(From left to right: Sara Almarzooqi, Professor Donald Johanson, Dr Peter Kjaergaard, and Dr Mark Jonathan Beech)

I was recently honoured to meet Professor Donald Johanson, the American palaeoanthropologist, when he visited the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, to be reunited with “Lucy”. In 1974 he discovered “Lucy”, also known as “Dinkinesh” (Amharic: ድንቅ ነሽ, ‘you are marvellous‘), Australopithecus afarensis, at Hadar in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia. “Lucy” is a  40 per cent complete skeleton of one of the most important early human ancestors. The famed 3.2-million-year-old fossil transformed our scientific understanding of humanity’s origins. “Lucy” is on temporary loan to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi courtesy of the Ethiopia Heritage Authority. She has been placed on display in the Human Story Gallery from the opening of the museum on 22 November 2025 and will remain here up until 23 March 2026, after which she will return home to Ethiopia.

Special thanks go to Abebaw Ayalew Gella (Director-General of the Ethiopia Heritage Authority) and Sahleselassie Melaku (Department Head and Research Associate Palaeontology and Paleoanthropology, National Museum of Ethiopia) for their kind assistance and support to make this all happen.

 

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The National, 12 February 2026
From Ethiopia to Abu Dhabi: What Lucy, our prehuman ancestor, teaches us 50 years after discovery

The National, 27 November 2026
Lucy at Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: 3.2-million-year-old fossil now on display

Professor Donald Johanson and Dr Mark Jonathan Beech (centre), Robin Johanson (right), Dr Peter Kjaergaard (third from right) and Tine Jess (fourth from right) meet local staff at the Faya Palaeolandscape UNESCO World Heritage site in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

I was honoured to be mentioned in a recent publication by the renowned Bulgarian archaeozoologist, Zlatozar Boev, who works at the National Museum of Natural History in Sofia, Bulgaria. Details of the publication are as follows:

Boev, Z. 2025. History of the Archaeozoology in Bulgaria—Fields, Researchers and Achievements for 120 Years. Quaternary 8: 73 . https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8040073

The article mentions the following contributions by myself and colleagues:

Although extremely rare, archaeomalacological studies in Bulgaria have also been conducted by foreign archaeozoologists. The mollusks at Nicopolis ad Istrum have been studied in detail by Beech, M. The Mollusca. In Nicopolis ad Istrum. A Late Roman and Early Byzantine City. The Finds and the Biological Remains; Poulter, A.G., Ed.; Oxbow Books; The Society of Antiquaries of London: London, UK, 2007; pp. 293–297+307–318. ISBN 978-184217-182-0 1-84217-182-8. ISSN 0953-7163.

Twenty-one freshwater and marine species of fish from the ancient town of Nicopolis-ad-Istrum (CN Bulgaria) have been found by Beech, M.J. and Irving, B. The fish remains. In Nicopolis ad Istrum. A Late Roman and Early Byzantine City. The Finds and the Biological Remains; Poulter, A.G., Ed.; Oxbow Books; The Society of Antiquaries of London: London, UK, 2007; pp. 224–241+307–318:  Without exaggeration, we can consider that study, although by foreign researchers, is the first archaeoichthylogical study in Bulgaria.

The mammalian remains from Nicopolis-ad-Istrum have also been subject to detailed study:

Beech, M. 1997. The economy and environment of a Roman, Late-Roman and Early Byzantine town in North-Central Bulgaria: The mammalian fauna from Nicopolis-ad-Istrum. Anthropozoologica  25–26: 619–630.

Beech, M. 2007. The Environmental Archaeology Research Programme at Nicopolis: Methodology and results. Proc. Br. Acad.  141: 219–248.

Beech, M. 2007. The large mammal and reptile bones. In: Nicopolis ad Istrum. A Late Roman and Early Byzantine City. The Finds and the Biological Remains; Poulter, A.G., Ed.; Oxbow Books; The Society of Antiquaries of London: London, UK, pp. 154–197 + 307–318.

I was very proud to be amongst the first visitors to enter the Zayed National Museum when it opened to the public today, Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 10:00 AM.  It was fantastic to wander around the beautiful  building, visiting two galleries on the ground floor: “Our Beginning” and “Through Our Nature”, and then four galleries on the second floor: “To Our Ancestors”, “Through Our Connection”, “By Our Coasts” and “To Our Roots”… Followed by lunch sitting outside the Al Ghaf Cafe, and then a wander through the Al Masar Garden.

I was particularly happy to see some of the artefacts which I helped to discover from the excavations I directed on the important Neolithic  settlements on Marawah, Delma, and Ghagha Islands,  as well as on the Christian church and monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island. This was work carried out during my time working for the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS) between 1994 and 2006, and then with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) between 2006-2012, the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) between 2012-2018, and then with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) between 2018-2024.  Here are some photos taken during the visit:

The Marawah Ubaid vase
This was discovered in 2004 within area A, Room 1 of a tripartite structure, at site MR11 on Marawah Island in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi emirate. It dates to around 5500 BCE.  The following publications discuss this find:

Beech M., R. Cuttler, D. Moscrop, H. Kallweit & J. Martin. 2005. New evidence for the Neolithic settlement of Marawah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies  35: 37-56.  Download here

Méry, S., M.J. Blackman, M.J. Beech & K. Lidour. 2016. 5500 av. notre ère: le vase de Marawah MR11 et l’Obeid du Golfe. Chapter 17, Pages 155-174, in: B. Perello and A. Tenu (eds.), Parcours d’Orient: Receuil de textes offert à Christine Kepinski. Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, Oxford.  Download here

The Stucco panels from Sir Bani Yas Island

I was part of the original archaeological team from the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS) team which discovered the Sir Bani Yas Church and Monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island in 1994. This sites dates to the 7th to 8th centuries CE, and belonged to the Church of the East.  Thirty one years later, I am proud that the material we originally excavated is now finally going on permanent display at the Zayed National Museum for everyone to see!

The following publications mention these finds:

Department of Culture and Tourism (Noura Hamad Al Hameli, Richard Cuttler and Mark Jonathan Beech). 2023. The Church and Monastery of Sir Bani Yas. Abu Dhabi Culture.
ISBN: 978-9948-776-67-3.  Download here

Beech, M. 2009. Archaeology of the Late Pre-Islamic to Early Islamic Period with a particular focus on recent discoveries on Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Emirate. Pages 99-112 (english version); Pages 105-118 (arabic version). In: New Perspectives on Recording UAE History. Proceedings of the International History Conference, New Perspectives on Recording UAE History, National Center for Documentation and Research 40th Anniversary Conference (23-25 November 2008). National Center for Documentation and Research, Abu Dhabi, UAE. ISBN 978-9948-05-071-1.  Download here

Last updated: 4 December 2025: 10:51 AM (GST Gulf Standard Time)

Today marked the public opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.  Visit our website now to book tickets: www.nhmad.ae/en

We had over 7,000 visitors on our first day!

Last updated: 23 November 2025: 00:15 AM (GST Gulf Standard Time)

I was very honoured to give a VIP tour of the Late Miocene gallery (Abu Dhabi 7 million years ago) at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and to His Excellency, Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

You can see some photos of their visit and watch a video about their visit by clicking here.

Last updated: 4 December 2025: 00:15 AM (GST Gulf Standard Time)

I was honoured to make a presentation at ICOM 2025 Dubai in the NATHIST committee session held on Saturday 15 November 2025 at the Terra Pavilion at Dubai Expo City.

This was in a session entitled – Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Museums: Challenges and Ethics in Exhibiting Living Knowledge Systems, moderated by Phaedra Fang (Secretary of ICOM NATHIST) in Session 2 from 14:00 – 14:30 PM.

The presentation was entitled:

Abu Dhabi 7 million years ago – the making of a new gallery at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has curated an exceptional gallery dedicated to the Late Miocene fossils discovered in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi emirate in the United Arab Emirates. This gallery is a significant scientific and cultural endeavour, showcasing fossils that date back approximately 7 million years. The exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into the prehistoric biodiversity of the region, highlighting the rich palaeontological heritage of Abu Dhabi. The gallery features an extensive collection of Late Miocene fossils, meticulously collected and documented from the Al Dhafra region. Some of these fossil sites were first discovered by the local Bedouin communities, who kindly shared their knowledge. These sites offer invaluable insights into the fauna and flora that once thrived here. The museum has incorporated highly detailed, scientifically accurate reconstructed models of the animals that existed during this period. These models are crafted to provide visitors with a vivid and immersive understanding of the prehistoric ecosystem. The gallery serves as an educational platform, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the evolutionary history and environmental changes that have shaped the region over millions of years. The Baynunah Formation is unique within the Arabian Peninsula due to its rich assemblage of Late Miocene fossils. This formation is particularly significant as it is one of the few sites in the Arabian Peninsula where such a diverse range of terrestrial vertebrate fossils has been discovered, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient biodiversity of the area.

Full name of authors: Mark Jonathan Beech¹ and Luca Bellucci²

Museum/Organisation:  Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

Position: Acting Head – Geoscience¹ and Curator – Geoscience²

Mark Jonathan Beech¹
Dr. Mark Jonathan Beech is a distinguished palaeontologist and archaeologist known for his extensive work in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the field of Late Miocene palaeontology, prehistoric archaeology and environmental archaeology. He serves as Acting Head of Geoscience at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Beech specializes in the study of ancient environments and human interactions with them, with a particular emphasis on the Arabian Peninsula’s palaeontological and archaeological record.

Luca Bellucci²
Dr Luca Bellucci is a noted paleontologist recognised for his contributions to the study of ancient life and ecosystems. He serves as Curator of Geoscience at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Dr Bellucci is involved in research that enhances the understanding of prehistoric life, focusing on fossil records and their implications for evolutionary biology.

Last updated: 15 November 2025:  15:00 PM (GST Gulf Standard Time)

I have a new publication which appears in a new book :

Méry, S. and Lidour, K. 2025. Umm al-Quwain 2: A Neolithic settlement and graveyard in the United Arab Emirates. Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, Bicester. ISBN 978-1-80583-125-9. ISBN 978-1-80583-126-6 (e-Pdf).

You can download a PDF (14.8 MB) of this book from ArchaeoPress by clicking here.

My contribution is part of this chapter:

Lidour, S. Méry, M.J. Beech, L. Yeomans, M. Mashkour, K. Debue, S. Bréhard, C. Dupont and J. Martin. 2025. Animal economy and subsistence strategies at UAQ2, Pages 162-200, in: Méry, S. and Lidour, K. 2025. Umm al-Quwain 2: A Neolithic settlement and graveyard in the United Arab Emirates. Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, Bicester.  ISBN 978-1-80583-125-9. ISBN 978-1-80583-126-6 (e-Pdf).

More specifically, on the Neolithic fish bones from the site:

Beech, M.J. and Yeomans, L. 2025. Marine fish. Pages 164-175, in: Méry, S. and Lidour, K. 2025. Umm al-Quwain 2: A Neolithic settlement and graveyard in the United Arab Emirates. Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, Bicester.  ISBN 978-1-80583-125-9. ISBN 978-1-80583-126-6 (e-Pdf).

Last updated:  15 November 2025: 15:00 PM (GST Gulf Standard Time)

Today marks the launch of the new website for the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

Please come and visit us at : https://www.nhmad.ae/en

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will open to the public on Saturday 22nd November at 10 AM.

The museum’s opening days and hours will be as follows:

I am co-author of a new publication on dugongs in the Arabian Gulf region. This is Chapter 4 in the Global assessment report on the status of dugongs in the world, prepared by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals CMS, and published in their Technical Series:

Marsh, H., Alqahtani, T., Arosa, S., Beech, M., Blair, D., Burt, J.A., Das, H., Khamis, A., Loates, P., Marshall, C., McKenzie, L., Pilcher, N., Rabaoui, L., and Wong, J. (2025). Arabian/Persian Gulf. Chapter 4 [Pages 97-122 ] in Marsh, H., Loates, P.J. and Schramm, L. (eds.). Global assessment of dugong status and conservation needs. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals CMS. Technical Series Publication No. 51.
ISBN: 978-3-937429-40-3  https://doi.org/10.25903/0ncx-v838

You can download the:

PDF (Main report) – Published version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
Download (34MB)

PDF (Executive summary) – Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
Download (4MB)

You can also watch a video about this report at:

Last updated: 17 October 2025: 12:46 AM (GST Gulf Standard Time)

Development in South West Asia (SWA) of local initiatives in bioarchaeological practices and trainings

Organised by:
MASHKOUR M. (1) * , TENGBERG M. (2), CHAHOUD J. (3)
(1) CNRS, Paris, France
(2) Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
(3) Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France
*Corresponding author

Abstract:
Today no excavation can be imagined without the implication and integration of archaeobotany, archaeozoology, and molecular analyses. Within the last 40 years with the development of archaeological sciences, awareness of SWA and non SWA archaeologists has increased on the importance of natural sciences. The aim of this session is : 1) to have a state of art on the development of bioarchaeological studies in South West Asia by local scholars. 2) to gather the archaeologists and the SWA community of archaeobotanists, archaeozoologists, physical anthropologists, biogeochemists to have a dialogue, to share their experience on when and how these developments took place. 3) to have the viewpoint of field archaeologists and how they deal with the requirement of bioarchaeological research and methods in the field in terms of sampling strategies and also in the frame of heritage regulations and policies. We expect to collect testimonies on these developments and how they impact today the younger generation, despite the political difficulties in the region for several decades. These unique trajectories and stories will constitute a solid documentation on the development of these scientific fields in the SWA countries and a guide for those who engage in this path. We also aim at publishing these testimonies in a single volume that will be as a bench mark for retracing the emergence and development of bioarchaeology in the almost 20 countries that constitute South West Asia.

Keywords:
Bioarchaeology, Collections, Training, Sampling, Heritage Regulations

Program

Thursday 05 June 2025

– Integrating Bioarchaeology into Southwest Asian Archaeology: research and collaboration in Lyon;

Emmanuelle VILA (1) (presenting author),
Françoise LE MORT (1),
Jwana CHAHOUD (1,4),
Moussab ALBESSO (1,2),
Bérénice CHAMEL (5),
Linda HERVEUX (1),
Modwène POULMARC’H (1),
Michael SEIGLE (1,3),
George WILLCOX (1),
Daniel HELMER (1);

1 UMR 5133-Archéorient, CNRS-Université Lumière Lyon
2, Maison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée, Lyon, France;
2 Archéodunum, Toulouse, France ;
3 Eveha, Lyon, France ;
4 Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France ;
5 Institut français du Proche-Orient, Beyrouth, Lebanon.

– Reading archaeozoology in Tehran; An account of the bioarchaeological developments in Iran;

Marjan MASHKOUR (1,2)(presenting author),
Haeedeh LALEH (2);

1 CNRS- UMR 7209- AASPE- Archaeozoology and Archaeobotany, Paris, France;
2 BALUT- Bioarchaeology Laboratory, Central Laboratory, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

– Sowing seeds: encouraging research into the archaeobotany of southwest Asia in France;

Margareta TENGBERG (1) (presenting author),
George WILLCOX (2),
Charlène BOUCHAUD (1);

1 UMR 7209 (Bioarch), Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle/CNRS, Paris, France;
2 UMR 5133 (Archéorient), Lyon, France.

– Advancing Bioarchaeology in Lebanon: Research in Archaeozoology, Archaeomalacology, and Archaeobotany;

Jwana CHAHOUD (1,2,3) (presenting author),
Zeinab RAYA (1,2,3),
Christelle KABBOUL (3,4);

1 Université Lyon 2, LYON, France;
2 Archéorient, UMR 5133, CNRS, Maisond e l’Orient et la Méditerannée, Lyon, France ;
3 Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon;
4 AASP, CNRS, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.

– Development of Bioarchaeological Research in the United Arab Emirates;

Mark Jonathan BEECH (1) (presenting author);
Filipe Costa VAZ (2)

1 Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
2 Historic Environment Department, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

– The development of Archaeozoology in Saudi Arabia: the AZAP Research project and the Jaussen & Savignac Research center (Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne University);

Hervé MONCHOT (1,2) (presenting author),
Gaëlle TALLET (1),
Ingrid PERISSE (3);

1 Universite Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne, Paris, France;
2 Centre francais de recherche de la peninsule Arabique (CEFREPA), Kuwait city, Kuwait ;
3 Agence francaise pour le developpement d’AlUla (AFALULA), Paris, France.

– Archaeozoology Vs Zooarchaeology: Comparative Insights Into The Study Of Faunal Remains In Armenia;

Ninna MANASERYAN (1), Andranik GYONJYAN (1) (presenting author);
1 Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, Yerevan, Armenia.

– Promoting local archaeozoological research in Uzbekistan: Collaborative Initiatives and Educational Developments;

Delphine DECRUYENAERE (1,2) (presenting author) ;

1 Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, UMR7209 AASPE, Paris, France;
2 Silk Road University of Tourism and Cultural heritage, Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

– From Root to Rise: The Steppe Sisters Network;

Elissa BULLION (1),
Katie CAMPBELL (2),
Mariana CASTRO (3),
Ainash CHILDEBAYEVA (4),
Cecilia CONTE (5),
Dilnoza DUTURAEVA (6),
Ashleigh HARUDA (7),
Kristen HOPPER (8),
Angela NOSEDA (9) (presenting author),
Aiya RAISSOVA (10),
Dilrabo TOSHEVA (11),
Alicia VENTRESCA MILLER (11);

1 US National Resources Conservation Service, Spokane, United States;
2 University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
3 Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, New York City, United States;
4 University of Kansas, Lawrence, United States;
5 Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany;
6 University of York, York, United Kingdom;
7 University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
8 Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom;
9 Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France;
10 Yale University, New Haven, United States;
11 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.

– ZooStan – Establishment of a French-Central Asian Archaeozoological Center, challenge and solutions;

William RENDU (1) (presenting author);

1 CNRS-KazNU, Voiron, France.

– From Bioarcheological Research to Capacity Building in the Indus Basin: The MAFBI training programme in Pakistan;

Aurore DIDIER (1,2) (presenting author),
Asma AYOOB KHILJI (4),
Marjan MASHKOUR (3),
David SARMIENTO-CASTILLO (2),
Margareta TENGBERG (5);

1 CNRS – UMR 7041 Archéologies et Sciences de l’Antiquité, Nanterre, France;
2 Mission Archéologique Française du Bassin de l’Indus, Nanterre, France ;
3 CNRS – UMR 7209 Archéozoologie et Archéobotanique : Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements, Paris, France ;
4 PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan;
5 MNHN – UMR7209 Archéozoologie et Archéobotanique : Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements, Paris, France

– Archaeobotany as a practice, discipline and ‘the missing link’ in archaeology in Türkiye;

Muge ERGUN (1) (presenting author);

1 University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.

– Discussion

Dr Mark Jonathan Beech (Scientific Research Lead, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi), presenting author, and Filipe Costa Vaz (Historic Environment Department, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi) will be presenting the following paper in the session in Room W.6.1 on Thursday 5th June from 12:00-12:30 pm:

DEVELOPMENT OF BIOARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Archaeology in the UAE has a comparatively young history and there is a paucity of publications on bioarchaeological research. Archaeologists operating there are aware of possibilities of integrating archaeobotany, archaeozoology, molecular analyses, physical anthropology, and geoarchaeological results with their work, but there are comparatively few opportunities for suitable research facilities or collaboration with colleagues.  There is also a distinct lack of institutions teaching bioarchaeology within the UAE and Gulf region. Many studies are carried out by visiting experts who either only stay a short time in the country, or who export the bioarchaeological remains so they may study the remains elsewhere. This has not helped to build local capacity and expertise in the region. Some suggestions for future best practice include ensuring full engagement with local institutions. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD) will open its doors for the first time in 2025. This museum houses a research institute with significant archive and laboratory facilities. The NHMAD will become a hub for resident and visiting scientists to undertake research on its collections. The NHMAD welcomes future research collaborations with bioarchaeologists and will be actively looking to undertake joint training and research programmes.

This takes place in Session 6 – Life and death: Human behaviour and practices – Type of papers:  Workshop, at the 14th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (ICAANE) which has been organised since 1998 by the scientific community of scholars working on and in the Near East. It is an exceptional forum for dialogue and scientific exchanges between all colleagues involved in the study of the Ancient Near East.

To discover the program of the 14th ICAANE click here.

To download all the ICAANE Abstracts click here.

After twelve years, the ICAANE comes back to France to the city of lights Lyon. From 2-7 June 2025, the fourteenth International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East will take place in Lyon. It is organised by the Université Lumière Lyon 2 and the Maison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée.

EVENT PLANNER – Registration