Uncovering the Oldest Pearl Town in the UAE.

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest pearling town in the Persian Gulf on Siniyah Island in Umm al-Quwain, UAE. The town dates back to the late 6th century and is likely to have been home to thousands of people and hundreds of homes. The site bears signs of year-round habitation, unlike other pearling operations run in seasonal spots in the region. The town predates the rise of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula, making its residents likely Christians. The discovery holds particular importance in the history of the UAE as it faces a looming reckoning with its fossil fuel legacy and potentially plans for a carbon-neutral future.