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A Closer Look: Scientists may have located UAE's lost city

We hear from senior reporter John Dennehy

The National

June 27, 2024

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In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Archaeologists working in Umm Al Quwain believe they may have located the ancient lost city of Tu'am.

It is thought the city was once the capital of a territory, on the Gulf coast of what is now the Emirates, and a pearl fishing centre famed for the quality of its gems.

So renowned was Tu'am at its peak around the sixth century that it was written of in ancient Arabic texts.

Here, host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's John Dennehy to hear why experts believe this is the fabled city of Tu'am, and why it was eventually lost to the ages.

Read more

Ancient site found in UAE may be sixth-century lost city

An ancient city dug up in the UAE links the country to its rich past

The lost city of Tu'am in Umm Al Quwain: in pictures

What is believed to be part of the lost city of 'Tu’am', with remnants of tenements on right. All photos: Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology
What is believed to be part of the lost city of 'Tu’am', with remnants of tenements on right. All photos: Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology
Archaeologists worked at the site on Sinniyah Island in Umm Al Quwain from January to March.
Archaeologists worked at the site on Sinniyah Island in Umm Al Quwain from January to March.
The settlement was once an important coastal city.
The settlement was once an important coastal city.
Dr Michele Degli Esposti, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm Al Quwain and researcher at the Polish Academy of Sciences, surveys part of the site.
Dr Michele Degli Esposti, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm Al Quwain and researcher at the Polish Academy of Sciences, surveys part of the site.
A jar popping out from the soil. Experts believe this may have been one of the tannour ovens or used for storage.
A jar popping out from the soil. Experts believe this may have been one of the tannour ovens or used for storage.
Experts examine the site of a mass burial in the monastery area of the site.
Experts examine the site of a mass burial in the monastery area of the site.
Prof Tim Power of UAE University said it was major find. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Prof Tim Power of UAE University said it was major find. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The site sits on Sinniyah Island close to the Khor Al Beida lagoon.
The site sits on Sinniyah Island close to the Khor Al Beida lagoon.
Four seasons of work have now been completed at the site.
Four seasons of work have now been completed at the site.
Experts examine part of the monastery area.
Experts examine part of the monastery area.
An aerial view of the central core of the monastic centre, with surrounding isolated buildings which could have been accommodation for monks.
An aerial view of the central core of the monastic centre, with surrounding isolated buildings which could have been accommodation for monks.
Tomorrow 2021
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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Updated: June 27, 2024, 12:00 AM`
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