Travel back in time at these heritage sites in Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital has an abundance of heritage sites that represent immense historic and cultural significance. These venues are of great importance, not only for their artistic value but also for their part in educating visitors about the nation’s story. If you want to know more about the country’s past, check out these historical places in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
HISTORICAL PLACES IN ABU DHABI
Whether you are a tourist or someone who resides in the UAE, historical sites in Abu Dhabi are worth visiting. It’s a fascinating way to learn about the region’s past and the life of early residents.
First, let’s look at the historical places in Abu Dhabi you can visit with family and friends.
QASR AL HOSN FORT
One of Abu Dhabi’s most famous historical attractions, Qasr Al Hosn, is among the first permanent structures in the region dating back to the 18th century. Constructed as a watchtower by the emirate’s Bani Yas tribe, its primary function was to protect the community residing around the newly discovered water source and manage trade routes along the coast.
Qasr Al Hosn’s architecture made of stone and coral was designed to make occupants as comfortable as possible. This includes using traditional wind towers or ‘Barjeel’ ventilation and cleverly carved arches to direct the sea breeze to the fort’s interior.
After extensive restoration, Qasr Al Hosn now hosts many important events throughout the year, including National Day celebrations. The fort also has an ongoing exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s origins right up to the present day — making use not only of artefacts and old photographs but also storytelling.
- Location: At the intersection between Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Road and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street
AL SAMALIYA ISLAND
Al Samaliya Island, one of the many islands off the Abu Dhabi coast, is a tranquil nature reserve featuring flora and fauna native to the country. The island is home to exotic animals, like emus, ostriches, rabbits, wildfowl and graceful gazelles.
Aside from an animal sanctuary, Al Samaliya Island features centres that teach equestrian sports, camel racing, fish breeding and honey making — giving unique first-hand insight into some of the industries that built the country.
You can book safaris with tour operators to visit the place.
HERITAGE VILLAGE
Take a trip back in time when visiting one of the most significant historical places in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. This remodelled village settlement is a snapshot of what life in the eras gone by was like. You can find the traditional facets that would have been in such a village decades ago. There is so much to observe, from a fort to a souq for bartering livestock and a mosque.
The Heritage Village also has lovely traditional palm-leaf thatched houses, a well-powered by oxen and even the old falaj irrigation system that kept crops watered in the desert.
Visitors can experience crafts practised ages ago, such as weaving, tanning leather, making pots, glass blowing and even blacksmithing. The museum is housed in the fort and remains cool thanks to the wind tower cooling system. Visitors can enjoy a jewellery exhibition and learn more about the history of pearl diving at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Near Marina Mall, Breakwater Road, Abu Dhabi Corniche
ZAYED CENTRE
The Zayed Centre is a great place to learn about the Father of the Nation, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Located in a delightfully unique collection of old houses, complete with wind towers, this museum is a beautiful place to take a more personal look into the great leader’s life.
The exhibits on display here include H.H. Sheikh Zayed’s beloved Mercedes, a well-used Land Rover, various other eclectic artefacts, and items presented to him by foreign dignitaries.
- Location: Al Bateen District
JEBEL HAFEET TOMBS
To learn just how vital sea trade was across the Gulf, as long as 5,000 years ago, a visit to the dome-shaped Jebel Hafeet tombs in Abu Dhabi is a must. The tombs were excavated by Danish archaeologists and are located at a UNESCO World Heritage Site base. Archaeologists had also discovered copper and ceramic artefacts dating to the start of the UAE’s Bronze Age and even the Iron Age.
While 500 such ‘beehive’ tombs existed, several have fallen victim to development. However, authorities have taken great steps to preserve and protect the remaining ones.
You can book guided tours to Jebel Hafeet Tombs. Also, there are so many things to do at Jebel Hafeet.
- Location: Jebel Hafeet
SOUQ AL QATTARA
Souq Al Qattara is one of the most significant historical places in Abu Dhabi founded during the mid-20th century. Now after an extensive restoration, the venue is home to a traditional handicrafts market with links to Al Qattara Fort, featuring an arts centre, library, cafe and exhibition space.
- Location: Palm-lined road which linked Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oasis
QASR AL MUWAIJI
This is the former home of H.H. Sheikh Zayed and the birthplace of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Qasr Al Muwaiji has been meticulously restored and hosts a permanent exhibition documenting the fascinating story of this cultural landmark. The courtyard here is worth seeing as well.
Those well versed in history would know the significance of this fascinating historical place in Abu Dhabi. Many momentous political decisions were made in these halls, some of which still impact the lives of UAE residents.
- Location: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Al Ain
AL JAHILI FORT
The historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain served as the headquarters of the Oman Trucial Scouts — protectors of the mountains and those responsible for keeping the peace between tribes. Today, the fort consists of an information centre to educate visitors and temporary exhibition spaces. Another popular attraction inside the fort is a collection of photographs by famed explorer Wilfred Thesiger.
- Location: Sultan Bin Zayed Al Awwal Street, Al Mutawaa, Al Ain
HILI ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Hili Archaeological Park is a gorgeous venue lined with lush flora — a testament to Al Ain’s reputation as the UAE’s ‘garden city. It houses the Hili Grand Tomb and other structures dating from the Bronze Age, making it a unique combination of a garden and historic area in Al Ain. We highly recommend bringing the kids along, as they’d love the play area.
If you are interested in Archaeology, there are multiple archaeological sites in the UAE that you can visit.
- Location: Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street
AL AIN HERITAGE THEME PARK AND CULTURAL VILLAGE
Also known as Al Ain Heritage and Cultural Village, the interactive attraction features an incredibly popular market, poetry performances, art exhibitions and other shows amid a heritage-style theme park atmosphere.
- Location: Al Ain Sportplex
BIDA BINT SAUD
The next entry on the list of historical places in Abu Dhabi is Bida Bint Saud. This site has a huge stratified rock rising above the desert and the farm. Almost 5,000-year-old stone tombs have been discovered here. Also known as the Gharn bint Saud, it’s a place worth visiting to see how things differ from the modern-day.
- Location: Al Ali, Abu Dhabi
GHAGHA ISLAND
Archaeologists have recently unearthed buildings dating back more than 8,500 years — evidence of what is believed to be the country’s first structured community. A wide range of artefacts was found, too, depicting the growth of the society at the time. It showed the innovation, sustainability and resilience of the human race. Soon tourists will be able to observe the discoveries, whether at the site or a museum.
- Location: Ghagha Island
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE UNESCO PROTECTED HERITAGE SITES IN THE UAE?
Are you interested in places rich in heritage and culture? Check out the list of UNESCO protected heritage sites in the UAE.
WHICH FORTS CAN I VISIT IN THE UAE?
Top forts across the UAE reflect the rich history and culture of the region. You can plan a visit to these venues to learn more about the country’s past. However, please take care of the cultural aspects and adhere to the rules during your visit. Always wear modest clothes and follow the guidelines provided by the staff. Don’t forget to ask whether photography is allowed on the site.
The historical places in Abu Dhabi have a lot to offer. For someone interested in history, they are a treasure of knowledge. You can also visit famous tourist spots in Abu Dhabi when in the capital.
Which of these Abu Dhabi historical sites have you visited? Share your experience in the comments below.
