Amid the heat of the Emirati summer, the palm oases of Al Ain stand as silent guardians of history, culture, and life itself. These vast green stretches, dotted with thousands of towering date palms, are now brimming with golden fruits – a seasonal blessing welcomed by farmers and families alike.
This year, farmers have already begun harvesting the early-ripening Naghal dates, known for their glowing amber colour and irresistibly sweet taste. For many in Al Ain, the sight of fresh dates hanging from the palms is more than just a sign of an abundant season; it is a powerful reminder of a way of life rooted deeply in patience, care, and a bond with the land.
Mubarak Al Ketbi, who oversees the aflaj (traditional irrigation channels) and oases at Al Ain Municipality, shared that this agricultural abundance is no coincidence. “The oases here continue to thrive because of the continuous support from our leadership and the adoption of modern farming techniques alongside traditional knowledge. This combination has boosted yields and improved the quality of dates, while preserving our heritage.”
It was the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, who envisioned these oases as a cornerstone of the UAE’s food security and cultural identity. He personally took part in digging some of the aflaj to ensure water reached every corner of the plantations, and he made it a national mission to protect these green sanctuaries.
For many older residents, memories of the oases are woven with childhood summers spent in their cool shade, enjoying dates straight from the trees. Hadi Al Musafri, an oasis guide in Green Al Ain, says these groves hold a special place in people’s hearts. “They were a refuge when the sun blazed overhead and a source of food and income for families. Today, when visitors come here, they experience a living museum of how our ancestors lived in harmony with nature.”
The Municipality continues to support date farmers by providing agricultural services, from regular irrigation to pest management. Among the date varieties flourishing here are Khalas, Fard, Khenaizi, Buma’an, and Naghal – each with its own distinct taste and texture, and all deeply tied to Emirati traditions of hospitality.
But beyond the sweetness of the harvest lies something far greater. These oases stand as reminders that true prosperity comes from nurturing what we inherit. They are a testament to a people who understood that water, soil, and trees are not just resources, but blessings to be protected for generations to come.
