United Arab Emirates - Settlement and Cemetery of Umm an-Nar Island

The present size and shape of the island is different from what it used to be, as it has been enlarged by land reclamation and dredging. Despite extensive land reclamation the archaeological sites are well protected and preserved. The site is fenced off by a sound concrete wall with a total length of about 1760 metres. Access to the island at the time of preparing this document is through this bridge, but still restricted to pass holders only. The archaeological area comprises a settlement and a cemetery. The settlement which is located to the east and northeast of the cemetery in an area a few metres lower than the plateau, was divided into three main areas. Area A is the largest which seems to have been the nuclear part of the settlement and probably the earliest. Excavations at this mound revealed a well preserved house but without defining the exterior walls. Limited excavations were carried out later uncovering one large room which may well have been used as a sanctuary in addition at least ten rooms were encountered and only partly excavated.