The mere mention of the name ‘Abu Dhabi’ conjures images of high-rise buildings, lavish beach resorts and world-class entertainment options such as Formula One, UFC and golf’s Abu Dhabi HSBC championship.
However, that isn’t the only thing this modern city provides. There is also a large focus on the past, evidenced by the abundance of heritage and culture on offer. A city which was home to the ancient Umm Al Nar culture, who called these lands home almost 5,000 years ago. And a city which holds its own in the region, where historical landmarks are concerned. Read on to discover the most intriguing historical places in Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Hosn
The oldest stone building in the city, Qasr Al Hosn is located on Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street and is often referred to locally as ‘Old Fort’. The building in its original guise – as a tower – was originally constructed in 1761 to defend the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island. By 1793, the structure had been expanded into a fort in order to house then-ruler Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan, who transformed the building into the permanent residence of the ruling Sheikhs.
A renovation in the 1930s gave the fort its present form, aided by some of the first oil licence money generated in the country. Nowadays, the fort is no longer in use as a royal residence – instead functioning as a centre for historical, archaeological and architectural research.
Open to the public, the site provides an excellent opportunity for visitors and new residents of the city to fully understand the historical culture of the area. Qasr Al Hosn also functions as one of the country’s main cannon firing sites during Ramadan, which is an intriguing cultural event to witness.
Emirates Heritage Village
While not an actual historical site in its own right, Emirates Heritage Village provides visitors with a glimpse into the past and what Emirati life was like before the city became what we know it as today.
With the rich traditions of the area on display, guests can enjoy camel rides, learn about traditional handicrafts and explore old-style souks, all reminiscent of a bygone age. Replica Emirati architecture features throughout, providing visitors with a real sense of what life used to be like, as skilled artisans weave traditional pieces.
The perfect place to learn about what life was like before the city became a contemporary global metropolis, Emirates Heritage Village ensures we don’t forget how we got to where we are today.
Al Jahili Fort
Built by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan in 1891, the fort’s primary purpose was to protect the area’s date palm farmers from raiding tribes. Sitting a short distance from the vital agricultural area of Al Ain Oasis, it is thought that the defence of this strategic water source was also key in the construction of the fort – which boasts impressive mudbrick walls while offering sweeping views of the desert beyond its walls.
During the time of its construction, the area was seen as strategically important given its location on the Omani border, so Al Jahili Fort was afforded even more prominence, helping Sheikh Zayed consolidate power over the recalcitrant Bedouin tribes in the area. Later, it was used as a summer retreat for the ruler, thanks to the slightly cooler inland temperature of Al Ain – the UAE’s biggest inland city.
Since the early 1970s, the fort has been used largely as a tourist attraction, and no longer functions as a fort, given the long period of peace enjoyed in both the UAE and Oman. An intriguing look at 18th-century Emirati architecture, Al Jahili Fort is a must-visit for those looking for lesser-known day trips.
Al Ain Oasis
While in the area, you would be remiss not to also visit Al Ain Oasis, located just minutes away from Al Jahili Fort. Located on the eastern side of Al Ain, the oasis dates back more than 4,000 years and is set across more than 1,200 hectares.
Constructed using an ancient irrigation system known as falaj – which brings water from boreholes to the surface – the area is home to more than 147,000 date palm trees, which provide more than 100 different species of date. The falaj system is widely used across the Middle East and beyond, in countries such as Oman, Iran and even as far afield as India.
These days, the Al Ain Oasis has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is easy to see why. Functioning as a peaceful retreat in the middle of a busy city, the oasis – and its irrigation system – stand as a tribute to the engineering heritage of the area.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi sits the culturally significant Christian retreat of St. Joseph’s Cathedral. This place of worship stands as a tribute to the religious tolerance of the UAE, its rulers acknowledging and respecting the differing beliefs of the city’s residents.
Built in the early 1960s, the church stands as the first and oldest Christian site of worship in the city, its plot having been donated by then-ruler Sheikh Shakhbut. Since then, the church has gone through something of an upheaval, after the ruler decided the building should be moved. The foundation for the new church was laid in 1981, and the new complex was inaugurated in 1983, in the presence of Sheikh Shakhbut.
Today, the church is home to over 100,000 Catholics who call Abu Dhabi home. These worshippers come from all across the world, with masses conducted in several different languages. Servicing such a large congregation, the cathedral is packed to capacity during every service.
For those who are interested in religiously significant sites in the UAE, St. Joseph’s church stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best.
Al Ain Camel Market
Providing visitors with a glimpse behind the curtain of Bedouin culture, the Al Ain Camel Market is one of the most fascinating trading hubs in the country. While the facility deals primarily in camels, other livestock such as goats and sheep are also sold through the auction site.
Camels are seen as a symbol of patience, endurance and resilience in Emirati culture, so they are highly revered in UAE culture. Traditionally, they have served as an essential mode of transport, given their robust nature and ability to travel long distances with little water consumption. The animal is woven deeply into the fabric of the nation, so it is important that visitors respect the processes on display in the market, as well as the camels themselves.
Open daily, the facility allows visitors, but be sure to dress modestly in order not to offend local tradition. One of the best things to do is to simply people watch – skilled camel handlers are everywhere, providing plenty of banter between buyer and seller. In a country which is home to two of the most forward-thinking cities in the world in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it is a charming change of pace to immerse yourself – even for a short time – in a world that has stayed largely unchanged for centuries.
Al Maqta’a Fort and Watchtower
This ancient site has a certain sense of melancholy attached to it. Built more than 200 years ago, the site was restored, and then once again abandoned after its visitor centre closed. With a new venture reportedly in the works to restore the site, this neglected old relic could soon, once again, represent an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s most important historical buildings.
The old fort stands guard just beside the Al Maqta’a bridge, with its companion watchtower diligently watching over proceedings in the estuary. Originally built in 1793 to defend the city’s maritime entrance, the small outpost has, over the centuries, functioned as a residence, a customs building and now as a slightly off-the-beaten-path tourist attraction.
With a small museum on site, which provides a nice overview of the history of the area via some excellent displays and explanations, the site is widely regarded as one of the oldest in Abu Dhabi, and for this reason, is a must-see attraction for those with a keen interest in Emirati history.
