From East to West, We’re Full of Arabian Promise
Al Ain – Our Heritage Heartland
For thousands of years the oasis of Al Ain was an important caravan stop on ancient trade routes from Oman to ancient Persia, India and the Mediterranean.
Meaning ‘the spring’ in Arabic, Al Ain is fed by natural springs originating in the surrounding rocky heights. Also known as the ‘Oasis City’, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s heritage heartland, is renowned for its archaeological excavations – which have uncovered tombs over 4,000 years old. It is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements.
Al Ain is the traditional home of Abu Dhabi’s Ruling Al Nahyan family, and is best recognised as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan, the UAE’s founding President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
It has emerged as a vital centre for agriculture, education and tourism and is rich with traditional souks selling fruits and vegetables, handicrafts and even camels!
Today visitors to Al Ain can connect with its rich heritage by visiting its museums and renovated forts where they’ll walk in the footsteps of the emirate’s historic rulers.
In the heart of the city, Al Ain Oasis abounds with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms. The cool, shady walkways transport you from the heat and noise of the city to a tranquil haven, and many of the oasis farms have working examples of falaj, the traditional irrigation system which has been used for centuries to tap into underground wells.
The towering Jebel Hafeet height, one of the country’s largest peaks rising 1,240 metres, affords impressive views over Al Ain. In Jebel Hafeet’s foothills lies Green Mubazzarah – a park of undulating rocky terrain built around natural hot springs and waterfalls that has been landscaped to give the impression of rolling grassy hillsides.
Al Ain’s slow, relaxing atmosphere belies the amount of engaging activities it offers from visits to the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, which is home to over 4,000 animals including the indigenous Arabian Oryx and sand gazelle, to driving around one of the world’s most advanced go-kart tracks, teeing off on an all-grass 18-hole golf course in the shadow of Jebel Hafeet to attending international equestrian shows.
Today the ‘Oasis City’ is undergoing a flourishing renaissance, with a dedicated ‘Al Ain 2030’ development plan which will foster Al Ain’s authentic Arab identity whilst supporting a continually evolving modern culture.
Western region (Al Gharbia) - Where the Desert meets the Sea
Al Gharbia accounts for 83% of Abu Dhabi emirate’s landmass and is ‘where the desert meets the sea.’ It is an adventure playground with some of the world’s most dramatic desert and stunning natural offshore islands.
Al Gharbia’s history is encompassed in the myriad of ancient forts which dot the landscape. Together they present a snapshot of this region’s fascinating history – and all set against dramatic landscapes.
A great reason to start exploring this vast region is the drive to Liwa; an historic oasis town at the entry to the Rub Al Khali (the Empty Quarter) the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass.
Liwa will blow you away with massive expanses of awesome desert and the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara. Prepare for the most adventurous off-road driving the UAE has to offer, and some of its most incredible scenery.
Moreeb Hill in the Liwa desert is, at 300 metres, one of the world’s tallest sand dunes. With a 50 degree incline to the top it is the pinnacle for desert driving enthusiasts.
Al Gharbia is the region of festivals – from watersports extravaganzas, to a celebration of the date palm and even a camel festival featuring the world’s only camel beauty competition.
The region is also home to the emerging Desert Islands activity-based destination which has the Sir Bani Yas Island nature-based resort at its core. The towering dunes of the Liwa Desert are also now home to a magnificent desert retreat – Qasr Al Sarab – where visitors can engage in traditional pursuits while closer to the oasis town of Liwa, lies the Tilal Al Liwa resort where guests soak up the tranquillity of the surrounding desert scenery.
Find more about these beautiful places at http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/