Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Oases in the UAE have become attractions for visitors from all over the world due to their natural diversity as well as their ancient history that reflects the heritage of the Emirati people and their close connection to the land.
One of the most popular locations is Al Ain Oasis, which is one of the oldest and most important oases in the country and has preserved its historical and cultural status to become one of the most prominent eco-tourism destinations today.
The Al Ain Oasis dates dating back to 3000 years BC, at the beginning of the Bronze Age.
It is a living testament to human settlement and the development of agricultural practices in the region.
With its ancient history, the oasis still maintains its strategic location and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
In 2011, Al Ain Oasis was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, confirming its international historical and cultural status.
The Environmental Centre offers visitors the opportunity to learn about traditional agricultural practices and the use of the ancient “Aflaj” system for irrigating the land.
Visitors can walk among 147,000 palm trees and a variety of crops, including nearly 100 species of plants.
Aisha Mohammed from Qatar told Aletihad: “Al Ain Oasis is an important part of this heritage, and the educational tours offered by the Environmental Centre enable visitors to learn more about traditional agricultural methods.”
As one of the visitors, Ali Abdullah, said: “My visit to Al Ain Oasis makes me enjoy the history of Aflaj in particular and the importance of this traditional system in our ancient lives.
“The presence of my children here teaches them about our ancient history and heritage and how we have co-existed in these places since ancient times.”
The oasis’ garden includes three plant varieties representing the different types of flora that grow in traditional oases. The miniature oasis is a model of the original oasis, allowing visitors to learn about how it was formed and the reasons for its emergence. It also highlights the ancient forts that were built to defend the oasis.
In addition to the Al Ain Oasis, Al Hili Oasis is one of the most notable oases in Al Ain City. It consists of 252 farms with roughly 40,000 fertile palm trees.
This oasis is distinctive for its combination of stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks, such as ancient buildings and a watchtower dating back to the early 19th century.
Visitor Eisa Al Hashemi added: “Visiting Al Ain Oasis is a journey through time, where nature and history blend at every corner. The place is not just a tourist site but a mirror that reflects the spirit of the UAE’s heritage and ancient culture.
“What distinguishes the oasis is its ability to transport visitors to past eras, brilliantly embodying how our ancestors lived in harmony with the land and water, adhering to the values of persistence and innovation.”
