Beyond the glitz and glam of the futuristic cityscapes of the UAE, lies a decades long history of pearl diving, global trade and unique UNESCO heritage sites. Blending its past with the future, the UAE has a way of honouring its history while simultaneously paving way for its future.

This is your time-travel guide to a period in time from before history as you know it. From 17th century mosques to archeological sites, here are the top 5 heritage sites in the UAE, that you need to visit during your long weekend.

Assumed to have been constructed between 15th-17th century, the Al Bidyah Mosque is the oldest surviving mosques in the UAE.
Tucked between the Al Dibba and Khor Fakkan region, the historic Mosque is made entirely out of mud and retains much of original decor and elements.

Being a true marvel of its kind, the archaic holy structure occupies just about 53 metres of land and features four helical domes above it. Supported by a large pillar inside, the building also features shelves and windows to support with ventilation.

Still open to the public, the Mosque remains a part of cultural significance in the region and continues to welcome worshippers to its daily prayers.

Where: Al Bidyah Mosque, Fujairah

When: Daily from 8am to 6.30pm (entry maybe be restricted during prayer times)

Contact: fujairah.ae

Nestled in the heart of the Downtown Abu Dhabi, the Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest standing stone structure and a landmark that traces the beginnings of the capital.

Dating to around 1761, the monument is a structure of significance and beginnings. Encapsulating the shift and growth within the capital – the fort’s story began as a coral and sea stone watchtower. It was then in 1795, that Sheikh Shakbut bin Dhiyab relocated the seat of power from Liwa to Qasr Al Hosn. Since then, the fort has expanded to becoming the grand palace with coastal facing balconies, courtrooms, and formal royal residential wings.

Steeped in rich history, today the Qasr Al Hosn offers a rare vantage point into its past and hosts an array special workshops and exhibits to visitors.

Where: Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 8pm; Fridays from 2pm to 8pm

Contact: qasralhosn.ae 

Amidst the golden dunes of Sharjah’s Central Desert, the Mleiha National Park is a rich multi-period historical landmark that gives an insight to early human developments. The archaeology of the landmark details an uninterrupted timeline of early-age human tools, housing, and ancient tombs spanning across the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron and Pre-Islamic periods.

The site is also home to numerous caves, valleys and forts that date back to nearly 210,000 years ago. Reflecting some of the shifts in time, human migration and ways of life.

Besides taking you on a historic journey of its vast desert landscapes – the site also offers a great deal of outdoor activities like hiking, trekking and desert safari’s, for you to indulge in. It’s the perfect excuse for you to get out of the city and discover some of the most underrated sights of the nation.

Where: Mleiha National Park, Sharjah

When: Sunday to Wednesday from 9am to 7pm; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9am to 9pm

Contact: mliehanationalpark.com

Inscribed as UAE’s first official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cultural sites of Al Ain is land that tells tales of the past.

What makes this a must-visit in your your UAE bucket list – is it’s 17 component sites that reveals more than 5,000 years of human ingenuity and settlement in the desert. Showcasing the capital’s long history of human life, inventions and ecology, the Cultural Sites of Al Ain reveal how communities have not only survived but flourished in one of the world’s most arid environments.

This long weekend is the perfect reason for you to explore a part of the city that transports you to a period before the tall skyscrapers and futuristic cityscapes. It is a perfectly preserved sanctuary of an era that the emirate proudly highlights and educates its visitors about.

Where: Cultural Sites of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

When: opening hours may vary by site

Contact: visitalain.ae

While, Dubai has always been a city that is hailed for its constant developments and urban planning – hidden beneath its dramatic desert dunes are artifacts that reveals a discovery of a time that dates back to more than 3,000 years ago.

Discovered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during his flight over the Al Marmoom Desert – the Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Site held an unusual dark contrast within a sea of red dunes. His discovery began the immediate excavation that unearthed the archaeological landmark as a hub for metalwork and global trading.

With various pottery, vessels jewellery and seals that suggests connections with places including Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt.  If anything, the site shows us that Dubai has always been central to trade, ideas and expansion.

While the Al Marmoom desert remains a land that serves as a getaway for glamping and unique desert cafés, much of the land’s original findings are now housed within the Al Shindagha Museum in old Dubai.

Where: Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Site, Dubai

When: Daily from 10am to 8pm

Contact: visitdubai.ae

Whether you are here for a short trip or looking to rediscover the UAE through a renewed perspective. These heritage sites serve as the perfect postcards from the past to reignite your sense of discovery and curiosity.

Image: Instagram/Official websites