Tour of Al Ain Oasis date farm shines spotlight on traditional farming methods

The three-hour session introduces visitors to related agricultural practices through a visit to a date farm.

Ali, pictured, a date farmer at Al Ain Oasis. Victor Besa / The National

Ali, 60, sites at the date farmers' rest area and storage hut at Al Ain Oasis. Victor Besa / The National

Ali demonstrates how he climbs trees using the traditional climbing harness called 'habool'. Victor Besa / The National

The entrance of Al Ain Oasis. Victor Besa / The National

Hilal Al Kuwaiti demonstrates 'kenaz', the traditional way of storing dates after the harvest season. Victor Besa / The National

Al Ain Oasis is the largest oasis in the city of Al Ain and was the UAE's first Unesco World Heritage Site. Victor Besa / The National

Discover a miniature model of Al Ain Oasis at the entrance. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors are given complimentary maps of the Oasis. Victor Besa / The National

Learn more about local plants and crops such as sweet lemons. Victor Besa / The National

Visit the date farmers' rest area and storage hut. Victor Besa / The National

See how local plants are used in ingenious ways, such as to make a boat from the palm tree fronds called 'Al Shasha'. Victor Besa / The National

Learn how dates are harvested and transported. Victor Besa / The National

Also discover more about the irrigation system, one of the most important features of the Oasis. Victor Besa / The National

Pedicabs for rent at the entrance of Al Ain Oasis. Victor Besa / The National

It's the verdant, tranquil heart of Al Ain, with more than 145,000 date palms and hectares upon hectares of greenery. You can learn more about the UAE's plant species and crops at Al Ain Oasis this season, as the Unesco World Heritage Site hosts a two-month programme that introduces visitors to related agricultural practices through a visit to a date farm.

During the three-hour session, guests meet Ali, 60, a date farmer who demonstrates how he climbs trees using a traditional harness, known as a habool. Hilal Al Kuwaiti also shows how dates are stored.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore Al Ain Oasis and discover indigenous plants and crops, such as sweet lemons, as well as learning about the site's most important features.

Scale models of ancient buildings also help illustrate the inner workings of the oasis. The programme runs every Monday until November 25, from 9am to 11am, and is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

To register, call 03 711 8251 or email [e-mail]