The origin and development of the oasis landscape of al-Ain (UAE)

This paper reviews the archaeological evidence for the origins and development of Al Ain’s oasis landscape, following its UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2011. Excavations at Bayt Bin Kātī al-Darmakī provided the most complete sequence, refining ceramic chronology for the region. Evidence shows settlement expansion from northeast to southwest from the Bronze Age onward, but no proof of palm cultivation before the late Islamic period. Many sunken gardens and aflaj appear to date to this late Islamic phase, suggesting the present oasis landscape is relatively recent. The study combines archaeological and historical data to trace its development from the late Islamic period to today.

Timothy Power & Peter Sheehan

2012