• The salt cave is in Mbazzarah Al Khadra, Al Ain. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The salt cave is in Mbazzarah Al Khadra, Al Ain. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The salt comes from Poland, sourced from salty rocks in Krakow
    The salt comes from Poland, sourced from salty rocks in Krakow
  • The cave is known for its relaxing properties
    The cave is known for its relaxing properties
  • Bath salts and soaps sold at the salt cave
    Bath salts and soaps sold at the salt cave
  • Salt therapy used on the feet
    Salt therapy used on the feet
  • A woman is covered in salt during a treatment process
    A woman is covered in salt during a treatment process
  • The salt in the cave has more than 84 natural minerals
    The salt in the cave has more than 84 natural minerals
  • The site is the Middle East's largest and only man-made salt cave
    The site is the Middle East's largest and only man-made salt cave
  • The salt cave offers natural treatments for about 18 health conditions
    The salt cave offers natural treatments for about 18 health conditions

Photo essay: A visit to Al Ain and the Middle East's largest man-made salt cave


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Al Ain Salt Cave, in Mbazzarah Al Khadra, is the Middle East's largest and only man-made salt cave.

Experts say it offers a natural remedy for about 18 different conditions, including psoriasis, arthritis, sinusitis, asthma, eczema, anxiety, snoring, allergies, colds, flu, congestion, ear infections, hay fever and rhinitis.

The opening of the cave is part of a bigger effort to offer great services and make the community healthier.

“Inside the cave, you'll find rocky salt containing more than 84 natural minerals out of the 92 known elements,” Khaled Mohamed Al Saber, manager of the salt cave, told The National.

“The salt is from Poland, sourced from the salty rocks in Krakow. People travelled to Poland and visited the natural cave in Krakow. It appears that a child's breathing showed positive results there, so they decided to replicate it here in the UAE."

Proponents of visiting the cave say it offers a great chance to clean and detoxify your body, making you feel healthier.

“Among these minerals, the most important ones include potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and copper, all of which are essential for the human body," Al Saber said.

“In addition to its physical benefits, the cave is known for its relaxing properties. It can help reduce anxiety, stress, nerve tension, and dispel negative energy while promoting improved blood circulation."

Updated: October 13, 2023, 6:01 PM