Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently embarked on a visit to Al Sinniyah Island, a significant archaeological site in Umm Al Qaiwain. The purpose of his visit was to gain firsthand experience of the ongoing research and excavation efforts spearheaded by the Umm Al Qaiwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology.
Haitham Sultan Al Ali, the Director-General of the Department, played host to Ambassador Fanara. During the visit, the Ambassador was given a comprehensive tour of several key excavation sites, including the newly unearthed Al Sinniyah Monastery and the ruins of a historic pearl town. Al Ali provided detailed explanations regarding the significance of these discoveries, shedding light on the past inhabitants of the island and their way of life.
The ongoing excavations at Al Sinniyah Island have piqued the interest of archaeologists and historians worldwide. The unearthed monastery, believed to be one of the earliest Christian structures in the region, offers a unique window into the spread of Christianity in the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, the remnants of the pearl town provide valuable insights into the island's historical role as a center for the pearl diving trade, a practice that played a crucial role in the region's economy for centuries.
Ambassador Fanara expressed his deep appreciation for the meticulous work being undertaken by the Department of Tourism and Archaeology. He lauded the department's commitment to preserving the UAE's rich cultural heritage and fostering a deeper understanding of the nation's past. Discussions during the visit also touched upon potential avenues for collaboration between Italian and Emirati archaeologists. Such collaboration could involve the exchange of expertise and resources, further propelling the ongoing research efforts at Al Sinniyah Island.
The Italian Ambassador's visit signifies the growing international interest in the archaeological discoveries at Al Sinniyah Island. These discoveries have the potential to rewrite our understanding of the region's historical timeline and shed light on the cultural and economic landscape of the Arabian Peninsula in the pre-Islamic era. The ongoing excavations, along with potential international collaborations, promise to unveil even more secrets buried beneath the sands of Al Sinniyah Island.