Al Ain History; one of the oldest cities in the United Arab Emirates

Rand Mzannar
Published 11 months ago on 5 May, 2023-332 views
Al ain history

Al Ain history, Al ain city in UAE is the fourth largest city after Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Also, it is the second largest city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Al ain is located on the eastern side of Tawam oasis (Buraimi Oasis) and it is bordered to the east by Omani town Al Buraimi. Therefore, it can be considered as the UAE’s luxuriant garden due to its greenery, especially with the seven city’s oases. Explore more information about Al ain history, the story of 3000 years of civilization.

Al ain history overview

Al-Ain is the first region in the United Arab Emirates to be ruled by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan before the foundation of UAE. It was the ruler’s favorite place. The area witnessed human civilization in 3000 BC. However, It is famous for its green oases with fertile soil thanks to the falaj system. Falaj is a traditional Irrigation system based on collecting water from wells to irrigate and irrigate farms and palm trees.

Al Ain history is known for its heritage and legacy as it is home to many archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. For example, Hili Archeological Park, Jebel Hafeet and Bidaa Bint Saud which represent the cultural and historical heritage of the city.

Al ain ancient landmarks

Al ain landmarks
Al ain landmarks

The town is rich in historic landmarks dating from the Neolithic. Here are 5 of the most famous historical sites of Al Ain History:

Al ain oasis city history of uae

Oasis city of al ain is located in the middle of the city, it covers about 130 hectares and is the largest oasis in al ain. It is fed by the Falaj system (plural aflaj) which has existed since the bronze age. The system works by bringing water from the mountain to the farm with a complex system of underground and surface channels. Al Ain city includes 6 oases in addition to Al Ain:

  • Al Qattara oasis.
  • Hili oasis.
  • Al-Muʿtaredh.
  • Al-Muwaiji.
  • Al-Jimi.
  • Al-Jahili Oasis.

Read more: A Brief History of Dubai

Al jahili Fort

It was built by Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa the First in the late 19th century as a symbol of power and royal residence. The original structure of the fort consists of a distinctive four-storey circular tower and a square fortified enclosure. It is one of the largest forts in the UAE beside Al Darmaki and Al Rumailah.

Al Ain Palace Museum

Al ain palace museum
Al ain palace museum

Al Ain Palace was built and then extended by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1937. It was the former home of the late founder of the United Arab Emirates, and a center for political and social activities. The visitors of the museum can see a yard surrounded by a high wall, permeated by an external gate made of wood that looks like a wonderful masterpiece.

Hili Archaeological Park

Hili Archaeological Park in Al ain is considered as one of the best known archaeological attractions in the United Arab Emirates. The park is part of the UNESCO world heritage site of Al Ain and part of the Hili cultural site. It contains Iron Age and Bronze age villages which make it a perfect evidence of Al Ain history heritage.

Al Ain Camel Souk

Al ain camel souk
Al ain camel souk

Desert Camels are the most famous animals in The Arabian Gulf. However, Al ain camel souk is the best place to visit in the country if you want to take a look at this glorious age-old trade. It represents the life of the people who lived in this historical region once upon a time.

Read more: Abu Dhabi History

Al Ain in the 21st century

Unlike Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Al ain is the garden city of the UAE and through the years the city preserved its historical identity as a green town away from skyscrapers and tall buildings. Modern buildings have just a few floors and are well merged with the culture of Al Ain history. Al Ain dubai today is an attractive destination for tourists with a large zoo and a football club that is one of the best among Arabic clubs.

What is Al Ain known for?

Cor its oases which was via old irrigation system “Falaj”.

What was the old name of Al Ain?

Ain Dhawahir.

What does Al Ain mean in Arabic?

Al-ain meaning in arabic is “water fountain”.

In conclusion, Al Ain is and will always be an important part of the history of the United Arab Emirates. This city is full of cultural and natural heritage since its discovery until now.

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