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Abu Dhabi's voyage into the past, present and future

Abu Dhabi - Whether it is Al Ain Oasis, which is the UAE's only Unesco World Heritage Site, to the vigorously constructed museums that will soon open for the public to enjoy immersive experiences, the UAE Capital has become a voyager

The unique Emirati heritage, culture and art are just some of the main aspects which make the UAE's capital such a diverse, exceptional and special place to visit, live and work in.
One often finds fragments of the past, present and future, all located in Abu Dhabi - a city that is quickly blossoming into the central hub for all those who love and appreciate the finer things in life.
Whether it is Al Ain Oasis, which is the UAE's only Unesco World Heritage Site, to the vigorously constructed museums that will soon open for the public to enjoy immersive experiences - like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Museum and Zayed National Museum - to the rich festivals, educational talks and events that serve as bridges between cultures, and of course, the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which leaves visitors from all over the world breathless, the UAE Capital has become the voyager in a unique and everlasting journey.
Randa Haidar, Senior Programmes Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), told Khaleej Times about some of the emirate's most unique sites worthy of a visit. "As one of the world's oldest continually inhabited settlements, the oasis city of Al Ain is one of the most important areas in the emirate to learn about the rich culture and heritage of the UAE."
"Al Ain is home to the UAE's first Unesco World heritage Sites: the Bronze Age Hafeet Tombs, the archaeological settlements at Hili, the prehistoric vestiges at Bidaa bint Saud, and the six lush oases of Al Ain, including Al Ain Oasis."
She noted that Al Ain's many museums and heritage sites offer a wide programme of events, tours, workshops and experiences for the public to immerse themselves in and learn about the rituals and traditions of the UAE.
Haidar said Al Ain Oasis has been open to the public since last November, and includes spectacular archaeological remains from over 5,000 years ago and wonderfully lush palm groves. "Qasr Al Muwaiji, the birthplace of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, features an interactive exhibition telling the story of the fort and its inhabitants within the first fully restored historical site. The impressive structure has watched over the Muwaiji oasis for more than 100 years."
She pointed out that TCA continues to help protect, preserve and enhance the culture, heritage and the arts of the emirate.
"TCA Abu Dhabi's mandate is to conserve and promote culture and heritage in the Emirate. Through the many cultural initiatives taking place throughout the year, TCA Abu Dhabi offers visitors the opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the nation and engage with world-class cultural initiatives and exhibitions."
Moreover, she highlighted that the development of the major cultural institutions of Saadiyat Cultural District will ensure the availability and access to international artworks, educational opportunities and platforms for cultural interaction. "TCA Abu Dhabi has also recently announced the exhibition entitled Hajj: Memories of a Journey, which will open to the public on September 19, 2017 at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. Telling the story and history of Mecca, and the rituals of Hajj, as one of the five fundamental pillars and practices in Islam, Hajj: Memories of a Journey will also be supported by a series of public programmes and educational workshops."
TCA Abu Dhabi Senior Programme's Manager highlighted that Abu Dhabi is certainly a beaming light representing culture, art and heritage.
"With Abu Dhabi's position at the crossroads between East and West, and with a community that includes more than 180 different nationalities, culture has come to the forefront as a unifying force.
"The attendance at the programmes that TCA Abu Dhabi have developed to support the museums and historical sites is a proof point that the entire community values a cultural or creative outlet with which to engage," she added.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
 
1) Al Ain Oasis:
In November last year, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, opened the Al Ain Oasis to the public as the UAE's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lush Oasis provides a culturally enriched experience, while revealing the nation's rich history. The oasis, which is situated in the ancient city, dating back to more than 4,000 years, is one of the worlds oldest permanently inhabited settlements.
The historic importance of the Oasis was immensely emphasised by the Father of the Nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who decreed that the heritage of Oasis must be preserved for future generations to come.
Palm trees have become a symbol of UAE's rich heritage, and 1,200 hectors containing 147,000 date palm trees of different varieties are located in the Oasis, which is adjacent to the Al Ain National museum to the East, and the Al Ain Palace Museum to the West, are a reflection of the love for this historic and religious fruit of life.
The Oasis also includes the unique aflame irrigation system, which consists narrow waterways that reveal the fresh spring water from Hajjar Mountains, nurturing and feeding the palm trees. Moreover, the wells also convey the traditional irrigation methods of brining water from boreholes, a method used throughout history.
Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO, recently visited the site, on a tour that was led by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi.
"The world heritage sites of Al Ain testify to the wealth of cultural traditions in the UAE. UNESCO is committed to working with TCA Abu Dhabi to make the most of this potential for social cohesion, identity and dignity, as well as economic growth," said Bokova.
"We must continue working together to showcase the depth of this heritage and the values it carries for the young generation."
Al Mubarak said the Oasis is a site that is a symbol of the nation's unique history. "Al Ain Oasis represents an essential component of the overall strategy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to safeguard the country's heritage and preserve national treasures."
 
2) Qasr Al Muwaiji:
Qasr Al Muwaiji, the birthplace of His highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, opened its doors as a museum to share stories from the eras it lived through with the UAE and the world, marking the profound symbolism in the inauguration of the century-old fort for the first time after over 60 years.
Since it was built in the early 20th century, Qasr Al Muwaiji was linked to the history and political succession of the Al Nahyan rulers in Al Ain, as it was used as a Diwan, (a council or seat of governance), in the society, and as a place for the community to meet.
Due to this valuable function it occupied in history, the fort's Majlis has welcomed visitors in order to experience traditional Emirati gatherings and share stories, to the chants of Al Ayyalah, which was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.
Qasr Al Muwaiji is one of the most significant cultural destinations in Al Ain, as it is considered one of the oldest historical monuments in the UAE.
The Qasr embraces an exhibition of photographs and quotes, titled President of the Nation, which recounts the history of the building and its many residents, and the wider history and archaeology of Al Ain City.
 
4) UAE's oldest houses, buildings and sites:
Tours of some of UAE's most historic and culturally enriched sites were also recently led by TCA Abu Dhabi and organised by Al Ain National Museum, through an initiative titled 'My Old House.'
The Background
Through their simple architectural details, the walls of the historic buildings tell stories of the past. Houses with different interiors, some built with mud, some with stone. Despite being in different places, certain elements tie them together; other elements highlight the differences between them. All these historic buildings create a picture of these past communities; with their watchtowers, and mosques through different fragments of time.
Set against the backdrop of beautiful Al Ain and nestled between its lush oases, these houses add to the beauty of this city that has always been a place of exchange for different cultures.
* Al Ain National Museum
The museum was established in 1969 by the late Father of the nation, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to display archaeological finds discovered in and around Al Ain.
The first museum was located in Sultan Fort, and was inaugurated in August 1970 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In 1971, the museum moved to its current building, which was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
The museum exhibits two different collections illustrating the archaeology and heritage of the UAE. In 1974, the museum was expanded and two halls were added to display the archaeological objects discovered through ongoing excavations in Al Ain.
* Al Qubaisi House
Situated in the Mutaredh district of Al Ain, the building is a vital example of local architecture from the immediate pre-oil era in the1960s.
Constructed largely of local limestone and Juss plaster, the house consists of two rows of rooms with an external arcade along the North and south sides of a walled courtyard.
* Jimi Historic Buildings - East
The House and Mosque of Bin Hammoodah Al Dhaheri is located on the eastern edge of Jimi oasis. It has a large courtyard with a deep well and is thought to date back more than two hundred years. A mosque, with a prayer hall and small courtyard lies in the eastern part of the house.
South of Bin Hammoodah, the House of Khalfan and Saif bin Abdullah Al Dhaheri is a small mudbrick courtyard house believed to be around 90 years old, located near the western edge of Jimi oasis.
The building displays many aspects of the traditional layout of earthen houses in and around the oasis of Al Ain. The House of Sultan bin Abdullah Al
Dhaheri House is a one-room structure lying immediately to the east of the House of Khalfan and Saif bin Abdullah Al Dhaheri.
* Qattara Historic Buildings - East
Abdullah bin Salem Al Darmaki House - This large ruined mud brick tower house is located along the eastern edge of Qattara oasis and belongs to the earliest group of historic buildings in Al Ain, all of which date back to some point during the 17th century.
The most notable feature of the building is the tower at the South-East corner, which is preserved to its full height of three levels.
To the North of the house, are the remains of a small mud brick mosque, which have been partially integrated into a modern mosque.