Emirati folk house doors in Al Ain - in pictures

  • Hearts are a common motif found on old doors in Al Ain. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Hearts are a common motif found on old doors in Al Ain. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • Red is a common colour, symbolising aspects of Emirati identity
    Red is a common colour, symbolising aspects of Emirati identity
  • Green is linked to the flags and battle standards adopted by various Islamic dynasties
    Green is linked to the flags and battle standards adopted by various Islamic dynasties
  • This door is in Al Rafahiyah Street in Al Jahili, Al Ain
    This door is in Al Rafahiyah Street in Al Jahili, Al Ain
  • This door is on 22nd Street in Al Qimi, Al Ain
    This door is on 22nd Street in Al Qimi, Al Ain
  • Falcons in the UAE symbolise courage and nobility and are frequently found on doors
    Falcons in the UAE symbolise courage and nobility and are frequently found on doors
  • This door is on Al Azim Street in Al Muwaiji, Al Ain
    This door is on Al Azim Street in Al Muwaiji, Al Ain
  • Designs on doors are influenced by symbols and themes that hold cultural and historical significance for Emiratis
    Designs on doors are influenced by symbols and themes that hold cultural and historical significance for Emiratis
  • Many doors in Al Ain retain a deep-rooted connection to the region's cultural heritage
    Many doors in Al Ain retain a deep-rooted connection to the region's cultural heritage
  • This wooden main entrance door is the entrance to a farm
    This wooden main entrance door is the entrance to a farm
  • Privacy holds great importance in Emirati culture and is reflected in the design of traditional folk houses and doors
    Privacy holds great importance in Emirati culture and is reflected in the design of traditional folk houses and doors
  • Emirati folk houses were first built in the 1970s
    Emirati folk houses were first built in the 1970s
  • Old houses and doors have become landmarks in Al Ain
    Old houses and doors have become landmarks in Al Ain
  • Folk houses were designed primarily for the Bedouin and were intended to enhance privacy and security
    Folk houses were designed primarily for the Bedouin and were intended to enhance privacy and security
  • A door on Al Shiyam Street in Al Muwaiji, Al Ain
    A door on Al Shiyam Street in Al Muwaiji, Al Ain
  • Old metal doors can be found on mosques in Al Ain
    Old metal doors can be found on mosques in Al Ain
  • Stars and crescents are symbols deeply associated with Islam
    Stars and crescents are symbols deeply associated with Islam
  • The UAE flag, falcons and stars and crescent moon images are a common choice when decorating doors
    The UAE flag, falcons and stars and crescent moon images are a common choice when decorating doors
  • A door on Hamouda bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street in Al Jimi, Al Ain
    A door on Hamouda bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street in Al Jimi, Al Ain
  • Folk houses are a reminder of the region's heritage
    Folk houses are a reminder of the region's heritage