Al Ain City Municipality continues to implement comprehensive programmes to preserve palm trees and protect the historic falaj irrigation system, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding one of Al Ain’s most significant cultural and heritage assets.
Al Ain is home to seven major oases—Al Ain, Al Daoudi, Hili, Al Jimi, Al Qattara, Al Muwaiji, and Al Mutaredh—which collectively cover more than 3.4 million square metres and contain over 169,000 palm trees producing a wide range of date varieties.
Recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited oasis systems in the world, Al Ain’s oases were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 due to their historical significance and sustainable water management practices.
Engineer Rashid Hamad Al Neyadi, Director of the Central City Operations and Maintenance Centre, said that the municipality, through its Falaj and Oases Section, oversees the management and maintenance of all oases and falaj systems in Al Ain, including irrigation operations, routine maintenance, cleanliness programmes, palm protection, and equitable water distribution among farms.
He noted that the oases are home to more than 14 traditional fruit tree species, including guava, pomegranate, citron, quince, almond, mango, mulberry, fig, lemon, and banana, reflecting the agricultural diversity that has characterized Al Ain for centuries.
The municipality also implements specialized pest-control programmes using environmentally friendly technologies, including 65 electric traps, 116 solar-powered traps, and 1,100 pheromone traps, to reduce infestations and protect palm trees while maintaining ecological balance.
In addition, agricultural waste is removed regularly to preserve the environment, reduce fire risks, and improve sustainable waste management practices within the oases.
Al Ain is home to seven major oases—Al Ain, Al Daoudi, Hili, Al Jimi, Al Qattara, Al Muwaiji, and Al Mutaredh—which collectively cover more than 3.4 million square metres and contain over 169,000 palm trees producing a wide range of date varieties.
Recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited oasis systems in the world, Al Ain’s oases were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 due to their historical significance and sustainable water management practices.
Engineer Rashid Hamad Al Neyadi, Director of the Central City Operations and Maintenance Centre, said that the municipality, through its Falaj and Oases Section, oversees the management and maintenance of all oases and falaj systems in Al Ain, including irrigation operations, routine maintenance, cleanliness programmes, palm protection, and equitable water distribution among farms.
He noted that the oases are home to more than 14 traditional fruit tree species, including guava, pomegranate, citron, quince, almond, mango, mulberry, fig, lemon, and banana, reflecting the agricultural diversity that has characterized Al Ain for centuries.
The municipality also implements specialized pest-control programmes using environmentally friendly technologies, including 65 electric traps, 116 solar-powered traps, and 1,100 pheromone traps, to reduce infestations and protect palm trees while maintaining ecological balance.
In addition, agricultural waste is removed regularly to preserve the environment, reduce fire risks, and improve sustainable waste management practices within the oases.