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Ecotourism Areas Details

Jebel Hafeet Tombs

Sitting at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, the country’s second highest mountain, are a series of dome shaped tombs first built in an early period of prehistory, namely the Bronze Age. These are understood to have been established over a 500 year span between 3,200 and 2,700 BC, the most prominent of which are found along the eastern ridge. Other tombs are located northward.

Also known as the Mezyad graves, they a mark a time in history referred to as the Hafeet period. The burial chambers in this respect, represent one of four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Al Ain region, hence a place of outstanding universal value.

There have been archaeological finds at the site, such as Mesopotamian pottery, beads, spearheads, and daggers as well as other objects reflecting wider trade links with the Indus Valley and Persia. In this regard, the tombs were also used in later eras, and throughout the Iron Age, between 1,300 and 300 BC.

Jebel Hafeet tombs remain a place of interest for those who wish to explore early civilisation and the environment that surrounded these people, under the gaze of the mountain.


 


Emirate

Abu Dhabi.


Access

Jebel Hafeet Tombs are accessible throughout the year. However, it is again first better to check with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.


Nature of the Area

Land


Primary Classification

Archaeological sites and historical monuments.


Additional Classification(s)

UNESCO World Heritage List.


Nearest city or town

Al Ain.


Events and activities

Witnessing natural and cultural heritage and furthermore, gaining insight to an ancient civilisation’s relationship with the environment.


GPS Location

How to get here

Contact is first required with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, in order that access is provided through a guide. To visit the tombs, head south from Al Ain on Zayed Bin Sultan Street, then 137th Street, to Mezyad and the Oman border. At Mezyad turn west at the roundabout with the Oasis School on the right, heading toward Jebel Hafeet. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary to drive close to the location after which the tombs have to be approached on foot.


Recommended Visit Season

October to April.


Working Days

The site is open during the day.


Facilities

Shops and food and beverage outlets are available in Mezyad.


Entrance fees

Entry to the site is free.


What To Take

Appropriate outdoors clothing and footwear. Taking water and food is also recommended.


Website

Contact

Enquiries by telephone can be made to the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi on +971 2 444 0444. Email contact can be made through info@dctabudhabi.ae


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