Bidaa Bint Saud

Situated 25 kilometres north of Al Ain, Bidaa Bint Saud is a treasure trove for archaeological enthusiasts. The ancient caravan site features a rare Iron Age building, irrigation systems and 5,000-year-old Bronze Age tombs.

The area is largely dominated by Gharn bint Saud, a 40-metre-tall rock rising above the landscape with several ancient stone tombs at the top. Archaeological excavations have also found artefacts like pottery and stone vessels, dagger blades, bronze arrowheads and various types of beads.

In 2011 and as part of the World Heritage Site of Al Ain, Bidaa Bint Saud was declared a UNESCO heritage site. The area revealed compelling proof that there was a caravan route and dwellings belonging to a community of farmers. This community extended from Al Ain to the Northern Emirates. A primary reason they settled here was to utilise the region’s distinctive Falaj irrigation system which taps into underground water sources, bringing the water to the fields via tunnels.

You can find some of the unearthed items, such as stone pots, jewellery and tools, on display in the Al Ain National Museum.