The Oman Border Fence Project 2021: a journey through the hydraulic, agricultural, and funerary landscapes of al‑ʿAyn

Between January and August 2021, the Historic Environment Department of DCT Abu Dhabi monitored and excavated an 11.5 km stretch of the UAE–Oman border fence renewal project. The work revealed major insights into Al Ain’s historic oasis landscape, including a monumental stone tomb, an extensive Iron Age cemetery, and high-status late pre-Islamic tombs. Over fifty ancient aflaj were also identified, alongside evidence of Iron Age agriculture, irrigation systems, and field organization. Finds include Iron Age and PIR ceramics, chlorite vessels, iron weaponry, environmental samples, and data on the geology and wadi systems that shaped this cultural landscape.

Peter Sheehan, Mohammed Khalifa, Malak Al Ajou, Nour Al Marzooqi, Maickel Van Bellegem, Anabela Ferreira, Jaber Al Merri, Timothy Power, Anne Benoist, Louise Purdue, Maria-Paola Pellegrino, Enrica Tagliamonte & Hélène David-Cuny