A look at the UNESCO Heritage sites in the UAE

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO administers the World Heritage Sites to identify and recognize historical and cultural sites from all around the world. By doing so, the world can preserve and acknowledge the importance of these historical monuments and structures that exists from the past. The World Heritage sites are protected zone, and it is also a tourist attraction in many countries. The United Arab Emirates possesses many such World Heritage sites which are major attractions for the locals as well as for the tourists.

Let us take a look at the official UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE.

Jebel Hafeet Tombs

The Jebel Hafeet Tombs is an attraction that stood for over 5000 years since Bronze Age. The distinctive beehive-shaped tombs at the base of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain have a story that surrounds the early inhabitants of Al Ain. This World Heritage site is closed but it can be seen from the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain.

Hili Archaeological Site

The Hili Archaeological Park is located a few kilometers close to Al Ain, The area is surrounded by a combination of a public garden and a historical site with a story that leads back to the Bronze Age. The Hili Archaeological Park consists of the largest collection of tombs and buildings in the UAE. The park reminisces the past agricultural villages during the Bronze Age and Iron Age. The history of the early villages with many burial grounds and agricultural infrastructure at the Hili Site is a great way to explore the historical discoveries from the past.

Al-Ain Oasis

The 4,000year-old settlement, a known UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the middle of the Rub al Khali desert is a recognized historical site that many tourists visit. The location is a great tourist spot for exploring the great historical stories in the UAE.

Starting from the Al Jahili Fort, tourists can explore the streets and wander the area surrounded by many palm trees. The Al Ain Oasis is also one of the many popular Oasis in the UAE. It is also known as the location where His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was born.

Bidaa Bint Saud

The Bidaa Bint Saud Archaeological site is located 15 kilometers from Graden City. The site is one of the most important stops during the Bronze Age and Iron Age. The site includes 5000-year-old burial tombs, irrigation systems, a rare Iron Age building, and other artifacts which are displayed In the Al Ain National Museum.