On UAE’s southern border with Oman, the vast site has been inhabited for millennia and features an ancient necropolis with beehive tombs; the area had been damaged by farming activity and inappropriate pesticides and fertilisers, and one component of the project was restoration of the soil. Separate trails for hiking, biking, and camel- and horse-riding cover some 60 kilometres; shaded rest areas, benches, and toilet facilities are located along the routes, as are campsites and areas for stargazing and birdwatching, and an outdoor performance area. A temporary visitors centre and offices for park management are constructed from timber. All of the interventions were undertaken with sensitivity to protect the vast archaeological site.
is part of of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain which form the United Arab Emirates’ first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
