Late Islamic Rural Settlements in the Al-Hajar Mountains: New Evidence from Excavations at Suhaila 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12 (Hatta, Dubai)

The Suhaila archaeological complex, located in the Hatta region (Dubai), represents a key case study in the investigation of Late Islamic rural settlements on the western slopes of the Al-Hajar Mountains. This article presents the results of the first excavations carried out at five of its sites —Suhaila 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12— in January and February 2026, within the framework of the project developed by Sanisera Archaeology Institute in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The interventions documented a set of domestic spaces, courtyards, livestock enclosures and a probable male reception space. The recovered material culture —ceramics, coins, industrially manufactured ammunition, including a cartridge case stamped KYNOCH— converges on an occupation centered in the second half of the 19th century, with a possible continuation into the early decades of the 20th century. Overall, the results provide new architectural, material and chronological evidence for understanding mountain rural occupation at Suhaila and its participation in regional circulation networks and Gulf commercial circuits.

Keywords: Suhaila; Hatta, Southeastern Arabia, 19th Century, Late Islamic, Rural Settlement, Islamic Ceramics, Industrial Ammunition, Exchange Networks.