Al Ain village offers glimpse into Oman's living heritage

Muscat Daily

4 days ago

Jabal Akhdar – Nestled among the terraced slopes of Jabal Akhdar in Dakhliyah, Al Ain village remains one of Oman's most captivating destinations for visitors seeking cultural depth, natural beauty, and historical continuity.
Surrounded by orchards and stone-carved paths, the village has long served as a vital agricultural and spiritual hub – and continues to draw visitors year-round.
Known for its cool summers and very cold winters, Al Ain's climate supports a range of seasonal crops, including roses, pomegranates, grapes, peaches, walnuts, garlic, and onions. Its landscape, shaped by centuries of farming across stone terraces, presents a distinctive Omani agricultural model still practised today.
Yahya bin Nasser al Riyami, a long-time resident, describes Al Ain as 'one of the ancient villages in Jabal Akhdar, dating back hundreds of years'. Its importance, he explains, lies not only in its central location but also in its geological foundation.
'The village sits on a mass of travertine rock, known for its abundant water sources,' he said, noting its panoramic view of neighbouring villages Al Aqar, Al Shiraijah, and Al Qasha.
Al Ain owes its name to the natural springs that feed its network of aflaj. 'Three aflaj originate here: Falaj al Awar, Falaj al Qanti, and Falaj Abu Kabir,' said Riyami. These traditional irrigation systems support farms across multiple villages and remain in use today. Springs such as Ain al Uyaynah continue to flow, sustaining both agriculture and tradition.
The village is also known for its religious and educational legacy. 'Sites like Al Qalaa, believed to be one of the earliest Persian-inhabited homes, and the engineering of the falaj systems reflect the depth of the village's history,' said Riyami.
He pointed to the presence of four old mosques and a Quranic school as evidence of the community's early emphasis on learning and faith. A section of village farmland is even set aside to fund religious and scientific book endowments.
Al Ain's stone houses and natural paths form a unique network that once connected it to nearby governorates. Riyami noted how, before the construction of the Jabal Akhdar road, these footpaths were the only link to Nizwa, Izki, Samail, and even Al Awabi in South Batinah. 'These routes were vital. They were maintained regularly and now attract hikers and heritage enthusiasts,' he said.
With adventure tourism on the rise, many of these historic paths are being preserved. 'The relevant authorities are making efforts to keep them passable, as they've become part of the region's tourism appeal,' Riyami added.
Beyond its scenic charm, Al Ain remains economically active. 'The village is surrounded by orchards on all sides, like a bracelet on the wrist,' he said, describing the crop diversity.