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Al Etihad
4 days ago
- 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.
Al Etihad
23-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Beyond a festival by the sea: Lammah Al Bahr gathers community in celebration of culture
24 Apr 2025 01:23 RAJEEV CHERIAN (AL MUGHEIRAH BEACH, Al DHAFRA)The allure of timeless Emirate heritage and the thrill of sporting adventure has turned Lammah Al Bahr, a weekend jamboree, into a signature cultural event on the shell-strewn shores of Al its vibrant array of culture, sports, and leisure activities on Al Mugheirah beach in Al Dhafra Region, some 150km west of Abu Dhabi, Lammah Al Bahr — or 'Gathering by the Sea' — draws in families and sports enthusiasts from far and by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the festival comes as part of a broader series of initiatives aimed at enhancing community wellbeing and positioning the region as a dynamic investment destination. A Canopy of Heritage From water sports, heritage games, and desert adventures to arts, cuisine and entertainment, the beachfront festival has resonated with every age group. Speaking to Aletihad , Fatma Seddiqi, Head of Regional Activations at ADIO, said Lammah Al Bahr has become a celebration of Al Dhafra's identity, offering a culturally rewarding space for community engagement. 'Each weekend brings new opportunities for people to gather, connect, and experience something unique together,' Seddiqi festival also supports local talent, providing an important platform for local businesses to connect with consumers, ranging from the residents of Al Dhafrah to those in the wider Abu Dhabi emirate, as well as visitors from around the world, she said.'By curating a festival that resonates with diverse audiences, we're offering more than entertainment; we're supporting the region's economic growth and building momentum for its future, positioning it as a thriving destination to live, work, and visit,' the ADIO official said.'We also work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that initiatives like Lammah Al Bahr leave a lasting impact on the community. These efforts contribute to Al Dhafrah's long-term development and reinforce ADIO's role as a key driver of investment and sustainable economic growth,' Seddiqi added. Al Dhafra Beckons When asked about choosing Al Mugheirah as the preferred location for the event, Seddiqi said 'it was a natural choice, a place where Al Dhafra's past and future meet'.'Al Mugheirah's stunning coastal setting reflects the region's deep maritime roots, while its expanding infrastructure tells the story of where we're headed, mirroring the broader journey of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. 'Hosting the festival here brings that story to life, inviting visitors to discover a part of Abu Dhabi that they may not know yet, raising awareness of the region's appeal as a destination for business, tourism, and recreation.' Empowering Local SMEs Elaborating on the festival's contribution to community wellbeing and economic diversification, Seddiqi emphasised that 'at its core, Lammah Al Bahr is about creating belonging, offering spaces where our guests feel connected to the region's culture, invested in the community, and inspired by its trajectory'.According to Seddiqi, the event demonstrates how cultural and entertainment experiences can generate real economic impact while highlighting the region's authentic character.'Lammah Al Bahr is a strong driver of development, reflecting ADIO's broader vision to accelerate economic growth across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The festival creates real value; it gives local SMEs a platform to grow, attracts tourism, and opens doors for new ventures.'Lammah Al Bahr highlights Al Dhafra as a destination that's poised for continuous growth: an area rich in culture, community-centric, and full of opportunity, she added. Driving Tourism The festival also has its fair share of offerings aimed at boosting tourism, showcasing what makes the region special.'By centering experiences that are authentic to the region, the festival's community engagement initiatives and unique tourism offerings encourage guests to return time and time again.' Family, Fun and Games After learning about the festival on Saturday, Dubai-based Bulgarian expat Boryana Ince headed to Al Mugheirah with her two young daughters, Eva and Sara, to join the festivities the same Eva and Sara participated in the inflatable obstacle course race, Boryana cheered them on from the said that although the race was a bit challenging, it gave her the opportunity to test her skills and learn from other Sara, the best part was that 'after the game, we can go and enjoy the many activities and booths at the venue'.'We had a good time here, it's an ideal place for family and community gathering, and we are looking forward to coming back,' Boryana Al Bahr opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5pm to midnight, with free entry for all visitors. More information is available on the event's official Instagram account @lammahvibes and its website
Al Etihad
14-04-2025
- Al Etihad
A visit to Dalma Island: Exploring UAE's pearling heritage amid a coastal calm
15 Apr 2025 01:17 RAJEEV CHERIAN (DALMA ISLAND)Slow-spinning turbines dotting the wavy landscape and outlines of settlements grew clearer as the ferry approached the coast. Unassuming of its rich past as a pearl-diving hub and archaeological site, Dalma Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, is a treasure trove of Emirati history and in the Arabian Gulf, Dalma Island was one of the earliest sites of human habitation in the UAE, which dates back to at least 7,000 years. With its abundant freshwater sources, the island supplied water to Abu Dhabi until the historical island also offers clues to the earliest evidence of date palm cultivation. Thanks to its fertile soil, the island is home to many farms growing diverse from its historical significance, the island now is a favourite destination for camping enthusiasts. As soon as the ferry anchors at the jetty, small pickups with supplies, families in their cars, and 4WDs loaded with camping paraphernalia disembarked the vessel. Window to a Rich Heritage At the heart of the island and a must-visit site is the home of pearl merchant Muhammad bin Jassim Al Muraikhi, now housing the Delma Museum after a major restoration in 1993. Despite its modest size, the two-storey museum opens a wide window into the island's rich past."All the income in the past was on Delma from diving, and pearling helped with spending on the towns and villages," read a text at the entrance of the museum quoting the saying of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan."Around a century ago, when pearling was at its height, Delma was the centre of the pearling trade. The house you stand in today was built from this wealth," read another inscription welcoming the visitors to the museum. Pearling The region was a pearl diving hub until the 1950s, attracting foreign traders from across the world. Pearling was a seasonal activity and the warm waters of the summer months offered an ideal environment for diving. In the UAE, the season is known as "Ghous Al Kabir" or the "big dive".The pearl divers embarked on boats for the season which lasts for three to four months. Armed with a bag, a goat horn clip for the nose, and a rope tied along their waist so they can easily be pulled up at the end of each dive, they hunted for oysters. The dives lasted for about two minutes at depths of some 20 the meticulously showcased items at the museum are a pearl necklace, a mother-of-pearl shell, nets, anchor, diving weight, and ropes. Also gracing the museum's booths are a ledger used by pearl merchants, a wooden box and coins from bygone eras, pointing to the interaction of trade. An Extraordinary House Al Muraikhi, a wealthy pearl merchant from Dalma, built the house as his headquarters in the late 19th century. A unique structure in the region, it was the only two-storey building at that time and served as a strong room, office, court chamber and assembly room (majlis).Despite its name Bait Al Muraikhi (Al Muraikhi House) or Bait Al Lulu (Pearl House), it was never a museum also offers insights into the marine biodiversity of Delma. The diversity of flora and fauna attracted and supported human habitation for more than 7,000 years, since the Neolithic era, according to the museum. 'Little Bombay' and 'Paris of the Coast' Back in the days, the global hub of pearl trade was Bombay, and merchants regularly travelled to Dalma to buy pearls. Many traders also often financed ships and came to Delma to settle debts. Due to these strong links to Bombay, Delma's was known as "Little Bombay".During the peak of pearling season, people from the region sailed to Delma in search of their bounty. The combination of wealth and the arrival of people, especially during summer months, also earned it the moniker "the Paris of the Coast". Thanking UAE Leaders While on the ferry on a trip back to Dalma from Abu Dhabi, Hussein Khamis Jassim Hossani, an elderly Emirati citizen, shared his fond memories of the island."Long time ago, when petrol was not yet discovered, many people resorted to pearl diving, so they sell them and provide for their families," he said. "They did not have the modern technology that keep them long under the water like oxygen tanks, so only healthy people would dive down. Some would stay for more than five minutes in one breath, and they come up to catch their breath again."He fondly remembered the visits of Sheikh Zayed, who ensured that all residents of the island were provided with the best living thanked the UAE's wise leadership for providing all amenities on the island, like hospitals, schools and providing residents with best quality of life. Date Press Another key highlight of the museum is its showcase of "midbasah" or the date press that produces date molasses (dibs) and dried dates.A video explainer outlines the process in detail, offering a glimpse into the agricultural and technical ingenuity of harvest, dates were left out in the sun for a few days. Later, they were packed in sacks made of palm fronds (yiraab), and stacked in grooves across the floor. The dates would start to compress under their own weight, releasing the molasses. The molasses syrup oozes along the grooves; flows toward a hole at the lowest corner of the room; and goes straight into the jars underneath. Three Mosques Among the other key attractions on the island are the three historic mosques known for their fine craftsmanship: Al Muraikhi Mosque built between the late 1800s and early 1900s by Al Muraikhi; Al Muhannadi Mosque, which was built by Saeed Ali Al Muhannadi in 1946; and Al Dawsari Mosque, built by Rashid bin Fahd Al Dossari in 1931, according to the Abu Dhabi Culture Island, some 30km off the coast of Abu Dhabi, has a population of about 10,000, according to the Abu Dhabi Culture website. The island has an airport, schools, hospital and all modern amenities. How to Reach Delma Since there are no road links to Dalma, visitors must rely on either a ferry or a plane. Abu Dhabi Maritime offers ferry services to Dalma from Jebel Dhanna, some 250km west of Abu Dhabi. Visitors are required to check on the Abu Dhabi Maritme to book and schedule their trip. Delma Motel is the only hotel on the island, but some villas and farmhouses are also available for rent. Winter is the ideal time to conversation with Aletihad, Latheef K.V, a long-time resident who runs a restaurant on the destination, said the island's tranquility makes it an ideal place for him. "The island offers fresh seasonal produce and has no dearth of fish. Visitors, mainly campers, flock to the island during weekends and public holidays," he added. After a brief, serene isolation, adventurers and holidaymakers eventually hop aboard the ferry again and head back to their daily lives - waving goodbye to islanders, for whom tranquility is a way of life.
Al Etihad
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Lammah Al Bahr: Al Dhafra coast bustles to life as festival immerses community in rich local heritage
7 Apr 2025 23:47 RAJEEV CHERIAN (AL MUGHEIRAH, AL DHAFRA REGION)Abu Dhabi's rich maritime traditions, heritage, and community spirit come to life in a brightly lit gala village on Al Mugheirah Beach in Al Dhafra to Lammah Al Bahr, or 'Gathering by the Sea', a vibrant family and heritage venue that offers a diverse choice of culture, sports, and leisure activities on the coast of Al Dhafra, some 150km west of Abu by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the festival kicked off on February 7 and runs through to June. Lammah Al Bahr is part of a wider lineup of initiatives aimed at enhancing community wellbeing and positioning the region as a dynamic investment visitors pass through quaint neighbourhoods and arrive at the venue, they are welcomed by a community hub festooned by festive lights, promising unforgettable experiences. Amid the lively music, curious crowds milled around stalls as happy children in toy cars zigzagged across the from the entrance, visitors are immersed in the region's rich heritage, with stalls showcasing traditional net making, pottery, calligraphy, and authentic Emirati cooking lining the path in the Heritage nation's cherished delicacies — luqaimat, ragag and chebab — are passionately prepared by local households at their stalls. Nearby, a henna art kiosk also witnessed a steady stream of visitors, all looking to adorn their hands with intricate innovation also takes centre stage at the venue, offering a platform for creative expression. At Art Haus, the exhibition 'Majlis of Memory' showcases works by Sarah Alagroobi and Nourah Ramahi, both reflecting on themes of Emirati identity. The space is further brought to life by installations from Steven Naifeh and sculptures by James event promises something for all ages, with each day focusing on a variety of workshops, organisers said. With summer approaching, this season's workshop focuses on themed activities such as sun hat painting, seashell painting, and ice cream further into the venue, there is a dedicated space for board games such as chess and carrom, in addition to video 30 retail shops offer locally made handcrafts, perfumes, food and embroidered visitors wander through the lanes between stalls, they are greeted with roaming artists, magic shows, and falcon mascots. Towards the end of the venue is a dedicated space for sports, such as football, volleyball and paddle, and an exclusive section for adventure on Saturday, more than 1,100 participants of all ages joined the action-packed Arabian Warrior Obstacle Course Race — a true highlight of the sport and wellness initiatives are lined up — including a high-energy G-Wagon Driving Experience on May 10, where a 25-car convoy will take part in a structured driving Al Bahr opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5pm to midnight, with free entry for all visitors. More information is available on the event's official Instagram account @lammahvibes and its website
