Did you know about these oases in Al Ain?
An oasis is nature’s way of providing a source of vitality to life in harsh desert climates and the city of Al Ain has plenty of them. This beautiful verdant city is blessed with an abundance of nature and the oases in Al Ain form an essential part of its ecosystem.
Today, we look at all the oases in Al Ain.
OASES IN AL AIN
A lot of the oases in the UAE are located in the Al Ain region of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The garden city is dotted with these natural reservoirs of water that give life to the region’s ecosystem. Let’s look at all the oases in Al Ain that you can find and what makes them so special.
AL AIN OASIS
The Al Ain Oasis covers a total area of 3,000-acres and is located in the heart of Al Ain City. This oasis has the honour of being the first of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UAE. It is also one of the largest oases in the country.
For years, the Al Ain Oasis has been the hub of date palm cultivation in the city. The oasis is currently home to more than 100 different species of date palms, with 147,000 trees on its premises.
There are eight gates leading into the oasis and the West Gate is the one most frequently used by visitors. A trip to the Al Ain Oasis helps you learn about the centuries-old Al Falaj irrigation system and explore all the sights and activities this truly special place has to offer. You can even hire bikes for sightseeing.
AL HILI OASIS
Al Hili Oasis is a picturesque, lush green oasis located on the northern side of Al Ain city. This beautiful area is spread over 60 hectares of land cultivated with around 40,000 palm trees.
Besides being hugely fertile agricultural land, the Al Hili Oasis is also surrounded by several historic structures that provide a glimpse into the area’s early settlements, and the importance of the oasis for the region’s sustenance.
Take your cameras along to take beautiful pictures of the oasis and the charming fortified houses and structures that surround it. The fascinating accompanying buildings include two historic watchtowers that were built back in the 1800s.
AL QATTARA OASIS
The penultimate entry on our list of oases in Al Ain is the Al Qattara Oasis. Dotted with fruit orchards and date palms, this oasis was guarded by three forts that also protected the civilisation that settled in the area.
Signs of human life at Al Qattara Oasis date back almost 4000 years, as deduced from the excavated ancient tomb that unearthed relics from that era. The fortified homes and mosques around the oasis belong to the mid-18th century.
You can walk through shaded walkways whilst exploring this oasis in Al Ain. Besides the plantations and the architectural structures, this place is also home to the Souq Al Qattara, where you can find unique handcrafted products to buy and delicious Emirati food to try.
AL JIMI OASIS
Something you’ll commonly observe in all oases in Al Ain is that each of these natural water reservoirs are surrounded by thick palm foliage and fortified houses. Al Jimi Oasis is no different. Back in the day, these oases were protected by the tribes that settled around them.
Around the Al Jimi Oasis you will find an 18th century mosque, some fortified houses, watchtowers, forts and of course, the palm plantation.
Al Jimi Oasis is formed on a natural basin that is segregated into a string of palm-planted gardens that also grow several fruit trees.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY IS AL AIN OASIS IMPORTANT?
The Al Ain Oasis is a major source of agriculture in the area. This 1,200-hectares oasis produces massive amounts of dates, mangoes, bananas, figs and oranges. The Al Ain Oasis is recognised by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation as a well-preserved hub of cultural heritage and biodiversity.
WHICH IS THE LARGEST OASIS IN THE UAE?
The Al Ain Oasis in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi is the biggest oasis in the UAE.
HOW ARE OASES FORMED?
Oases are formed when an underground river or aquifer gathers enough pressure to push the water to the surface. The water seeps to the ground to create a small natural reservoir that serves as a reprieve against the harsh desert climate.
That concludes our guide to the oases in Al Ain. The oases are, understandably, a major draw for the many tourist who head to Al Ain every year. That said, they’re certainly not the only attractions Al Ain has to offer. Check out our guide to the many great things to do in Al Ain.
While staycations are widely popular among the residents of the UAE, travelling to Al Ain for the weekend can also do the trick. You can even plan a day trip from Dubai to Al Ain to explore this beautiful city and all that it has to offer.
The oases make spectacular destinations to enjoy and explore with friends and family, but if you’re visiting with small kids, it can get a bit exhausting for the little ones. To keep their spirits high, don’t forget to visit the Al Ain Zoo.
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