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Al Ain, part of Abu Dhabi– is known for its rich heritage and culture and boasts some of the world’s best heritage sites. Al Ain’s UNESCO world heritage sites properties include six oases and archaeological sites namely- Hili, Hafeet, and Bida bin Saud. These are classified by UNESCO as ‘World Heritage Sites‘ sites. These sites are significant not only in expressing local values and identity, but also in demonstrating the role these sites play in history as a whole.
Here’s a low-down of Abu Dhabi’s most revered UNESCO ‘World Heritage Sites’:
1. Bidaa Bint Saud
Bidaa Bint Saud, found 25 kilometers north of Al Ain, is a must-visit for archaeology fans. This historic caravan site showcases a rare building from the Iron Age, along with advanced irrigation systems and tombs from the Bronze Age that are around 5,000 years old. In short, this one’s a treasure trove of ancient history, waiting to be explored.
How to get there
The most convenient way is to drive. Take the E66 highway towards Al Ain, then follow signs to Bidaa Bint Saud. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. You can take a bus from Dubai to Al Ain. From the Al Ain bus station, you may need to hire a taxi to reach Bidaa Bint Saud, as public transport options to the site are limited.
From Abu Dhabi, drive east on the E22 highway towards Al Ain. Once in Al Ain, follow local directions to reach Bidaa Bint Saud. The drive usually takes about 2 hours.
Buses are available from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain. Upon arrival in Al Ain, a taxi would be necessary to reach the site.
- Timings: 24/7
- Ticket Price: Free
2. Hili Archaeological Park
Yet another gem for history enthusiasts, this is just a short drive of about 10 kilometers from the beautiful garden city of Al Ain. The Hili Archaeological is roughly an hour and a half from Abu Dhabi, making it a great spot for both tourists and locals to explore.
This Park was created to bring to light the ancient monuments of Al Ain and make it easier for the visitors to tour the site. This site has the earliest known evidence about the agricultural village in the United Arab Emirates. Other bronze and iron age villages, cemeteries, forts, and agricultural infrastructure find existence in this site. Hili site 8 is dated to 3000BCE and contains the remains of an early agricultural village. Artefacts from this site are displayed in Al Ain National Museum.
Dominating the park is the centerpiece tomb, known as the Hili Grand Tomb, which is estimated to date back to around 2000BCE. The circular structure up to 12 m in diameter, and some 4 m tall, served to bury those who died from settlements in the immediate surroundings. The tomb has two entrances adorned with exquisite carved reliefs showing human figures on one slab and animal figures on the other slab. Numerous other similar-sized tombs are found across the Hili area, which are also under the planning of an archaeological trail to allow tourists to visit these sites and have first-hand experience with the Umm an-Nar culture.
How to get there
From Al Ain city, drive north via Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Street. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and on-site parking is available. From Al Ain Central bus station board the Line 380 bus to Al Ain – Hili Fun City. The journey takes approximately 22 minutes and costs AED 2–4. Buses run four times daily.
From Dubai, take the E66 highway towards Al Ain. The park is accessible from the Dubai-Al Ain highway just before entering Al Ain town.
From Abu Dhabi, drive east on the E22 highway towards Al Ain. The park is about 10 km outside Al Ain on the road to Dubai.
- Timings: 7 am – 12 am
- Ticket Price: Free
3. Jebel Hafeet
Jebel Hafeet is an adventure on every hiker’s bucket list (and everyone who enjoys a magnificent view). Sign up for a tour of the tombs located at the foot of the mountain before starting your trek to the summit, 1,249 metres above sea level. The tombs here are over 5,000 years old, and the best way to get to know all about them is through a guided hike with the Jebel Hafit Desert Park team.
The tomb chambers are single solitary chambers, built from locally acquired unworked or crudely shaped stone blocks. Guests can enjoy different options of camping experience, depending on their preferences for an unforgettable getaway in the beautiful park: –
- Basic camping: Bring your own gear (cheap camping equipment can be got from several shops in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi).
- Fully serviced camping (Bedouin style tents) and breakfast.
- Furnished five-star bubble glamping tents with air-conditioning.
Riders can also pedal through Jebel Hafit Desert Park’s majestic natural environment with mountain bikes, horseback, or camel rides. These archaeological and historical sites tell fascinating tales of the ancient human inhabitation of the region.
How to get there
The easiest way to get here is by car. From Al Ain, drive south on Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E95) towards Green Mubazzarah. Follow signs to Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road. The ascent is approximately 11.7 km with multiple scenic viewpoints. Alternatively, take the Line 900 bus to Al Noud.
From Dubai, take the E66 highway towards Al Ain. Upon reaching Al Ain, follow the route mentioned above. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From Abu Dhabi, drive east on the E22 highway towards Al Ain. Once in Al Ain, proceed as described for Al Ain directions. The trip typically takes around 2 hours.
- Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
- Ticket Price: Free
4. Al Ain Oasis
Stroll through the shaded avenues, and revitalize the spirit with the greenery of Al Ain Oasis. This serene getaway lies over 1,200 hectares of space inside the ‘Green City’ of Al Ain. It takes only 90 minutes to drive from Abu Dhabi to this canopy, which makes it hard for one to believe if this is the UAE. When here, count among 147000 date palms over 100 types of plants or trace back things past-like the ancient system of irrigation called falaj.
The falaj is very much part of the local heritage and one among the many reasons that have made Al Ain a UNESCO Cultural Site. Lastly, stop by the Eco-Centre, a sustainable building that offers an additional perspective on the historical value of Al Ain Oasis, through its interactive exhibits. Entry at Al Ain Oasis is free and the place is open from 9 am -5:30 pm.
How to get there
From Al Ain City, Al Ain Oasis is centrally located, just a 4-minute drive from the city center.
From Abu Dhabi, take the E22 highway directly to Al Ain. The journey is approximately 160 km and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Dubai, drive via the E66 highway towards Al Ain. The distance is around 130 km, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Timings: 9 am -5:30 pm
- Ticket Price: Free
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