Scientists recover DNA from skeleton in Abu Dhabi

 Scientists from the forensic science laboratory at the Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters have successfully recovered ancient DNA from a human skeleton excavated by archeologists earlier this year from Abu Dhabi’s western island of Marawah

 It is believed to be the oldest skeleton ever found in the country that dating back to almost 7500 years

 Details of this scientific breakthrough were announced yesterday at the Police Headhunters by Colonel. Ahemad Hassen Al Awadi, Director of the forensic science laboratory and forensic pathology unit at the Abu Dhabi Police Headquters, Peter Hellyer, Executive director of the Abu Dhabi Islands Archeological survey, Dr. Mark Beech, Senior Resident Archeologist, and Dr.Saeed Shawgi, Head of the forensic pathology unit.

 Radiocarbon dating as well as associated funds makes the skeleton the earliest evidence found of the presence of man in the Emirates. It was possible to determine that the skeleton was a male from the DNA Profile, using short tandem repeat based identification system, said Dr.Awdi. Pottery dating back to 6000-7500 years also found next to the skeleton also helped in determining the age of the skeleton

 This exciting new information about the earliest inhabitants of Abu Dhabi are starting to emerge from this joint work with Abu Dhabi Police and we are grateful to the Minister of Interior Major General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the support given to us by the staff of his Ministry. said Helleyer.