Saudi Arabia unveils oldest human settlement, dating back over 10,000 years

Masiyon settlement reveals Arabian Peninsula as ancient cradle of civilisations

Last updated: September 25, 2025 | 16:20

2 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia unveils oldest human settlement, dating back over 10,000 years

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has announced the discovery of the oldest known human settlement in Masiyon, Wadi Damm, northwest of Tabuk City—an extraordinary find that opens a window onto the deep history of the Arabian Peninsula and its ancient civilisations.

The Saudi Heritage Commission unveiled the landmark archaeological discovery at a press conference on Thursday, describing it as one of the most important in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Archaeologists confirmed that the site dates to the Neolithic period (Pre-Pottery), around 10,300–11,000 years ago, marking the beginnings of human settlement in the northwest of the Kingdom.

Officials said the Masiyon settlement stands as powerful evidence that the Arabian Peninsula was an ancient cradle of civilisation, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s role in humanity’s earliest chapters.

Masiyon proves that the Kingdom’s land was home to human communities thousands of years ago, rich with cultural secrets that remain worthy of exploration, discovery, and pride.

The site contains evidence of human activity, including:

Semi-circular architectural units constructed from local granite stones.
Residential buildings, storage facilities, passageways, and hearths, reflecting a lifestyle based on hunting and grain cultivation of the period.
A large collection of stone tools, including arrowheads, knives, and grinders, likely used for processing grains.
Personal ornaments made from amazonite, quartz, and shells.
Raw materials indicating production activities within the settlement.
Rare remains of human and animal skeletal structures.
Stone artifacts decorated with geometric patterns.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.