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Saruq Al Hadid is an archaeological site in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Findings from the site are displayed in a museum with the same name in the city of Dubai. The site was originally discovered by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, while flying his helicopter across the desert. He noticed a large black deposit in the sands and he reported the site to Dubai Municipality.
The site proved to be a field of waste, or slag, from copper and iron smelting. It was noticed that the extensive slag field, measuring some 1.5 hectares, had stopped the sand from shifting and blowing and so had preserved the underlying excavation site.
The Saruq Al Hadid site is believed to have been a centre of constant human habitation, trade and metallurgy from the Umm Al Nar period (2600–2000 BCE) to the Iron Age (1,000 BCE). During the iron age this site was a major location for smelting bronze, copper and Iron.
Arguably its most important period of development as a metallurgical centre was in the Iron Age II period (1100–600 BCE). Thousands of finds were documented at the site. One of the finds was an ornate gold ring, which became the logo for Dubai’s Expo 2020.
Archaeological Findings
Over 12,000 unique objects, mostly consisting of pottery and metal artifacts, have been excavated at the site. Some of the findings indicate some form of snake worship prevalent at that time. The findings also indicate that this place was a hub for manufacturing and international trade.
The fossilized bones of fish found in the excavation site tell us the people of that time went far and across the oceans even though they lived in the desert. One can infer the valuable beads found were meant to be sold in India.
Museum
Visitors to the museum can even carry out their own dig in a simulated archaeological excavation. Children have their own gallery trail which keeps them involved and encourages them to explore each room in turn. There is a 3D movie hall in the museum and informative videos are projected on the walls during your exploration journey.
The building that houses the museum has cultural and historical significance in Dubai. It once served as the residence of Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum back in 1928. It is one of the finest remaining examples of Dubai’s traditional architecture. It is made of local materials such as coral, gypsum, and Chandal wood. During the conversion of the building into a museum, the original structure was carefully preserved along with new additions.
