Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The oases of the UAE have long served as natural sanctuaries for both locals and tourists. Offering year-round appeal with their spectacular landscapes and rich historical significance, these enchanting spots continue to captivate visitors, attracting thousands seeking relaxation amidst unspoiled nature.
Home to numerous oases, the UAE provides tourists with ideal destinations where pristine beauty, characterised by lush trees and traditional irrigation systems, harmoniously coexists with the depth of history.
#UAE Oases: Enchanting havens of natural beauty and rich history
— Aletihad English (@AletihadEn) January 14, 2025
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Some of these sites date back thousands of years, bearing witness to the enduring presence of human civilisation in these tranquil landscapes.
The UAE has dedicated significant efforts to enhancing its oases, transforming them into thriving tourist attractions.
Through vital projects to preserve their natural beauty and ensure sustainability, the nation has successfully elevated the allure of these historic sites.
With a focus on creative touches that highlight the oases' ancient heritage, the UAE continues to improve the quality of services available, making these destinations even more appealing.
As part of the fifth season of the ‘World's Coolest Winter’ campaign, launched under the theme ‘Green Tourism,’ the UAE is showcasing its most iconic oases.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the National Agricultural Center, and local tourism bodies, the campaign invites visitors to explore these sustainable destinations.
The initiative promotes community engagement in sustainable farming practices and encourages eco-friendly tourism.
It aligns with the UAE's tourism strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which strives to develop a unified and sustainable tourism framework across the country.
Al Ain Oasis
Al Ain Oasis is one of the UAE's most significant tourist destinations. It offers a glimpse into ancient human settlements and agricultural practices that date back to the early Bronze Age, around 3000 BCE.
Recognised for its cultural and historical value, the oasis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
Officially opened to the public in 2016, Al Ain Oasis welcomes visitors to explore its environmental education centre and wander through its extensive shaded pathways, lined with 147,000 date palms.
The oasis is home to nearly 100 plant species and several productive farms.
It is a lowland area where palm trees, fruits, and vegetables grow under the shade of palms, irrigated by traditional ‘Aflaj’ water channels.
Al Ain Oasis continues to attract large crowds, with over 300,000 visitors in the first half of 2024.
Among its key attractions is the environmental centre, which offers a unique experience that takes visitors on a journey through time from the present to the past.
The oasis also features a three-tiered garden displaying plants from traditional oasis farms and a miniature version of Al Ain Oasis that highlights its origins, the factors behind its formation, and the significance of its location.
This miniature oasis also showcases the role of nearby forts, which were crucial in protecting the oasis from external threats.
Additionally, Al Falaj exhibition introduces the ancient water distribution methods used in the traditional irrigation system known as the Al Aflaj.
Another notable site in Al Ain is Al Hili Oasis, located at the northern edge of the city. It covers 60 hectares and is home to nearly 40,000 date palms spread across more than 252 farms.
The oasis also features several historic buildings, including a watchtower and a fortified house, both constructed in the early 19th century.
Liwa Oasis
Liwa Oasis, the largest natural resort in the Rub' Al Khali desert, or Empty Quarter, is a breathtaking blend of lush palm groves and towering red dunes.
The oasis stretches over 100 kilometres in a crescent shape from east to west, and is home to abundant groundwater near the surface, enabling agriculture and livestock farming for generations.
It features some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, with heights reaching over 150 meters.
The oasis is dotted with numerous forts and castles, including two historic forts that have stood for over a century.
A prominent landmark in the area is the ‘Qasr Al Sarab’ resort, designed as an ancient fortress, blending royal elegance with contemporary luxury.
Since its opening, ‘Qasr Al Sarab’ has earned multiple accolades, including the titles of "Best Desert Resort in the UAE" and "Best Desert Resort in the Middle East" three times each.
Every year, Liwa Oasis hosts the Liwa International Festival, a major event featuring motorsports, traditional racing, cycling competitions, and youth championships.
Since its launch in 2004, the festival, held at the famous 300-meter-high ‘Tel Moreeb,’ has become the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
Al Qudra Lake
Al Qudra Lake in Dubai is a stunning desert destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and wildlife.
This man-made oasis, featuring serene lakes and vast sand dunes, has become one of Dubai’s top ecotourism spots.
The lakes offer a perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor activities, attracting those seeking peace in the desert.
What makes Al Qudra Lake even more unique is its proximity to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, home to numerous species of wildlife, including gazelles, foxes, ducks, and over 170 bird species found in the UAE.
This makes the lake a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts eager to get close to nature. Additionally, the Al Qudra cycling track offers an ideal location for adventure seekers, from beginners to experienced cyclists, allowing them to enjoy spectacular landscapes while engaging in their favourite outdoor sport.
Al Badayer Retreat
Located in the heart of the serene desert, Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah opened its doors in 2019 as a luxurious tourism project that blends authentic heritage with modern amenities, offering visitors a unique stay and a variety of outdoor activities.
The oasis features a fully integrated village in the quiet desert, enhancing the emirate's scenic beauty and ecotourism appeal.
The retreat offers 21 rooms and 10 tents, including 11 luxury rooms with single beds, 10 luxury rooms with double beds, and 7 one-bedroom tents, as well as 3 two-bedroom tents to cater to the needs of all guests, including families.
Designed as a heritage city surrounded by golden sand dunes and adorned with palm trees, Al Badayer Retreat provides visitors with unforgettable experiences, including desert safari tours to explore the diverse desert flora and fauna, horseback riding, and thrilling dune bashing adventures.
Bedouin Oasis Camp
Nestled in Ras Al Khaimah, the Bedouin Oasis Camp offers a tranquil retreat for visitors looking to experience the timeless beauty of Arabian desert life, blended with luxury and sophistication.
The camp brings the traditional Bedouin lifestyle to life, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the desert's authentic customs and heritage.
While the camp’s design embraces simplicity, it also provides a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy, ensuring a memorable desert experience.
Also, in Ras Al Khaimah, the Bassata Bedouin Camp and the Bassata Desert Village stand out among the expansive dunes.
Set within a protected area, this desert sanctuary is home to wild camels, rare Arabian oryx, and the elusive lone donkey. It offers a unique wildlife experience for nature lovers.
