Abu Dhabi, UAE — A rare Iron Age stamp unearthed in the UAE has been unveiled as one of the cornerstone artefacts set to go on display at the upcoming Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island — offering fresh insight into ancient trade practices and regional identity nearly 3,000 years ago.
The square-shaped, black stamp is etched with the figure of a camel, symbolizing the animal’s vital role during a time when it was becoming central to the livelihood, commerce, and culture of the Arabian Peninsula. Dating back to the first millennium BC, the stamp is believed to have served a bureaucratic function, sealing goods and documents within early trade networks.
“This Iron Age artefact is more than just an administrative tool,” said Ammar Al Banna, associate curator at the museum. “It represents how early societies embedded their environment into their economic systems. The camel wasn’t just a beast of burden — it was an icon of trade, status, and survival.”
The stamp will be showcased in the museum’s Through Our Connections gallery, which explores how ancient people of the UAE interacted with neighboring regions and developed early systems of trade and governance. Its camel motif is also seen as an early form of symbolic language, visually linking community, commerce, and culture.
More Treasures Join the Collection
Alongside the stamp, the Zayed National Museum has added two other significant items to its collection:
- A Bronze Age gold pendant, believed to be worn as a status symbol or religious amulet.
- A meticulously carved ashlar block from the 3rd millennium BC, highlighting the architectural sophistication of early settlements in the region.
These newly announced artefacts join other renowned pieces like the full-scale Magan Boat reconstruction — a maritime vessel from the Bronze Age — and the Blue Quran, a rare 9th-century manuscript known for its indigo-dyed parchment and gold Kufic script.
With over 1,000 artefacts planned for display, Zayed National Museum is shaping up to become a definitive cultural landmark, narrating the long, interconnected story of the UAE and its deep historical roots in trade, religion, and innovation.
Cover photo: Iron Age stamp with camel motif. © Zayed National Museum / Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
