A Milestone for Archaeological Scholarship in the UAE

The launch of the Sharjah Journal of Archaeological Studies marks a significant advancement in the academic landscape of the United Arab Emirates, particularly within the realms of higher education and cultural heritage research. Published by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), this new peer-reviewed outlet promises to elevate scholarly discourse on the rich archaeological tapestry of the Arabian Peninsula.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the journal was unveiled on February 16, 2026. This initiative reflects Sharjah's longstanding commitment to preserving history while fostering cutting-edge research among academics and students across UAE universities.

Details of the Launch Ceremony and Vision

The launch event gathered key figures from the archaeological community, including delegations from the University of Sharjah, University of Khorfakkan, and University of Al Dhaid. His Excellency Issa Yousef, Director General of SAA, highlighted how the journal extends Sharjah's legacy of investing in knowledge production and heritage preservation as a bridge between past and future generations.

Dr. Sabah Aboud Jassim, Advisor to SAA, emphasized its role in enriching the academic library with rigorous, peer-reviewed studies. Meanwhile, Dr. Saeed bin Yarouf Al Naqbi, SAA Director, underscored the journal's contribution to documenting regional cultural heritage and positioning Sharjah as a global hub for archaeological intellect.

Core Features and Publication Framework

The Sharjah Journal of Archaeological Studies operates on a biannual schedule, releasing issues in May and December in both print and digital formats. It embraces an open-access model, ensuring immediate free availability to researchers worldwide, which democratizes access to vital scholarship.

Manuscripts are welcomed in Arabic and English, undergoing a stringent double-blind peer-review process by a panel of local and international experts. This process, initiated only after authors secure necessary approvals, upholds the highest standards of research ethics and scholarly publishing.

Scope: Illuminating the Arabian Peninsula's Past

At its heart, the journal delves into original, multidisciplinary research on archaeology, civilizations, and material cultural heritage spanning the Arabian Peninsula and its coasts—from prehistoric eras through historical, Islamic, and modern periods. It encourages regional comparative analyses linking to areas like the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, and Indian Ocean, broadening the contextual understanding of ancient human activities.

• Prehistoric settlements and early human migrations
• Conservation and restoration techniques for sites and artifacts
• Cultural site management and digital archaeology innovations
• Cultural and anthropological studies tied to tangible heritage

This comprehensive scope positions it as an essential resource for expanding knowledge on UAE's deep-rooted history.

Sharjah Archaeology Authority: A Pillar of Heritage Stewardship

Established in 1986 as the Department of Archaeology and Heritage, SAA has evolved into a cornerstone of UAE's cultural preservation efforts. Tasked with overseeing sites across Sharjah emirate, it conducts explorations, protects artifacts, and collaborates on international expeditions.

Key achievements include the Annual Sharjah Archaeology series, documenting excavations at sites like Mleiha and Dibba al-Hisn, and global exhibitions such as "From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route" at the Colosseum in 2025.

Bridging Academia and Archaeology in UAE Higher Education

The journal's advent aligns seamlessly with UAE higher education's push toward interdisciplinary research. Institutions like the University of Sharjah offer specialized programs, such as the PhD in Science and Technology for Heritage Conservation and Management, integrating archaeology, engineering, and environmental sciences.

SAA's partnerships amplify this synergy. Recent collaborations include symposia with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) on Arabian Gulf archaeology and joint excavations at Faya with University of Tübingen and Oxford Brookes University, yielding evidence of human presence dating back 210,000 years.

Attendees at the launch from UAE universities signal strong institutional support, potentially funneling faculty and student papers into the journal to boost research profiles and citations.

Recent Milestones Reinforcing Research Momentum

SAA's dynamism is evident in concurrent initiatives. On the same day as the journal launch, four Sharjah sites—Wadi Al-Helo (copper mining witness), Faya Paleolandscape, Al-Nahwa historic area, and Khorfakkan—were inscribed on ISESCO's Islamic World Heritage List.

Additionally, the AED 2 million Faya Research Grant targets long-term prehistoric studies, prioritizing peer-reviewed outputs—perfect fodder for the new journal. These efforts underscore Sharjah's role in global heritage science.

Opportunities for Researchers and Academics

For UAE-based scholars eyeing research jobs in higher education, the journal offers a prestigious venue. Its indexing ambitions in international databases will enhance visibility, citations, and career advancement.

Prospective contributors should prepare manuscripts with official approvals, targeting the journal's multidisciplinary ethos. Explore tips for academic CVs to pair with publications.

Global Impact and Future Prospects

By fostering knowledge exchange, the journal strengthens Sharjah's academic ecosystem, attracting international talent and funding. It supports UAE's Vision 2031 for cultural leadership, integrating heritage into education curricula.

Future plans include broader indexing and expanded symposia, potentially with more UAE universities. Researchers can leverage this for grants and collaborations, advancing fields like digital heritage.

Engaging with Archaeology Research Careers

Aspiring archaeologists in UAE higher ed can find opportunities via platforms like higher-ed-jobs and university-jobs. Pair journal publications with roles in faculty or research assistance to build impactful careers.

Visit Rate My Professor for insights into UAE archaeology faculty or higher-ed career advice for guidance.

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