culture (2600-2000 BCE), named after an island near Abu Dhabi, is particularly notable for its circular stone tombs and evidence of trade links with Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Central Asia.

During this period, communities in the region began to exploit copper deposits in the Hajar Mountains, becoming part of an extensive trade network that stretched across the ancient world. Artifacts from this era, including pottery, copper tools, and jewelry, demonstrate the technical sophistication and artistic abilities of these early societies.

Iron Age (1300-300 BCE)

The Iron Age witnessed further advancements in technology and social organization. The development of the falaj irrigation system—underground channels that transported water from mountain aquifers to agricultural areas—revolutionized farming in the region, allowing for the cultivation of date palms, cereals, and other crops in the harsh desert environment.

This period also saw the rise of fortified settlements, suggesting increased competition for resources and possibly territorial conflicts. Archaeological sites like Muweilah in Sharjah provide evidence of sophisticated urban planning and architectural skills.

The Mleiha Period (300 BCE-300 CE)

The settlement at Mleiha in Sharjah represents one of the most important archaeological sites from this period. It shows evidence of a complex society with monumental tombs, residential buildings, and workshops for metalworking and pottery production.

Coins found at Mleiha indicate contact with the Seleucid Empire, which emerged following Alexander the Great's conquests. This suggests that the region was integrated into wider trading networks spanning the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

Pre-Islamic Era (300-630 CE)

In the centuries before the arrival of Islam, the region that now comprises the UAE was inhabited by various tribal groups. The coastal areas were important for maritime trade, with pearling emerging as a significant economic activity.

Christian communities existed in parts of Eastern Arabia during this period, as evidenced by the discovery of a monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This 7th-century complex provides valuable insights into religious diversity in the pre-Islamic era.