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 alainoasis@dctabudhabi.ae
