SMA inaugurates ‘Shaped by Stones’ exhibition in Sharjah

In a remarkable cultural event that revisits humanity’s earliest beginnings in the region, Sheikh Majid Bin Sultan Bin Saqer Al Qasimi, Chairman of Districts Affairs Department, inaugurated “Shaped by Stones: The Tools that Made Prehistoric Qatar” exhibition at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, organised in collaboration between Sharjah Museums Authority and Qatar Museums.

The opening was attended by Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, and Maissa Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Museums Authority, along with Halima Humaid Al Owais, Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council, and Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, in addition to representatives from the Qatari Consulate and Qatar Museums, as well as a number of specialists in the fields of archaeology and culture. The exhibition will run from Oct.20, 2025 to April 30, 2026.

The exhibition showcases a carefully curated selection of stone tools that defined human life in prehistoric Qatar, revealing their role in the evolution of civilisation, modes of living, and adaptation to the environment in ancient times.

Organised as part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to solidifying Sharjah’s position as a cultural and intellectual beacon, the exhibition introduces audiences to the depth of human heritage while emphasising the longstanding cultural ties that have connected Gulf societies to millennia.

Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, said: “This exhibition offers a unique window into the earliest chapters of human history in the region, reviving the stories of early mankind through stone tools that stand as enduring witnesses to human development, adaptability, and creativity.”

She continues, “Through this collaboration with Qatar Museums, we aim to present a educational and curatorial experience that highlights the shared civilisational heritage connecting Gulf communities for thousands of years, while reaffirming SMA’s mission to preserve and convey human heritage to future generations as a living memory that reflects humanity’s journey of progress and innovation across time.”

The exhibition opens a window into the lives of prehistoric communities, inviting visitors to explore over 110 archaeological pieces that embody the human story in the Arabian Gulf — from finely crafted arrowheads and flint scrapers used across various Stone Age periods, to the remarkable discovery of a camel buried alongside its owner, dating back to the centuries just before Islam. These finds offer an exceptional journey through time, revealing intricate details of ancient lifestyles.

For researchers and enthusiasts alike, the exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to explore human history in the Arabian Peninsula from the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages to the centuries preceding Islam. It sheds light on the efforts of archaeologists and excavators in Qatar and the essential findings their research has yielded for understanding life in those distant eras, insights that deepen our perception of the path of human civilisation.

The discoveries by Danish archaeologist Holger Kapel and his team in the mid-20th century helped reconstruct the image of Neolithic life through surface finds and experimental excavations placing Qatar firmly on the archaeological map as a key regional site for a broader understanding of prehistoric Arabia.

Through its unique narrative, the exhibition reinforces the leading role of the Sharjah Archaeology Museum in showcasing the historical legacy of the Arabian Peninsula through presenting highly valuable discoveries that shed light on early patterns of human life.

It also provides an exceptional platform for researchers and the public to engage with the latest findings from archaeological excavations in Sharjah and the UAE, while strengthening scientific and cultural collaboration between Sharjah Museums Authority and its counterparts in the Gulf and beyond.

More than a showcase of rare artifacts, the exhibition carries deeper messages about the role of museums in raising awareness of the region’s history and archaeological treasures. It also highlights the civilisational continuity and historical connections that have long linked Sharjah to its neighbouring regions and celebrates the crucial role of archaeologists in uncovering unrecorded chapters of the past that continue to enrich our collective understanding of the region’s human and cultural heritage.