World Heritage Site- Hili Archeological Park

The WHS-Hili Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a testament to the UAE’s ancient civilizations. The history of the park starts from the bronze age, around 3,000 BCE. Moreover, it is one of the oldest and important archaeological sites in the region. The site’s relevance lies in its well-preserved structures and artefacts. It offers insights into the lives, cultures, and technologies of early inhabitants. 

Key Attractions

Here are some best key attractions of WHS- Hili Archeological Park

1. Hili Grand Tombs:

The centrepiece of the park is the Hili Grand Tomb. The park has primarily a garden with plants, fountains, and a tiny children’s play area. Hili is located next to Fossil Valley, an area rich in fossils that date back many thousands of years to a time when the sea covered it.

2. Hili Archaeological Garden: 

Visitors can explore the ruins and artefacts in a tranquil environment in this exquisitely planted garden. The garden’s layout is intended to evoke the farming methods and irrigation infrastructure. This area displays historic wells, irrigation systems, and vegetation that was formerly vital to the regional economy of the nation. 

3. Hili Towers: 

A number of historic watchtowers that were used as observation and defensive posts may also be seen in the park. Constructed from native stone, these towers offer breathtaking sweeping views of the surroundings. Reaching the summit of these towers provides an unparalleled viewpoint on the historic defences and their tactical significance.

4. Hili Archaeological Museum: 

Situated in the park, the museum features an array of artefacts that have been excavated from the site. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the area because of its engaging exhibits and interactive displays. 

5. Ancient Oasis: 

It highlights the water management systems used by early people. This area in this archaeological park demonstrates how ancient communities controlled the desert environment to sustain agriculture and support their way of life.

Historical Significance

Understanding the historical and cultural development of the United Arab Emirates requires an awareness of the WHS-Hili Archaeological Park, which is more than just a collection of old ruins. The location offers insightful information on the area’s early urbanisation, commerce routes, and social structure. The buildings and artefacts discovered here demonstrate a highly developed civilization in terms of trade, craftsmanship, and agriculture.

The Hili site is also a component of Al Oasis broader cultural landscape, which also features important historical sites and conventional architecture. Combining all the components provide a thorough picture of the historical evolution of the region, spanning from prehistoric periods to the early Islamic era. Other than this, the park also includes a reinstate desert landscape with native species and pedestrian trails that lead visitors to the archeological sites. 

How to Get There?

Just 10 kilometres outside of Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city of AI Ain, you will find the Hili Archaeological Park. This site presents the earliest evidence of a prehistoric village in the UAE, containing Bronze Age and Iron Age discovery. 

Hill Archaeological Park thrived to highlight the ancient monuments of AI Ain and make them easily reachable to visitors. Here, you will not only find the evidence of former villages but also other archaeological burial land, forts, and agriculture infrastructure. The prompt agriculture village is located at Hili Site 8 and dates to 3000 BCE. The fossils from these excavations can be seen in the AI Ain National Museum.

Why to Visit Hili Archaeological Park

Hill Archaeological Park in AI Ain, Abu Dhabi is a family-friendly park with various  archaeological sites and attractions. This is a delightful place to visit for a picnic and advocate visiting with your loved ones. 

Here are some reasons to visit Hili Archaeological Park:

Archaeological Sites

The park features a great collection of tombs and buildings from the Umm an-Nar period in the UAE. Here, you will find the 12 meter diameter Hili Grand Tomb, which dates back around 2000 BCE. The tomb has two entries with engraved reliefs of human and animal figures which were replaced in the mid- 1970s. Other sites involved a tower with a thick circular wall, rooms, and a central well. The park also has evidence of the earliest agriculture in the UAE dating back about 5000 years. 

Other Attractions

The Hili Archeological Park also have some sports fields, gardens, fountains, outdoor food, and petroglyphs. Other than these, it also has a large playground with swings and slides, picnic tables, and public restrooms. 

Conclusion

The World Heritage Sites in UAE includes Hili Archeological Park, the largest Bronze Age site from the 3rd millennium BCE. It embraces various resolutions, tombs, and falaj dating from the Iron Age. Overall, visiting this heritage site will satisfy you with diverse historical resolutions. Recently in year 2019 Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism discover a fingerprints of a craftsman belong to the constructor of site wall.