The Al Jimi Oasis is one among the many oases in Al Ain which is also noted for the Falaj irrigation system. Under a thick canopy of the palm trees, lies the oasis along with many mosques and houses. These places in Al Ain take you back in time while you take a stroll amidst the hundreds and thousands of palm trees.
This place is also a UNESCO heritage site, thickly crowded with lots of exhibits on farming, walking trails. Al Jimi is among the most important of the three main oases in Al Ain.
Things to See at Al Jimi Oasis
- The traditional Falaj system of irrigation can be found here. The system of irrigation brings water or irrigate the adjoining land from the boreholes. This helps in the watering of palm and other trees and the surrounding farms. Falaj is an age-old system of irrigation that is used in UAE and some other countries.
- Among the most important buildings in the area is the fortified residence structure of Sheikh Ahmad bin Hilal Al Dhaheri, his years of rule being 1855- 1909. Apart from the walls, which were much secured and protected, there are also two watchtowers. You can well decipher something about the simple architecture of those times by having a look at the simple building. The building has around 25 rooms for accommodating the family members as well as guests, guards and servants.
- The Al Jimi Watchtower is found to the south of the oasis. The tower is fourteen metres tall and six metres in diameter. The tower can be entered through only one door and there are no windows. The tower was used for protection of the point from where the water source was connected for the Falaj for irrigation and drinking.
- The oasis area has buildings dating back to three hundred years. The place has fortified buildings as well as mosques and plantation areas. Among the restored buildings in the oasis, there are watchtowers and forts.
- The outer areas are used for the cultivation of the winter crops and land further beyond that is used for animals to explore and graze on.
- The area of the oasis covers 3,000 square metres.
- The plantation area has around 150,000 palm trees. There are orchards of figs, bananas, oranges and mangoes that gives the place a bright picturesque setting. Here, trees like sidr and ghaf are cultivated for their therapeutic uses.
- In the oasis, you can travel on foot or use the bike rentals to hike using the paths and trails in and out. The bikes are easily available at the kiosks, at the point you enter the oasis.
Things to Know
- This place had housed inhabitants almost 4000 years back. You have an insight into the history of these people when you visit Al Jimi oasis.
- You may visit the place between nine in the morning to five in the evening.
- The entry to this oasis is free for all.
- The tour through the oasis should take you two to three hours.
- Al Ain’s largest oasis is the Al Ain Oasis and the smallest oasis is called Al Jahili. Al Jimi is among the other five oases in Al Ain.
5 Nearby Places to Visit in Al Jimi Oasis
1. Al Ain Palace Museum
The Al Ain Palace Museum was the residence of the deceased Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and his wife Shaikha Fatima. They lived there with their family till the year 1966. After they moved to Abu Dhabi, this house which had been built in 1937 was transformed into a museum to preserve the heritage and culture of the ruling family. A lot of renovation was made keeping in place the actual design sense. The architecture of this building is magnific and brilliant. This architecture uses Barjeels, a type of ventilation system which would beat the heat of summer.
Palm leaves were used for roof building and also plaster and clay for the construction. The entrance is superbly adorned with the verses from the Quran. You can visit rooms that were used for official councils earlier on. The courtyard outside had a coffee room where business discussions were probably carried on. The museum is located in the Al Jahili area and the entry is free.
There are other several interest museums like Museum of the Future, Louvre Museum, Al Shindagha Museum where can visit with family and friends.
2. Al Jahili Fort
The Al Jahili Fort is one of the most iconic buildings in Al Ain. This fort was the summer residence of the ruler of Abu Dhabi who ruled between the years 1855 and 1909. He was called Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First. This is one of the biggest forts in the UAE. You can still have a look at the circular four storeyed tower and the square enclosure of the whole architecture. As you walk through the gate, you get glimpses of history and learn a lot about the historical and cultural background of the place in detail.
3. Al Ain Gold Souk
The Al Ain gold souk is a walkway that is full of glittering and dazzling shops all over. It is worth a look even if you do not intend to buy gold.The extraordinary bling will catch your fancy! You will be surprised to see tonnes of gold ornaments that are exhibited with very less security. It is indeed a very interesting place and you may shield your eyes with glasses to stop them from getting too much dazzled. Apart from the gold souk, there are other souks that can be visited. The camel and other livestock souk could be an interesting destination in Al Ain.
4. Al Jimi Mall
It is interesting to note that the Al Jimi Mall at Al Ain was first built as meat and vegetable market in the eighties. It is a half an hour drive from Abu Dhabi and now it has hundreds of options to look for. The Fun City, the children’s area, the home appliances store, the fashion stores and moreover the Carrefour supermarket are the most sought-after attractions here.
5. Al Ain Zoo
The best part of the Al Ain Zoo experience is that you can feed the animals yourselves here. The zoo opens at 9 in the morning and closes at 6 pm. The sightseeing should take you around three hours. This place is covered under Al Ain City tour.
The Al Ain Zoo is supposed to be a great plan for a day out with the family. There are over 400 species of animals here and those catering to different zones of the world like Africa and the Tropical Rain Forest. You not only learn about the conservation and preservation of the animal species here but also about many other features. Imagine feeding the giraffes and crocodiles on your own! A camel ride is also a superb experience especially for the kids.
What is the Entry Fee for Al Jimi Oasis?
The entrance fee for this place is totally free.
Conclusion
Visiting the Al Jimi Oasis could be great retreat if you are looking to spend a weekend at a place in the midst of nature under the shady palm trees, filled with the aroma of the lush greenery around. You will also get an opportunity to unravel the past and learn about the culture and civilization from fortified buildings, mosques, watchtowers and the falaj system, still in vogue, at the Al Jimi Oasis.
