Latest news with #RAJEEVCHERIAN
Al Etihad
09-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Bidaa Bint Saud stands tall among Al Ain historical sites
10 July 2025 00:46 RAJEEV CHERIAN (AL AIN)Offering insights into ancient community settlements, Bidaa Bint Saud, running adjacent to a caravan trail, looms large among Al Ain's array of archaeological some 25km north of Al Ain, the caravan site, situated at the crossroads of the ancient land routes between Oman and the Arabian Peninsula, is home to significant archaeological finds dating to the Iron and Bronze Bidaa Bint Saud site is one of Al Ain's UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include the six oases of Al Ain, and the archaeological sites of Hafit, and among the archaeological finds from the site are the 5,000-year-old burial tombs, Iron Age (1,300–300 BCE) irrigation systems, a rare Iron Age building and other artefacts that indicate the area was a major stop on a possible caravan route that extended from Al Ain to the north of the UAE, according to the Abu Dhabi Culture site is dominated by a natural stone outcrop, called Garn Bint Saud, which is 700 metres in length and rises 40 metres above the surrounding area.'Man inhabited the area for thousands of years, when the climate was slightly better than today and sand dunes less encroaching. The long habitation left stone-built graves and traces of the ancient settlements on and around the outcrop,' reads an inscription at the archaeological findings point to Bidaa Bint Saud's emergence as a rural centre and farming community during the Iron findings from the outcrop uncovered a number of Bronze Age (3,000–1300 BCE) tombs on the eastern side, as well as Iron Age tombs on the top of the outcrop, according to an educational resource provided by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).Furthermore, excavations at the site yielded pottery, stone vessels, dagger blades, arrowheads and beads.'Sites to the north suggest a caravan route linked Bidaa Bint Saud to the Al Ain oases, and continued north towards present-day Dubai and the northern emirates,' it digs at the site also resulted in uncovering remains of the falaj water system, an ancient irrigation method which used a network of underground and surface channels to bring the key findings include a 3,000-year-old falaj one kilometre west of Garn Bint Saud, and the remains of a public building, 'Bait al-Falaj' (House of the Falaj), which sheds light on the origins and administration of the falaj system, according to DCT Abu excavations at the site were carried out by a Danish archaeological team in the 1960s, followed by experts from the Department of Antiquities and Tourism in Al Ain in the also found a series of enigmatic paintings and engravings on the eastern rock face, among other motifs, whose origins date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. According to UNESCO, the Cultural Sites of Al Ain 'constitute a serial property that testifies to sedentary human occupation of a desert region since the Neolithic period with vestiges of many prehistoric cultures Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
23-06-2025
- Al Etihad
Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre narrates story of Abu Dhabi
24 June 2025 00:19 RAJEEV CHERIAN (AL AIN)A rich repository of historical knowledge, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, housed at Al Ain zoo, offers immersive and interactive experiences enhanced by audio-visual effects, taking visitors on a journey to the UAE's past, its evolution and its commitment to the name of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the centre sheds light on his life, his visionary leadership and his commitment to conservation and protecting the natural world as a national priority.A series of engaging and thoughtfully curated exhibitions take visitors across time, tracing the nation's past, present and future. The centre narrates the story of Abu Dhabi in a time sequence that starts from 500 million years to the present day, highlighting the varied land formations, according to the Al Ain zoo ocean floor to mountain peak, the exhibits offer insights into the hidden caves of Jebel Hafit, the role of water in forming them and how they provide refuge to threatened bird rock formations of the Hajar Mountains and what lies beneath it is also explained. The transformation of limestone into marble under intense heat over millions of years and what fossils say about life in the distant past are also session highlights the invisible desert, where animals lie hidden, and how they adapt to the heat. The story of the palm tree is narrated as well – how it is suited to the desert climate and its deep-rooted connections to past generations. Moving on, the showcase also vividly depicts Abu Dhabi's ever-changing landscape: 'Our land has been sculpted by wind and water for hundreds of thousands of years – and continues to change today,' reads an exhibit on the falaj irrigation system explains how it carried water from the Hajar Mountains to the date farms in Al Ain via a complex network of underground and surface channels. A special session covers the story of pearl diving and the making of a dhow. The beauty and global demand of Arabian pearls are also centre narrates the story of Al Ain's effort for oryx conservation where Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort lead the its tells the story of Bedouin heritage and their famed hospitality. It explores their lifestyle, their weaving techniques using goat and camel hair, and the healing properties of plants they used to survive in the harsh its commitment to sustainability, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre building achieved the five pearl rating of the Estidama Pearl Rating System in the design phase and was awarded a LEED Platinum certification. 'The present is only an extension of the past. He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and the future, for it is from the past that we learn,' reads a quote by the late Sheikh Zayed at the centre.
Al Etihad
08-06-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Discover Al Dhafra: The heartland of Abu Dhabi where natural wonders shaped life and heritage
9 June 2025 00:02 RAJEEV CHERIAN (AL DHAFRA)Al Dhafra - the heartland of Abu Dhabi covering 70% of the emirate - is a wellspring of history and heritage where dynamic geography and shifting weather patterns have shaped culture, nature, and way of from the coast of the Arabian Gulf to the northeastern end of Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter), this landscape of desert, oases, and islands has seen shifts between wet and dry climates - changes that have influenced how communities lived and adapted over the years.A visit to Al Dhafra Fort, which also serves as a museum, some 160km southwest of Abu Dhabi, opens a cultural gateway to the region. Several exhibits on display tell stories of how its islands and sceneries were formed, how it became a sanctuary of flora and fauna, and how the emirate's ancestral tribes thrived in its environment packed with natural treasures. A Dynamic Ecosystem Fossils and archaeological evidence show that over millions of years, Al Dhafra's climate has alternated between wet and dry periods, creating various environments where generations of different plants and animals flourished. This explains why the region has become home to some of the rarest species in the UAE. 'During the Miocene around 23 to 5 million years ago, the animals include sabre-toothed cats, hippopotamus, crocodiles, giraffes, antelopes and an extinct species of elephant,' the museum the museum, one of the standout attractions that captures visitors' attention is the exhibit of now-extinct four-tusked elephants called Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, which were first discovered in the UAE.'Around 7 million years ago, herds of four-tusked elephants called Stegotetrabelodon left their footprints in the wet earth at Mleisa in Al Dhafra. Some of their tracks extend for almost 270 metres.'They had already evolved behaviour to the present-day elephant. Females and children live in herds while adult males are solitary,' read the description at the Stegotetrabelodon - a model of which is on display at the museum - had two upper and two lower tusks and were larger than elephants was about 120,000 years ago when humans were believed to have started inhabiting Al Dhafra. 'Since then, the climate has continued to fluctuate, and the people, plants and animals have developed ways to adapt.'Due to Al Dhafra's dynamic ecosystem, desert plants show adaptations to the dry climate. Ghaf trees develop roots that reach a depth of 30 metres to reach water deep underground.'Al Dhafra is home to some of the rarest species of animals in the UAE. Many are active at night, and have lighter skins and smaller bodies, which makes it easier for them to cool down,' reads an inscription at the life also thrived in the warm shallow waters between the islands of Al Dhafra. The Arabian Gulf is home to the world's second largest population of dugongs also known as sea Dhafra is home to a range of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forest and sand dunes. It also provides habitats for vulnerable species such as the Arabian leopard, Arabian oryx, green turtle and UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, showed a keen interest in environmental conservation and founded the first nature reserve in Abu Dhabi in 1971 on the island of Sir Bani Yas. Another highlight is the Sheikh Zayed Protected areas network, which has offered safe havens for wildlife at 19 reserves since 2018. Early Settlements Among the earlier forms of human activity is recorded in Al Dhafra's Jebel several areas of Jebel Barakah, pieces of deliberately shaped flint stones have been discovered - evidence that it was a site where flint tools were made some 125,000 years ago during the Palaeolithic period, according to information displayed at Al Dhafra later, during the Neolithic period (8000-3000 BCE), there is evidence of both settled and nomadic communities in the the 16th century CE, there emerged historical references to the Bani Yas tribe, the founders of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, living in Al the south of Al Dhafra lies the Liwa Oasis where groundwater has nourished a crescent-shaped series of palm groves and villages covering an area of was the first centre of the Bani Yas tribe who founded Abu Dhabi in early 1760s. The region is also home to many restored forts and watchtowers, offering a glimpse into community life in the settlements. Distinctive Geography Salt formations are a major part of the landscape of Al Dhafra. They are formed when salt trapped undergound rises under pressure from the rock islands of Delma, Sir Bani Yas, Zirku, Qarnain and Arzana and Dhanna on the mainland are all salt domes, according to information displayed at the distinctive geographical feature of the region is the sabkha, or salt flats formed through evaporation. Al Dhafra's Sabkha Matti is regarded as the largest expanse of salt flat in the Arabian Peninsula, complementing the extensive sabkha that makes up much of the region's coast.'Although they look barren, they are full of life, bacteria called halophiles that can survive in high concentration of salt life under the surface. Like plants, they convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. Sabkha could be called the 'lungs of the UAE',' according to the museum's information board. Energy Powerhouse Rich in fossil fuels, Al Dhafra is also where majority of the oil and gas reserves in the UAE are found. In 1958, oil was discovered in commercial quantities in this region. Al Dhafra then became a major energy producer since the first oil exports in the 1960s. With the UAE now moving towards a carbon-free future, alternative energy sources have been developed in the region - the most notable of which is the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant near Ruwais. The first in the Arab world, the historic Barakah plant pumps out clean energy that contributes up to 25% of the UAE electricity requirements. The Shams 1 Concentrated Solar Plant near Madinat Zayed is another example in this direction. The plant, which opened in 2013, can now power as many as 20,000 further address the impact of climate change, Abu Dhabi built a strategic water reserve in Al Dhafra in 2018, where desalinated water has been stored underground, enough to last the emirate 90 days. A Rising Tourism Hub The region mainly consists of seven towns: Al Dhannah City, Delma, Ghayathi, Liwa, Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, and Sila. Among these, some are older settlements, while others are built after the foundation of the UAE. The inhabitants of the region - many of them of Bedouin origin - primarily live off farming, fishing, energy, and of the region's residents are now venturing into tourism, too, since Al Dhafra is increasingly becoming a favourite destination for adventures and holidays. Hotels and resorts have cropped up, offering serene beach and desert escapades. From desert adventures to heritage sports to wildlife exploration and stargazing, the region offers a wide range of activities built around its diverse natural and cultural attractions.
Al Etihad
01-06-2025
- Al Etihad
Guarding the tribes of Liwa Oasis: A look at the forts that watched over generations
1 June 2025 23:47 RAJEEV CHERIAN (LIWA OASIS, AL DHAFRA REGION)Amid the orange-red desert plains and lush palm groves of the Liwa Oasis lies a series of historical forts and towers, keeping a timeless watch, safeguarding the surrounding settlements, and bearing witness to the lives of on the northern edge of the Rub' al Khali - also known as the Empty Quarter, the world's largest uninterrupted desert - about 250km south of Abu Dhabi, Liwa Oasis is the ancestral home of the revered Bani Yas tribe, the principal tribal confederation of Al Dhafra, comprising 20 region is home to many forts and watchtowers, built by the Bani Yas and Manaseer tribes to safeguard their wells, oasis, livestock and settlements. From these structures, men stood watch over the surrounding landscape. These fortified structures - made of stone, palm trunks and gypsum - also served as a place to store supplies and refuge for people during harsh the 1980s, under the directives of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the forts and towers were restored to preserve the rich architectural heritage of the country. Here is a closer look at Liwa Oasis' fortresses - the monuments that embody the heritage and lives of bygone generations. Al Dhafra Fort Before exploring the historical sites of Liwa, begin your journey at Al Dhafra Fort for an introduction to the region's history, traditions, local communities, and natural in 2017, the fort - which also houses a museum - serves as a cultural gateway to Al Dhafra. It offers rich insights into the region's historic forts and watchtowers, while also preserving a wealth of heritage and cultural knowledge. In addition to its exhibits, the site regularly hosts community and cultural events. Dhafeer Fort According to oral history, Dhafeer Fort was built in 1915 by the Bani Yas tribe during the rule of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa, reads an information board set up by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) at the site.'Historic routes through the Liwa Crescent passed through the settlement, 'mahadhar', of Dhafeer, which in the 1950s consisted of 12 traditional 'arish' houses made of palm fronds and beams,' it to other defensive structures in the region, Dhafeer features a stone watchtower surrounded by a low enclosure wall where animals could be corralled in case of an into ruins in the 1950s, the building was rebuilt in 1996 using mudbrick to distinguish the new construction from its earlier form. Al Meel Al Meel Fort was constructed at the site of an earlier fort built to defend the major 'mahadhar' of Sha and its surrounding palm groves. This is one of the important settlements in the eastern part of Liwa crescent inhabited all year round, according to information displayed at the to oral history recorded in 1955, the earlier fort is thought to have been built by the Bani Yas tribe during the reign of Sheikh Mohammed bin Shakhbut bin Dhiyab between 1816 and original structure did not survive and it was rebuilt in the present form upon the directives of Sheikh Zayed in the 1980s. Yabbana This fort marks the easternmost point of the Liwa Crescent. It was constructed to defend the eastern approaches to the important settlements - or 'mahadhar' - of Thrwanniya and Nashshash, along with their palm groves, according to the information board at the is believed that the earlier fort at the site was built around the end of the 19th century. The remains of an earlier enclosure showed the fort was built of stone quarried from the immediate original structure did not survive, but it was rebuilt in the present form at the direction of Sheikh Zayed between 2000 and FortInhabited all year round, Mezaira'a was one of the major clusters of settlements with palm groves in the central part of the Liwa Crescent, according to the there were no actual remains, the fort was constructed in its present form in recognition of the historic significance of the place at the direction of Sheikh Zayed and with the help of the Liwa Municipality in the 1980s. Qutuf Watchtower According to oral history, the Qutuf Watchtower was built around 1920 by the Bani Yas tribe. It guarded the southern approaches to the important group of settlements inhabited all year round in the central part of the Liwa original structure featured a round tower built from plastered rubble. It also featured a stoned enclosure for holding camels. The tower and courtyard were rebuilt around 1990. Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower was part of a network of towers guarding settlements in the western part of Liwa, according to the was built by a Baluchi mason around 1895-1905 by the order of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, who was the Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1912 and 1922, as per oral original tower is shown in one of the archival photographs of Liwa taken by British explorer and author Wilfred Thesiger in the late featured a watchtower with two tiers of gun loops for the defenders, reads an inscription at the tower was rebuilt and the current enclosure was added in the mid-1990s. Hosn Al Dhafra Hosn Al Dhafra or Hosn Al Sirra is located close to Al Dhafra Fort. The site was seasonally inhabited between 14th-15th centuries and 18th-19th centuries, based on archaeological excavations and surveys.'The site is of unique importance as it dates to before the move of the Bani Yas tribes from Al Dhafra to the coast,' reads an inscprition at Al Dhafra Fort. Umm Hisn Tower Built by the Manaseer tribe between 1883 and 1890, the Umm Hisn Tower served as a defence outpost guarding the western approaches to Liwa. The structure - made of limestone slabs - also features enclosures for animals. Taraq Watch Tower Believed to be built by the end of 19th century, Taraq Tower is four metres in diametre with a full height of five metres. Taraq Tower is an intact authentic structure, according to the DCT. Mougab Tower Built during the reign of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1922-1926), the Mougab Tower guarded Liwa from the west. Fallen into ruins in the 1950s, the tower was restored in 2005. Among the other notable historical landmarks in Liwa Oasis are the Khannour Fort and Al Hayla Tower.
Al Etihad
18-05-2025
- Al Etihad
Discover Sir Bani Yas Island: A living legacy of conservation, culture and wilderness
18 May 2025 22:14 RAJEEV CHERIAN (SIR BANI YAS ISLAND)Frolicking gazelles, parading peacocks, and over 17,000 animals roaming freely amid an avian symphony offer an unfiltered glimpse of wilderness on Sir Bani Yas Island. The thriving biodiversity hotspot stands as testimony to the vision of the Founding Father of the UAE to protect the planet and the nation's commitment to safeguarding his legacy. Spanning more than 87 square kilometres, Sir Bani Yas is one of the eight islands in Al Dhafra Region - and the largest natural island in the UAE. It was in 1971 when the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, declared the destination a nature it is home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in the region, the 1,400-hectare Arabian Wildlife Park, located approximately 250km west of Abu island has also become a safe haven for indigenous animals and a stopover for migratory birds. Thriving Flora and FaunaExploring the island is best done in a 4WD especially made for the adventure. As the nature wild drive gently cruises across the sand, visitors catch a glimpse of the sanctuary's residents - from the UAE's national animal, the Arabian oryx, to herds of gazelles, giraffes, and even hyenas and cheetahs, to name a few. From time to time, gazelles crowd around feeding stations, with peacocks and ostriches standing tall in their watchful gaze. Some winged visitors are also spotted, waiting patiently for their turn."Gazelles are social animals, they can adapt to the presence of other animals," said Lyall, a guide at the presence of the large number of animals plays a key role in the fertilisation of the land, he are common elands walking around and giraffes browsing on trees. Some zebras are occasionally sighted and an array of rodents make their presence felt. The Arabian oryx, once facing near-extinction, thrives on the island, thanks to the UAE conservation prefer to feed on acacia or miswak trees as they are low-growing, Lyall the desert terrain, large patches of grassland reminiscent of golf courses can be seen, revealing the island's greening can such lush greenery flourish in the desert? The trees and plants on the reserve are nourished with desalinated water through drip irrigation, the guide the early 1980s, much of the island has been planted with trees, and on the northern and western coasts, more than one square kilometre of the land has been reclaimed from the from holiday-makers who love to spend time in nature, the island is also a top destination for bird-watchers, the guide its historical and cultural significance, the island is well known for its geological features; it is one of a series of salt domes that includes Jebel Dhanna and Delma Island, reads an inscription on the Bani Yas rose from the sea as the peak of a salt dome created millions of years ago. "Deep layers of salt, deposited between 541 and 635 million years ago, were overlain by heavier volcanic rock, limestone and sandstone. Between 5.3 and 16 million years ago, the salt was forced upwards under the pressure of heavier rock. It broke through the surface in a dome shape, bringing deeply buried minerals with it," according to an inscription on the island. "A rise in sea levels around 9,000 and 8,000 years ago led to the flooding of low-lying areas around the salt dome and the formation of the island," it added. History and Culture Sir Bani Yas Island was first mentioned in European literature around 1590 by Gasparo Balbi, an Italian jeweller and merchant, who referred to it as being located in a region where pearls were found, according to an inscription on the also played a crucial role in the history and culture of the Bani Yas tribe, especially in agriculture and pearling. Khor Da'sa on the southeast coast provided a natural harbour for the boats that sailed to the pearl banks between May and October, when the warmer water was preferable for pearl in Al Zahr in the north revealed a well and a walled date palm garden, pointing to the agrarian past of the island dwellers. A Guide for VisitorsThose who wish to have a preview of what the island offers could stop by the visitor centre, which provides a rich selection of curated artefacts, along with information panels. The island also offers kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking, equestrian and snorkelling activities. Day tours to the park, however, can only be booked through the Anantara activities visitor Rachel, who explored the island with her children, was in awe of the many fascinating insights that can be learnt from the destination. Aboard the 4WD on the nature wild drive, she told her kids the story of the UAE's Ghaf tree and other fascinating information about the island's inhabitants. "It's an amazing and informative experience. It also reinstils in us the importance of nature preservation," she said.
