Visitors to Al Ain Oasis can now explore the UAE’s first Unesco World Heritage Site through a specially-curated experience that is open to the public.
A series of developments and upgrades have been implemented by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA) to improve the visitor experience and accessibility.
The six oases of Al Ain Oasis became the UAE’s first Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011, when it was recognised alongside the Bronze-Age Hafit Tombs, the archaeological settlements at Hili and the prehistoric vestiges at Bidaa Bint Saud. To date, these Al Ain locations are the country’s only Unesco-recognised sites.
Situated between Al Ain National Museum and Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Ain Oasis is also one of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited sites, dating back more than 4,000 years.
The site covers 1,200 hectares and has more than 147,000 date palm trees of up to 100 different varieties. It’s also defined by its traditional aflaj irrigation systems, which carry fresh spring water from the Hajar Mountains.
One of the new highlights is the Eco-Centre, which helps members of the public understand the site’s ecosystem, historic evolution and people. It also showcases environmental measures taken to preserve the oasis.
Another feature is the Miniature Oasis, which is an interactive experience that recreates the workings of the oasis, demonstrating the historic aflaj irrigation systems that carry water to the palm groves.
Al Ain Oasis Plaza, a development featuring restaurants, cafés and shops selling products and produce from the site, will also be opened to the public.
The stunning Unesco World Heritage Site was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi, says: “Al Ain Oasis represents an essential component of the overall strategy of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to safeguard the country’s heritage and preserve national treasures.
“One of the most iconic sites across the emirates is Al Ain Oasis. People were visionary here, creating an ecosystem that fully utilised nature’s blessings, from its freshwater springs and fertile soils; a prosperous civilisation ascended and survived the passage of time.”
He adds: “Al Ain Oasis does not only offer a lesson from the past but also a message for the future, namely how to create true sustainability. It is a testament to the engineering and survival capacities of mankind.”
In addition to the upgrades, visitors can explore the site through a network of walking trails, which highlight the architecture and traditional practices of the oasis. All of the developments have been carried out in a way that protects the cultural integrity of the Unesco World Heritage Site.
Free entry. Open daily 9am-6pm (oasis), noon-9pm (shops and restaurants). Al Mutawaa, Al Ain.
