All about the UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE
World Heritage sites were originally established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to identify places of cultural and historical significance. Demarcated as protected zones, UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE are a major attraction for those who want a glimpse into the nation’s storied history.
In this article we explore the officially recognised UN world heritage sites in the UAE, and also those on UNESCO’s list of tentative sites.
Official UNESCO sites in the UAE
Al Ain Oasis
Located in the middle of the Rub al Khali desert, Al Ain Oasis is a 4,000-year-old settlement and a UNESCO world heritage site. Covering 1,200 hectares, it’s the biggest oasis in the region. It is one of many in Al Ain recognised by the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization — for its value in biodiversity and cultural heritage. It’s also one of the many popular oases in the UAE.
A tour of the site answers why the oasis is a UNESCO site in the UAE. The area is resplendent with fruit trees and around 147,000 date palms. It is said that UAE’s founder, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, was born under the shade of palm trees.
Apart from foliage, a still-operating Falaj irrigation system reflects what agriculture in the region has been like for millennia.
A great place to start your tour is with Al Jahili Fort. Originally built in the 1890s, the fort officially opened to the public in 2008 and is one of the largest in the country. The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage restored it into a tourist attraction.
Displaying the components of the UAE heritage site is an Eco-Centre at the entrance, which provides an overview of the site’s significance and its importance in Abu Dhabi’s civilisation. Aside from ancient farming methods, visitors can know more about the area’s history with a series of interactive exhibits.
Al Ain Oasis is a popular tourist hub with several beverage and food outlets. Parking is free here, too, with connectivity to neighbouring attractions like Al Ain Palace Museum.
- Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-599-5438
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm (Open daily)
Hili Archaeological Park Abu Dhabi
Those looking to visit other heritage sites in the UAE may visit the Hili Archaeological Park in Abu Dhabi. Located 10 kilometres outside Al Ain, the area features a public garden and a historical site with a history traced back to the Bronze Age.
Most of the UAE heritage site monuments are from the Umm an-Nar period and are dated from 2500 BCE to 2000 BCE. There are also several ancient tombs and settlements in and outside the park. A notable structure is the Hili Grand Tomb used to bury the dead from surrounding settlements.
The tomb has two entrances with engravings of people and animals. Notable ancient settlements in the area include Hili 8 which reveals evidence from agricultural practices in the UAE 5,000 years ago. One of several UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE, the Hili Archaeological Park is a family-friendly space with plants, fountains and small play area for kids.
- Location: Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street, Al Ain
- Opening hours: 09:30 am to 06:30 pm
Jebel Hafeet Tombs, Abu Dhabi
Marking the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE, the Jebel Hafeet Tombs are pretty distinct, considering their beehive shape. The site is closed, but it can be seen from the foothills of Jebel Hafeet Mountain. Plus, you can always bide your time with other leisurely pursuits in Jebel Hafeet, like taking a trip to Al Ain Zoo.
Bida Bint Saud
Another area for your “UAE heritage sites” bucket list is Bida Bin Saud. It’s pretty hard to miss. Located 15 km from Garden City, the archaeological site is a large stratified rock rising high above the surrounding farms and desert.
Also referred to as the Gharn bint Saud, the mountain is the site of several unearthed stone tombs, some dating back 5,000 years. Excavated artefacts from the area — like a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system and remains of an ancient public building — are proof of Al Ain’s role in the development of Abu Dhabi’s eastern region.
The area is completely fenced off, although visitors are allowed to drive around the perimeter. Unearthed artefacts from Bida Bint Saud are displayed at the Al Ain National Museum.
Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UAE
Aside from the mentioned areas, the United Arab Emirates has several other notable sites that are on UNESCO’s tentative list of heritage sites. These places include the following.
Gate to the Trucial States, Sharjah
The emirate of Sharjah was the gate to the Trucial States and had great significance in the country’s pearl trade. The government of Sharjah has made great efforts to preserve the city’s historic structures. This includes the old port and the buildings in the old air station that are now home to the Mahatta Museum. Additionally, the emirate has a strong law of Antiquities and Heritage that protects historical areas.
Central region in Sharjah
This refers to a mountainous region that includes around five major archaeological sites. Excavations in the area have revealed the existence of human settlements dating back to ancient times
Cemetery and settlement of Umm an-Nar Island
Located on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf, Umm an-Nar Island is off-limits and is a major historical site. Recent excavations have covered 20% of the site and uncovered houses built with marine rocks and a cemetery.
Abu Dhabi Sabkha
The coastal sabkha, or flat salt-encrusted desert, in Abu Dhabi lies south on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. The term “Sabbkha” is a translation of the Arabic word, which refers to any type of flat, salt-covered desert. It typically has little to no vegetation because of the high concentration of salts and sediments and where the groundwater level is extremely low. Geographically, Sabkhas are split into two groups: Coastal Sabkha and Inland Sabkha.
Al Bidyah Mosque
One of the UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE on the organisation’s tentative list is Al Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah. Located in Al Bidya village, the mosque is the oldest in the UAE. It is still in operation and has a unique architectural design. All this makes it an ideal nominee for a UNESCO world heritage site title.
Ed-Dur Site
This is considered one of the largest archaeological sites in the UAE. Periods of human settlement at the Ed-Dur Site include the Bronze Age, Stone Age, Iron Age, Obeid and Pre-Islamic periods. Located in Umm Al Quwain, the fenced area is home to a significant temple with architectural details unique to the first century AD.
Khor Dubai
Khor Dubai is another one of the tentative UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE. The natural seawater inlet in the Arabian Gulf divides Deira and Bur Dubai, spread across 14 km. The site was the focal point for Dubai’s development as a trading port, with the first recorded reference dating back to 1587.
Dhayah
Another place on the prospect list of UNESCO world heritage sites UAE is Dhayah. The area’s cultural landscape is a good example of traditional settlements. Past settlers represent historical interactions with the environment, apparent from the presence of palm gardens, lagoons and mangroves, a major food source for centuries. Land and sea use were important for the survival of the inhabitants of Dhayah.
The area’s historical sites and the island has been officially declared “Protected Archaeological Zones”. So the fact that the region is on the tentative list of the UAE UNESCO world heritage sites list doesn’t come as a surprise.
Jazirat Al Hamra
It is assumed that Jazirat Al Hamra was founded in the 17th century. The former island was situated in a lagoon off the southern coast of Ras Al Khaimah. The area’s narrow alleyways feature several suq buildings and watchtowers with forts — built from fossil beach rock and coral stone. In time the traditional pearl trading town was turned into a heritage and archaeological site.
Most of the old houses in Jazirat Al Hamra are modest winter or summer homes around a courtyard. However, you can find the homes of rich pearl traders in the midst as well.
The Za’ab tribe once ruled Jazirate Al Hamra. It is the only historical pearl trading area that was not transformed by modernisation efforts in the Gulf. The “ghost town” preserves traditional island settlements representing the country’s past dependence on the pearl trade before the oil era.
Julfar
The trading town of Julfar is also one of the oldest in Ras Al Khaimah. It dates back to the 14th century, marks a significant turning point in the region and is among investigated archaeological sites.
Julfar was considered as the only port in the Gulf that offered access to Southeast Arabia. Historical records mention it relating to Iranian and Mesopotamian attempts to conquer the region.
Excavations in Julfar reveal the area’s extensive trade relations across the Gulf, Indian Ocean, East Africa and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the area houses two outstanding structures.
Among them is Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque, constructed during the 18th century. The other is Wadi Sur, a town wall from Medieval times with towers and moats.
Shimal
Shimal’s archaeological landscape spans along the foothills of the Ru’us-al-Jabal mountains for 3 km. The RAK-based site features prehistoric settlements, more than 100 tombs and a medieval palace. Unearthed remains here date to the Wadi Souq Period, Late Bronze Culture and Middle Islamic Period.
Additionally, the site is home to two ancient pottery kilns reminiscent of the emirate’s industrial past. Other preserved places include a Middle Islamic Palace which was the home of the ruler of the trading town of Julfar.
Sir Bu Nair Island
This is a protected island in the UAE – a home for marine birds, natural flora and geological formations. It is also a refuge for turtles, reef fish and coral communities.
Have you visited any of these sites? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. Additionally, Sir Bu Nai Island is also a protected area.
Wadi Wurayah National Park
The Wadi Wurayah water catchment area is currently protected and is part of Wadi Wurayah National Park. It is Fujairah’s sole terrestrial protected area. It is inside Ecoregion 127, one of the priority WWF Global 200 ecoregions.
Part of UNESCO’s Tentative List of the UAE, this catchment area has a distinctive collection of springs, pools, riffles/streams and waterfalls. You can find here a significant montane habitat with a high diversity of wildlife and flora.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE?
You can visit some of the heritage sites like Al Ain Oasis and Hili Archaeological Park. Others may have been sealed off from visitors as part of preservation efforts.
What are the historical areas in Dubai?
Historical sites in Dubai give a glimpse into the history of this remarkable emirate. You can visit places like the Hatta Heritage Village to see how Dubai was back in the day.
Where else can I visit heritage locations in the UAE?
Historians can explore several museums and ancient sites in the emirates. For example, historical venues in Sharjah include the Sharjah Al Hisn Museum, among others. Those who are in the capital must visit the heritage sites in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, like Qasr Al Hasn Fort and Jebel Hafeet Tombs.
That’s a wrap on our review of UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE. Which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.
