Restoring historic Al Ain

posted on 13/05/2007: 45 views

Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage has started restoration of historic buildings in Al Ain with a view to preserve the past and the cultural heritage. A number of UAE and foreign experts have currently been working on projects restoring the old glory of Al Jahili Fort, Al Jahili Mosque and the house of Hamad Bin Hadi Al Darmaki in Al Jahili and Al Hili districts, respectively.



Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), yesterday visited the sites along with Engineer Ahmad Al Sharif, Undersecretary of Al Ain Municipality, Mohammad Amer Mur Al Nayadi, Director of the Department of Archaeology and Al Ain National Museum and a number of other senior officials.



The 18th century home of Hamad Bin Hadi Al Darmaki is located inside the Hili Oasis.



This is the first time a restoration effort has been launched for this historical building that is currently nothing but a pile of rubble. An official of the authority said the restoration projects would be carried out in accordance with the international standards for historical places.



The Jahili mosque, built in the late 19th century, is located just outside the Al Jahili Fort. The restoration project is expected to widen it and equip it with modern facilities as well as restore it to its old glory, the official added.



The Jahili Fort has recently been made the centerpiece of attraction at the Public Garden, which has currently been undergoing a major expansion and redesigning. The fort, which is one of the most famous historical forts in the UAE, is located just outside the south-western corner of the garden that is near the Clock Tower Junction in the heart of Al Ain city.



Al Jahili Fort was built by Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (Zayed the First, 1855-1909) in 1898, according to a researcher I. Elkhawas A. Al Qubaisi of the Department of Architecture at the UAE University. The fort, which was constructed using mud-brick, stones, and palm-trees, was built for defense purposes and to guard precious palm groves. It was also used as a residence for the local governor.



During his visit, Sheikh Sultan said historical buildings and archaeological sites are cultural asset of the nation that should be preserved for the future generations. (Gulf News)

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