Uncovering UAE's Oldest Gulf Pearling Town.

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest pearling town in the Persian Gulf on Siniyah Island in Umm al-Quwain, UAE, dating back to the late 6th century. The town, likely home to thousands of people and hundreds of homes, predates the rise of Islam and was likely inhabited by Christians. The site includes a variety of homes made of beach rock and lime mortar, loose pearls, and diving weights. The discovery sheds light on the history of pearling in the region and the industrial waste it produced. The UAE plans to build a visitor's center at the site.