Al Ayn (pop. 496,000) is a city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is a federation of Arab states in southwestern Asia. Al Ayn lies in the desert interior of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE’s seven emirates (states). The city is near the Omani border, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of Dubai, the UAE’s largest city. Al Ayn is famous for its prehistoric ruins, specifically its ancient tombs and irrigation systems. Al Ayn—also spelled Al Ain or Al ‘Ayn—is Arabic for the spring. The name is a reference to the natural spring and oasis that spurred the city’s development. The greenery created by the oasis, along with many modern parks, has earned Al Ayn the nickname the “Garden City.”
Settlement of the Al Ayn area dates to about 3000 B.C. Oasis waters allowed for early development of agriculture, creating a permanent settlement in a region populated largely by nomadic (wandering) groups. The settlement became a caravan stop along the busy trade routes of the region.
In the 1900’s, British aid and influence helped modernize the Al Ayn area. This trend accelerated after the 1958 discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi and the start of oil production in 1962. The states that now make up the UAE were under British protection before gaining full independence in 1971. Independence brought rapid expansion and prosperity to Al Ayn.
Today, the ancient oasis with its many date palms is at the center of a bustling city. Al Ayn has a number of gardens, museums, and open-air markets. Most buildings are limited to four stories, or a height of 66 feet (20 meters), to preserve views across the city’s landscape. The Al Ayn Palace Museum, opened in 1998, occupies the former residence of Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the UAE’s first president.
The remains of ancient tombs, homes, and irrigation systems surround Al Ayn. The domed “beehive” tombs of Jabal Hafit date from 3000 B.C. The Hili Archaeological Gardens include excavated and partly restored Bronze Age structures. Ancient canals called aflaj still carry water in many areas. Key areas of Al Ayn became a World Heritage Site in 2011. Such sites are designated places of unique cultural or natural importance by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
