Publications
Evidence from Buhais Rockshelter for human settlement in Arabia between 60,000 and 16,000 years ago
New archaeological evidence from Buhais Rockshelter in the Faya Palaeolandscape, UAE, challenges the long-held belief that Arabia was uninhabited during the last glacial period. Stratified stone tool assemblages indicate repeated human occupation between 60,000 and 16,000 years ago, coinciding with periods of increased water availability in the region. This contradicts previous assumptions about human absence in southern Arabia during this critical timeframe for human evolution. The study combines archaeological excavations with paleoenvironmental analysis to reconstruct habitation patterns, extending known records from Jebel Faya and providing empirical data to test models of human adaptation and dispersal in desert landscapes.
From Universal Principles to Local Practices in Heritage Conservation: Comparative Perspectives from the Arab World
Conservation practices in the Arab World, while shaped by global charters like the Athens and Venice Charters, diverge significantly to emphasize continuity, adaptive reuse, and the integration of tangible and intangible heritage. A comparative analysis of cases from Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates reveals that these practices contribute uniquely to global conservation discourse but face challenges such as tourism pressures and policy implementation gaps. The study advocates for context-sensitive models that balance participatory governance with ethical principles like minimal intervention and reversibility, drawing on frameworks like the Nara Document on Authenticity. It underscores the need for decolonizing conservation theories to foster inclusive and sustainable stewardship that respects cultural diversity.
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