Al Ain’s Jebel Hafit Desert Park to reopen on Sunday
al ain — One of the newest cultural and outdoor adventure parks in Al Ain is set to reopen on Sunday, ready to take visitors on a journey through thousands of years of Emirati history.
Officially launched in February, Al Ain’s Jebel Hafit Desert Park new season will run until April 2021, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced. Visitors to the foot of Jebel Hafit mountain can expect a mix of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes.
“To visit Jebel Hafit Desert Park is to travel through thousands of years of Emirati history,” said Saood Al Hosani, acting undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi.
Some of the attractions of the park include the 5,000-year-old ‘beehive’ tombs, which attest to the rich history and ancient habitation of the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves surrounded by natural landscapes, with the park stretching through 9km of captivating terrain around the base of Jebel Hafit — one of the highest mountains in the country.
“This landmark offers a fascinating insight into the UAE’s unique heritage and is complemented with a range of outdoor activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. People can also explore surrounding areas not only for their beauty but also for their significant biodiversity,” Al Hosani said. Guests can visit for the day or stay overnight to experience a camping adventure under the stars, he added.
“There is something for everyone at this attraction, and I encourage families, history buffs and nature enthusiasts to visit this World Heritage Site and discover the beauty of Jebel Hafit Desert Park for themselves.”
In line with DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of the UAE,
Jebel Hafit Desert Park was set up to protect and preserve the rich biodiversity, archaeology and cultural landscape of the area.
Its cultural and natural features are of international importance, being one of the cultural sites of Al Ain that make up the UAE’s first designated Unesco World Heritage Site.
Adventures to choose from Visitors to Jebel Hafit Desert Park have a wide choice of activities, ranging from independent or guided hikes around archaeological remains to cycling the bike tracks, riding on a horse or a camel, or touring the area in a buggy.
Three shelters within the grounds are perfect spots for a picnic, while numerous shaded benches give hikers and cyclists places to sit back and enjoy the views. Visitors can also use the public campsite and spend the night in their own tent, or for an upgraded experience, rent a traditional tent or even a luxury dome.