Qasr Al Hosn

The Hosn Palace, or Qasr al Hosn, was built in the 18th century as a single watchtower and eventually expanded to become the centre of power until the late 1960s. According to Nataly Leslie, a tour guide in the emirate, “there are lovely stories about the palace told by people that used to live around this place.” People could express their worries and talk to the sheikhs at the palace door, which was left wide open. Today, the palace continues to be a popular destination for both tourists and Emiratis, who come and sit in the palace coffee shop to appreciate the location their ancestors spoke so highly of. The palace regularly hosts exhibitions and events that highlight regional culture.

Al Ain Oasis

The impressive Al Ain Oasis was the first of the UAE’s UNESCO sites. The site, which is located in Garden City, dates back more than 4,000 years and is proof of one of the earliest irrigation systems in recorded history. The “falaj” system, which is still in use today, used a network of constrained waterways to transport water from the nearby Hajar Mountains. The site, which spans more than 1,200 hectares and has more than 147,000 date palm trees and 100 varieties of dates, offers visitors curated walking trails to explore. The falaj system, which dates back hundreds of years, was only modernised in the 20th century with the addition of pumps. Visitors can also explore an eco-centre to learn more about historic Bedouin irrigation techniques.

Bidaa Bint Saud

Bidaa Bint Saud, an ancient caravan site, is situated 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Al Ain and is a treasure trove for archaeology enthusiasts. A rare Iron Age structure, 5,000-year-old Bronze Age tombs, the impressive Gharn Bint Saud, and a vast community of farmers that once stretched all the way to the northern emirates are all found in this fascinating region. With several ancient stone tombs at the top, this 40-metre-tall rock rises above the surrounding terrain. The Al Ain National Museum currently has pottery, dagger blades, jewellery, and bronze arrowheads on display, among other finds from the region.

Hili Archaeological Park

These ruins, which date to the Bronze Age (3200 BCE–1300 BCE) and the Iron Age (1300 BCE–300 BCE), are proof of the ancient life that once inhabited the region’s deserts. Villages, cemeteries, and agricultural infrastructure have been uncovered from the Umm an-Nar period, which was so named after the island off the coast of Abu Dhabi where the culture’s remains were initially found. The largest collection of tombs and structures from this era can be found there.

Jebel Hafit Tombs

Jebel Hafit, also known as the Hafit mountain, is the highest point in Abu Dhabi and is also the location of about 500 tombs that date back 5,000 years, signalling the beginning of the UAE’s Bronze Age. The igloo-like tombs were first uncovered through excavations in 1959, and copper and ceramic artefacts revealed the significance of maritime trade across the Arabian Gulf. The single-chamber tombs are a striking sight and provide a window into the past. This is one of Abu Dhabi’s “hidden gems,” according to tour guide Leslie. Most people are unaware of all these recent discoveries in this field, she claims. “Even though the UAE is a young nation, there are ancient artefacts that show that this region was once a bustling centre where history was created.”

Maqta Fort

The late 18th century saw the construction of this modest but important fort at the entrance to Abu Dhabi’s main island. Its tower would watch over and safeguard Abu Dhabi for many years to come. Leslie claims that Maqta Fort transformed into a rest area for travellers entering Abu Dhabi, while Qasr al Hosn became a location of great significance for the local population.

Al Ain Palace Museum

Al Ain Palace, the former residence of the late Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, was occupied by the ruling family until the 1960s, when they moved permanently to the emirate’s capital as Abu Dhabi’s main island evolved into the country’s political and economic centre. Visitors can take a look inside the house, which serves as a reminder of the era before the mid-20th century discovery of oil. Although the complex’s oldest building, which dates to 1937, is not particularly “old” compared to other sites in the emirate, it is constructed of period-appropriate materials. It features the traditional courtyards that were typical of such properties in the area at the time. Visitors to the museum can now understand the vital connections between the past and present and take in Abu Dhabi’s quick transition from Bedouin life to contemporary affluence. According to Emirati tour guide Shamsa Al Naqbi, “If you are interested in history and want to learn about the royal family and traditional architecture of this era, this is the ideal place to visit. “It’s a really nice place to visit to see the true history of the UAE because it provides insight into the royal family’s lifestyle, their rooms, the architectural style, and the items they would use. It also demonstrates the change our ancestors underwent to become the contemporary UAE we have today.

Sir Baniyas Island Church and Monastery

Sir Baniyas Island, in the Western Region, is a little off the beaten path. It is accessible from Abu Dhabi by boat or flight via the Anantara resort, which also oversees tourism on the uninhabited island. The church and monastery were founded in the early 1990s and are the only pre-Islamic Christian sites in the UAE, according to Leslie. It is the origin of hundreds of artefacts that provide a fascinating look into life at the time. She said the residents of this settlement relied on the sea for their food, much like how life was before oil was discovered in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, they traded across the Arabian Gulf and into the Indian Ocean and kept livestock like sheep and cattle. Sir Baniyas Island is now a wildlife reserve where visitors can go on safaris to see a variety of protected animals up close, including gazelles and Arabian oryx.