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The workshop, taking place on February 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, emphasizing Sharjah's position as a leading global center for archaeological research.
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.
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. 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 specialized 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.
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) emphasized 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 civilizations 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.”
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 civilizational achievements. This is part of our ongoing commitment, under the guidance of His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad 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 center for academic dialogue on heritage and history. We are committed to providing an advanced research environment that brings together experts from around the world, supports knowledge exchange, and enhances our understanding of the historical transformations that have shaped our region while safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations."
Ireen Muyenga, Board Chairperson of the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) Zambia, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of this seminar in bridging the missing links in human history and fostering scientific dialogue among researchers from different continents. Prof. Dr. Nicholas Conard, Chair of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology, Dean of Studies & Director of the State Museum of Prehistory, Tubengen, noted that Faya is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Arabian Peninsula, documenting over 200,000 years of human settlement in the desert. This site provides the best stratigraphic and dated archaeological evidence from the late Ice Age, a period in which early humans adapted to climatic and environmental changes, contributing to our understanding of human migration and technological adaptations. He stressed that before the significant archaeological discoveries at Faya, the southern migration route of early humans was merely a hypothesis; today, it is one of the most important theories in human evolution studies.
The first day of the workshop featured several discussions, including a panel titled "Out of Africa Routes," moderated by Dr. Mounir Bouchenaki, an Algerian historian, World Heritage consultant, and archaeologist, along with international experts, where they discussed the geographical and environmental role in shaping ancient human migration paths. This was followed by another session on "Human Adaptation Strategies: Environmental Challenges and Lithic Innovations," where researchers discussed ways humans adapted to changing environments and the innovations seen in stone industries throughout different periods, reviewing archaeological findings from the UAE, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
The session featured a group of experts and specialists who provided in-depth insights into Stone Age heritage and human migration routes through the ages, focusing on East Africa's role in human migration movements, as well as the environmental and geographical factors that influenced human movement across continents.
The workshop also discussed the geological influences on the distribution of stone tools between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, exploring the role of natural factors in shaping life patterns and mobility in ancient times. Additionally, the importance of the southern route was highlighted as a key passage for human migrations, showcasing archaeological evidence that confirms the strategic role of this area in connecting civilizations, with special focus on Southeastern Arabia as a primary hub for cultural interactions between Africa and Asia. This region played a significant role in fostering civilizational links between the two continents across various periods.
The second day of the seminar will include a field visit to Faya Palaeolandscape, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Arabian Peninsula, which provides direct evidence of ancient human migration routes. Participants will receive a detailed briefing from archaeological experts on the geological formations and stone tools discovered at the site, offering them a unique opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of the region’s deep-rooted history.
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