The UAE has a lot of cultural heritage siteswhere people can almost time travel back in time to see a very different UAE than what we have now. We will provide an insight and a local outlook on the top three best heritage sites in Abu Dhabi.
1. Al Hosn Palace
Our first stop is Al Hosn palace, the former residence of the ruling family which was built in the 1790s and officially turned into a museum in 2018. It is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, it shows many of theimportant traditions we used to have in the United Arab Emirates. It is important to teach people of young age many of the things shown at the museum. To know or have the least of knowledge about the past. At the moment, Al Hosn Palaceis the focus of comprehensive historical, archaeological, and architectural studies.The fort houses a museum showing artifacts and photographs reflecting the country’s past. It also has several weapons on display, used in the past of the region. As I said, it is important to learn about the past, how things used to be, how life was so basic.
The heritage shown there is so beautiful and magnificent. It also includesthe national consultative council buildingand the cultural foundation. In the past, Al Hosn palace was the home of the ruling familyand also some of the government’s council. It is an important stop in Abu Dhabi, since it touches a lot from the past and shows many details and traditions that will always be alive to those who admire the past and believe in Sheikh Zayed’s saying “ who doesn’t have a past, won’t have a present nor a future”. Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Dhiyabofficially relocated the seat of power from Liwa to Abu Dhabi island.From Saturday to Thursday the museum welcomes its guests from 10 am until 7 pm, and on Friday from 2 PM until 7 PM.
2. Al Ain Oasis
Our second pick is Al Ain Oasis, this tranquil place is the largest Oasis in the UAE, and this place dates back to more than 4,000 years ago. Al Ain Oasis is an amazing place if you want to have an escape from the busy city life and get reconnected with nature, it’s filled with lush palm trees that carry the most exquisite dates. Since 2011 Al Ain Oasis has become a UNESCO world heritage sitethat is only given to places with international importance and significance. When you first walk in it takes your breath away from how beautiful and green the place is, it’s great to take your family or friends here as you can do and experience many interesting things for example you can see the still functioning falaj irrigation system that waters the palm trees, you can go on a bike ride while being shaded from the heat by the countless palm trees, There is a restaurant if you want to recharge and have a wonderful lunch with a view, the souk is also a fun and quirky place to buy souvenirs… how does a yadi and yado bobblehead or pen to take home with you? There is also an Eco-Centerwhere you can be educated on how farmers used to farm and how their techniques are still used today for date production which is essential to have in every Emirati household. Overall, I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem as it is truly unique and a special place.
3. Al Jahili fort
Our third pick is located in Al Ain city in Al Jahli to be specific, it is one of the most significant locations from the three we have chosen. This fort was the residence of the royal familywhich is now turned into a museum, as it has been told that the first ruler of the Al Nahyan familyruled and lived since 1898 in that fort.It is filled with history from the historical architecturethat was symbolic of the times. As you first walk in the place it instantly reflects to the visitor by the importance of the ruling in Al Ain to Abu Dhabi and the national history it has, this fort holds a very large number of swords and hunting weapons that were used in the old days as hunting was very important for the royal family as they inherited this hobby till this day. As our first location was Al Hosn palace is well connected to Al Jahili fort regarding related historical movements.
Overall the fort has a stunning and informative ecosystem it overcomes the humans mind and makes a person think about how did our elders live in their era as hunters and traders, remarkably this location itself makes a person feel ageless by how old the fort appearance is very nostalgic and breathtaking. Al Jahili Fort is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from saturday to thursday however only during friday it is open from 2 PM till 6 PM.
