Sheikha Bodour highlights ties between Africa and Arabian Peninsula

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination File, and Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), inaugurated the workshop and exhibition titled "Africa-Arabian Peninsula Stone Age Heritage Linkages."

This event, organised by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Zambia’s National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), brings together a distinguished group of international researchers and experts in Stone Age archaeology.

The workshop, taking place on Feb.26 and 27, aims to explore the shared archaeological links between Africa, celebrated as the cradle of human migration, and the Arabian Peninsula, regarded as the gateway to early human migration into the world.

It also aims to highlight the common cultural heritage, ancient migration patterns, and developments in the Stone Age, emphasising Sharjah's position as a leading global centre for archaeological research.

Sheikha Bodour with dignitaries during the workshop and exhibition.

The seminar was attended by Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA); Salem Omar Salem, Director of ICESCO's Regional Office in Sharjah; and Dr. Sabah Aboud Jasim, Adviser to the SAA, along with a distinguished group of archaeologists and cultural heritage specialists.

An Interactive Journey into the Depths of History

The opening ceremony included the launch of the accompanying exhibition by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasim. The exhibition highlights archaeological discoveries supporting the theory of common ancient migration routes, environmental and cultural adaptations between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

It showcases significant artifacts from two prominent sites — one in Zambia and another in Faya, a site nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sheikha Bodour during her tour of the exhibition.

The exhibit features a unique collection of rare stone tools reflecting the evolution of stone industries through the ages, including hand axes representing the earliest stone tool-making techniques, Acheulean tools from the early Stone Age, and others from the traditions of Sangwan and Lubumban, including spears with parallel edges documenting key developments in manufacturing and usage techniques.

As for the Upper Middle and Late Stone Age, the exhibit includes advanced tools such as scrapers and biface flakes, reflecting significant technological improvements and specialised applications in hunting and other daily activities. Additionally, the exhibit presents ceramic pieces from the Kalondo tradition of the Iron Age, offering unique insights into the cultural and social transformations that occurred as human societies transitioned from prehistory to early historical periods.

Archaeological Heritage: A Living Identity Shaping the Future

In her keynote speech, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination File, and Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) emphasised the importance of scientific research and international collaboration in the field of archaeology, highlighting Sharjah’s pivotal role in supporting archaeological studies and providing a platform for scholars and experts from around the world.

She said: “Archaeology goes beyond the academic study of the past to unravel, decipher and share our human story with the world. The deep-rooted connections between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, as revealed through migration, adaptation, and innovation, remind us that civilisations were built on knowledge exchange and resilience. Sharjah is committed to preserving and studying these connections to benefit today’s communities, as reflected by the nomination of Faya Palaeolandscape for UNESCO World Heritage status. Through collaboration, research, and conservation, we ensure the past continues to inspire the future.”

Human Shared Heritage: A Leading Scientific Platform Documenting and Protecting Civilizational Achievements

Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), highlighted the strategic importance of this seminar in shedding light on the shared Stone Age heritage between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. He pointed out that studying these archaeological links not only helps document the past but also provides deeper insights into the movement patterns of early humans and the cultural interactions that shaped migrations to the region.

He added, "The SAA places great importance on studying shared human heritage, positioning itself as a leading scientific platform that documents and protects civilisational achievements. This is part of our ongoing commitment, under the guidance of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to support scientific research in the field of archaeology and enhance the Sharjah's position as a global centre for academic dialogue on heritage and history."