Al Ain – Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Archaeology Conference 2018 continued this week in Al Ain, with key academic leaders exploring the rich history of the UAE.

Chaired by Steffen Laursen, the head of the Oriental Department at Moesgaard Museum in Denmark, the conference’s fifth session on Tuesday explored Bronze Age transitions and featured discussions exploring Paleolithic research in Sharjah, recent research in the Emirate of Fujairah, and an in-depth look at archaeological interventions in the Hatta Tombs in Dubai. The day ended with tours of Qattara Arts Centre, Al Jahili Fort, and Qasr Al Muwaiji.

The opening session on 28th March was chaired by Peter Sheehan, the Head of Historic Buildings and Landscapes at the DCT Abu Dhabi, and explored Conservation Planning and Traditional Architecture. Panel discussions throughout the morning explored the conservation of historic sites around the UAE including Sir Bani Yas (Abu Dhabi), Saruq al-Hadid (Dubai), and Bait Altyn (Al Ain).

Hamdan Rashed Al Rashedi, Head of Historic Environment and Archaeologist at DCT Abu Dhabi, chaired the next session, which investigated the Iron Age in the UAE. A series of presentations explored Iron Age settlements, the human remains discovered at sites in the UAE and Oman, and details of the latest digs at Oases in Sharjah.

Held during the ‘Year of Zayed’, the conference convenes thought leaders and respected practitioners in the field of archaeology to explore recent discoveries and evaluate their importance for understanding UAE history. The conference is an opportunity for professional archaeologists working in the UAE, the Gulf region and across the globe to network and share information about their projects and research, as well as hear presentations by historians, architectural historians and conservators.

For more information on the conference, please contact secretariat@dctarchaeology2018.ae 

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About The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base. http://dctabudhabi.ae

© Press Release 2018