Abu Dhabi Week goes on a tour of the Garden City’s rich cultural history

Though the UAE has developed in massive leaps and bounds since the nation was first formed over 40 years ago, it’s worth taking a close look at the way life was once lived in this land, and here in Al Ain that history has been preserved for all to see and appreciate. Best of all, it’s free.

Hili Archaeological Park

Just for the sake of being orderly, we begin at the beginning – both in terms of location and history – at the Hili Archaeological Park. You might think the words ‘archaeology’ and ‘park’ wouldn’t belong in the same sentence, but the two work hand in hand here, where a family park complete with massive green spaces and tons of playground equipment has been cultivated around a number of digs dating as far back as 2500 BC.

Be sure to check out Hili 8, a square mudbrick tower believed to have been the settlement’s governance centre that was the object of an extensive excavation by French archaeologists in the late 1970s, and the circular tomb dating back to the end of the third millennium BC that was built from massive blocks into four symmetrical chambers.

Al Qattara Arts Centre

When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re driving onto a 100 year old military compound, but Al Qattara Arts Centre will soon have extensive arts and culture programmes with a strong emphasis on Arab art and UAE heritage and culture - including classes in music, crafts, drawing, painting, pottery and calligraphy. In addition to digital facilities for photography and computer classes, the exhibition hall is also set to become the scene of noteworthy shows and events to come.

While you’re there, pop across thestreet and check out Al Jimi Oasis – either park and stroll the labyrinth of trails or drive through and check out old historical homes of Emirati names you may recognise. Though perhaps not as well maintained as we thought it could be given its historical significance, we were still fascinated and we’re planning to come back and walk through one cool early morning.

Al Jahili Fort

Looking at the mud walls and dirt ground of Al Jahili Fort, we’re pleasantly surprised to be greeted with the fragrance of freshly cut grass – the 113 year old fort, which has played a number of crucial roles throughout its history, is surrounded on all sides by massive lush lawns complete with walking paths, fountains and playgrounds.

If for no other reason, you should make the trip to Al Jahili Fort to see the stunning permanent exhibition of the photography of legendary British explorer Wilfred Thesinger and his travels through Arabia in the 1940s. The fort is now home to a variety of cultural and archaeological exhibitions, plus performances like the annual Al Ain Classics Chamber Music Festival and other operatic and musical events throughout the year.

Al Ain Palace Museum

The home of the late president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan from 1937 to 1966, this palace was converted into a museum and opened to the public in 2001. In keeping with his down-to-earth personality, Sheikh Zayed decreed that his family’s home should remain an honest reflection of what his country’s culture truly was before the wealth that oil would bring. For this reason, it resembles what you might expect a 74 year old Emirati home would look like.

Comprised of a number of gorgeously landscaped gardens and courtyards, the residence features a number of different majlis where the ruler could receive local and foreign dignitaries. We loved the way the structure of wind flow and shading kept the grounds cool even in the heat of the late morning, plus the replica of Sheikh Zayed’s ancient Land Rover and the portraits of Emirati rulers past and present on display.

Al Ain National Museum

The oldest museum in the UAE shows what life in the Emirates once was like with displays of traditional buildings and handicrafts, clothing and a miniature dhow, but Al Ain National Museum is also a gallery of artefacts from those days of yore. Come see pottery and other articles dating back to the Stone Age, gold pendants from the second millennium and a significant collection of rare coins, including jewellery fashioned using Maria Theresa dollars dated 1780.

It was particularly fascinating to visit this museum last, seeing artefacts on display here that were taken from the Hili and Qattara sites we saw on our first stops. We especially loved the gallery of gifts that were presented to the late president from visiting dignitaries – including a tiny chunk of stone taken from the moon, a gift from President Richard Nixon – and the wall of black and white photos taken throughout the UAE.

Laura Fulton

To find out more about any of these museums, contact the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage at www.adach.ae.