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Al Ain Oasis

Hessa Bint Mohamed Street, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

Description

Al Ain Oasis is a 1,200ha agricultural exploitation of mostly palm trees (nearly 150,000) irrigated by the traditional falaj, an underground irrigation network that supplies water from distant boreholes or mountain aquifers. Individual plots are separated by boundary walls and can be accessed through pathways. The oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public (not the full area though); it also includes an educational Eco-Centre.

Access & Transport

The oasis is located in the central part of Al Ain city near the Al Ain Palace Museum and Al Jahili Fort. It is a 1h30' and 1h15' drive from the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively

Instructions & Recommendations

This attraction is best combined with a visit of Al Jahili Fort.

Meta review

The oasis draws slightly mixed reviews; it gets rated very positively as an enjoyable environment for a shaded walk but for most visitors it is underwhelming as a sight with little variety. It seems to be better appreciated by UAE residents as a causal family outing than by international tourists.

Environmental & Social

Green activity Helps preserve's the emirate's and country's agricultural/environmental and cultural heritages.

Conclusion

The Al Ain Oasis isn't special because of its appearance but because of its well-preserved falaj, which would have been a marvel of engineering until a few centuries ago. As such it is worth a trip when combined with other sights in the area (the fort, museum and Hili archaeological park) but on its own it may not warrant over 1h30' drive.

Key positive

An excellent example of traditional irrigation system

Key negative

Not much to see besides trees

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 17:30

Tuesday09:00 - 17:30

Wednesday09:00 - 17:30

Thursday09:00 - 17:30

Friday09:00 - 17:30

Saturday09:00 - 17:30

Sunday09:00 - 17:30

Pricing
Free

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