Top 10 World Heritage Sites in UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has many world heritage sites, including ancient settlements, mosques, and natural landscapes. These sites are protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and are considered to be of outstanding universal value. The UAE’s World Heritage Sites provide an overview of the country’s rich history and culture. These sites are a must-see for anyone visiting the UAE.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 world heritage sites in the UAE in detail.
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About the World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other form of significance. These sites are legally protected by international treaties and are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. The goal is to preserve these places for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
Check the list of top world heritage sites in different countries:
- List of World Heritage Sites in India
- List of World Heritage Sites in Germany
- List of World Heritage Sites in China
- List of World Heritage Sites in the United States
- List of World Heritage Sites in the UK
List of World Heritage Sites in UAE
The UAE is a relatively new country, having gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. However, the country has a long history, and its cultural heritage sites are proof of this. The following table lists the 10 world heritage sites in UAE:
|
World Heritage Sites |
Year of Declaration |
|---|---|
|
Al-Ain Oasis |
2011 |
|
Al Bidya Mosque |
2012 |
|
Jazirat Al Hamra |
2020 |
|
Khor Dubai |
Tentative List |
|
Ras Al Khaimah |
1989 |
|
Hili Archaeological Park |
2011 |
|
Hili Oasis |
2011 |
|
Abu Dhabi Sabkha |
2018 |
|
Jebel Hafeet |
1993 |
|
Jebel Hafeet Tombs |
1993 |
Al-Ain Oasis
Al Ain Oasis, the largest oasis in the city of Al Ain, is located in the United Arab Emirates. It covers 136 hectares and is a central element of the UNESCO Cultural Sites of Al Ain.
- The oasis is fed by a traditional falaj irrigation system that brings water from the mountains to the farms via a complex system of underground and surface channels. The two main falaj serving the oasis are Al Aini and Al Dawoodi.
- The oasis is a peaceful retreat with shaded pathways and lush greenery. It features a 3,000-year-old falaj water system that brings water from the mountains to the valley. The oasis also has paved walking areas and guides.
- The oasis is home to more than 147,000 date palms, consisting of more than 100 varieties, as well as fodder crops and fruit trees such as mango, orange, banana, fig and jujube (known locally as sidr).
- The oasis is also associated with historic residences, a mosque and forts including Al Jahili Fort built for the purpose of its defence.
Al Bidya Mosque
Al Bidya Mosque is the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates that is still in use today.
- It is located in the Al Bidya area of the Fujairah Emirate, and was built in 1446.
- The mosque is known for its unique architectural design, which features four domes that are decorated with layers and central protrusions. The mosque is also located between other important archaeological sites.
- The mosque was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre on January 30, 2012 by the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities.
- Al Bidya Mosque is a popular tourist destination, and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates.
Jazirat Al Hamra
Jazirat Al Hamra, also known as the Red Island, an UNESCO world heritage site, is a town in the United Arab Emirates. It is located south of Ras Al Khaimah and is known for its abandoned buildings, including a mosque that’s believed haunted.
- The town was originally a tidal island and was home to about 200 people in 1830, who were mostly involved in pearl fishing. It was a dependency of Sharjah at the time.
- The town was ruled by the Zaab tribe, who were rehoused in Abu Dhabi after a dispute with the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The last Al Zaab Sharif (mayor) of Jazirah Al Hamra was Hussein Bin Rahma Al Zaabi.
- The town was abandoned in the 1960s due to a number of factors, including the decline of the pearl fishing industry, the discovery of oil in the region, and a dispute between the Zaab tribe and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
- Jazirat Al Hamra is now a popular tourist destination, and is known for its unique architecture and its eerie atmosphere. The town is also a popular filming location, and has been used in a number of international movies.
Khor Dubai
Khor Dubai, or Dubai Creek, an UNESCO world heritage site is a saltwater inlet of the Arabian Gulf located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is 14 kilometers long and between 100-500 meters wide. It runs south-east and ends at Ras Al-Khor wildlife Sanctuary.
- Khor Dubai has been used for trade and transport for centuries. It is one of the most important tourists and historical landmarks in Dubai.
- One can enjoy stunning views of the creek and its surrounding buildings by riding the wooden ferries known as dhows or the modern air-conditioned ferries.
- The creek divides the city of Dubai into two parts: Deira and Bur Dubai. Deira is the modern district, while Bur Dubai is the traditional hub of the region.
- One can explore the creek by indulging in different sunset or night cruises on the traditional dhow, or availing the abra or water taxi. The creek also offers stunning views of the towering Dubai skyline, in addition to major attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the Fountain and others.
Ras Al-Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, also known as RAK, is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The city of Ras Al Khaimah is the capital of the emirate and is located in the northern part of the UAE, on the Arabian Peninsula.
- The emirate has a rich history dating back over 7,000 years. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Ras Al Khaimah was a prosperous port known as Julfar, and was one of the most important trading posts in the Arabian Gulf. The city was also known for its pearl trade.
- In the 18th century, Ras Al Khaimah was ruled by the Al Qasimi family, who are still the ruling family today. The Al Qasimis were known for their seafaring skills and were a powerful force in the region.
- In the 19th century, Ras Al Khaimah was a British protectorate. The British built a number of forts and other buildings in the city, which can still be seen today.
- In the 20th century, Ras Al Khaimah experienced rapid development. The city became a major oil producer and a popular tourist destination. Today, Ras Al Khaimah is a modern and cosmopolitan city.
Hili Archaeological Park
Hili Archaeological Park is an archaeological site in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, that contains Bronze Age (3000–1300 BCE) and Iron Age (1300–300 BCE) villages, burial grounds, and agricultural infrastructure. It is one of the best-known archaeological sites in the UAE.
- The park was established in 1969–70 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to provide visitors with access to the excavated sites. It is located 10km away from the city and includes a public garden. The park is famous among tourists as well as locals.
- The park has many historical remnants, including villages from the Bronze and Iron Age era, grand forts, and a lot of other historical remnants. It also has the earliest known evidence of an agricultural village in the United Arab Emirates.
- The park is wheelchair accessible and has a playground, basketball court, volleyball court, swings, and slides. It is crowded with students and other history lovers during weekends.
- Some of the site is located outside the park in a protected area. Finds from the site can be seen in the Al Ain National Museum in central Al Ain.
Hili Oasis
Hili Oasis is a 60-hectare oasis located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. It is one of six oases in Al Ain that are together named on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- The oasis contains approximately 40,000 mature palm trees over 252 farmed plots. It also contains several historic structures, including two watchtowers and a fortified house built in the early 1800s.
- The oasis is representative of continued human management of land, and the subsequent progression of agriculture, architecture and civilisations in an arid desert climate.
- It provides important evidence to the transition of cultures in the region from hunting and gathering to sedentarization.
-
The oasis is a popular tourist destination, and offers several activities for visitors, including:
- Walking and hiking: There are several walking and hiking trails that wind through the oasis, offering stunning views of the palm trees and the surrounding desert.
- Picnicking: There are several picnic areas located throughout the oasis, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the scenery.
- Birdwatching: The oasis is home to a variety of birdlife, making it a great place for birdwatching.
- Cultural experiences: Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the oasis at the Hili Archaeological Park.
Abu Dhabi Sabkha
The Abu Dhabi sabkha is a flat, salt-encrusted desert located on the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates.
- It has been developing over the past 7,000 years due to wind erosion of pre-existing dunes, and progragation of subaqueous, intertidal, and supratidal carbonate sediments. The sabkha lacks significant plant cover due to the high concentration of salts and sediments.
- The sabkha is an important ecosystem for a variety of plants and animals, including flamingos, herons, and egrets. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking.
- The Abu Dhabi sabkha is a unique and fragile ecosystem that is threatened by a number of factors, including climate change, pollution, and development.
- It is important to protect this important ecosystem for future generations.
Jebel Hafeet
Jebel Hafeet is a mountain in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It’s located on the border of the two countries, in the region of Tawam. The mountain is the only one in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and one of the highest in the country.
- The summit of Jebel Hafeet offers views of Al Ain’s lush garden city, the mountain’s curve road, and the sunrise and sunset. One can reach the summit of Jebel Hafeet by car, motorbike, or bicycle.
- Jebel Hafeet is also home to a number of archaeological sites. In 1959, Danish archaeologists excavated 5,000-year-old tombs at the foot of the mountain. These tombs mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE.
- The artefacts found in the tombs, including ceramic vessels and copper artefacts, indicate the importance of maritime trade across the Arabian Gulf.
- Jebel Hafeet is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking in the area. There are also several restaurants and cafes near the summit of the mountain.
Jebel Hafeet Tombs
The Jebel Hafeet Tombs are a collection of more than 500 ancient tombs that are located in the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
- The tombs are believed to date back to between 3200 and 3000 BC, and they are considered to be some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in the region.
- The tombs are made of stone and are shaped like small igloos. They are typically about 2 meters in diameter and 1 meter high. The tombs are believed to have been used to bury the dead, and they often contain the remains of multiple individuals.
- The Jebel Hafeet Tombs are a significant archaeological site, and they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tombs are a popular tourist destination, and they offer visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
- In addition to the tombs, the Jebel Hafeet Mountain is also home to a number of other archaeological sites, including a Bronze Age settlement and a number of petroglyphs. The mountain is also a popular spot for hiking and camping.
Summary – Top 10 World Heritage Sites in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country with a rich history and culture. It is home to many World Heritage Sites, which are places of outstanding universal value. These sites include archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, and natural wonders. The UAE’s World Heritage Sites are evidence to the country’s diversity and its commitment to preserving its heritage. These sites are also a valuable resource for education and tourism. The UAE has a number of initiatives in place to preserve its heritage. These include the establishment of heritage villages and museums, as well as the promotion of traditional festivals and events. The UAE also works with international organizations, such as UNESCO, to protect its heritage.
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FAQs on Top 10 World Heritage Sites in UAE
Can visitors explore the World Heritage Sites in UAE independently?
Yes, visitors can explore these sites independently, but some areas may have restrictions for conservation purposes.
What is the best time of year to visit the World Heritage Sites in the UAE?
The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from November to March, to avoid extreme heat.
Are there entrance fees for the World Heritage Sites in the UAE?
Entrance fees may vary, but generally, there are nominal fees for access to certain areas or attractions within the sites.
Are there any restrictions on photography within the World Heritage Sites?
While photography is generally allowed, some areas may have restrictions to protect sensitive archaeological sites or wildlife habitats. It’s advisable to check with site authorities before taking photographs.
Are there facilities such as restrooms and refreshment areas available at the World Heritage Sites in the UAE?
Yes, many of the sites have amenities like restrooms and refreshment areas for visitors’ convenience.
Can visitors camp or stay overnight at the World Heritage Sites in the UAE?
Camping or staying overnight within the sites may be restricted or require special permits. It’s essential to inquire about regulations before planning such activities.
Are the World Heritage Sites accessible for people with disabilities?
Efforts are made to ensure accessibility, but some areas may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. It’s advisable to check with site management for specific accessibility information.