Abu Dhabi set to preserve historic village

Plans are underway to conserve the village of Al Khrais in Abu Dhabi

When confronted by Abu Dhabi’s impressive skyline and lavish shopping centres it is easy to forget that the state is also the site of a rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The emirate’s Al Ain region is popular with visitors who want to learn more about the gulf’s past as it is the site of many current archaeological excavations and last year was added to Uniseco’s World Heritage list.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has just finished its work around the old Al Khrais village.

“Al Khrais gives us examples of emirati heritage houses and is a window to the past through which future generations will be better able to understand their ancestors’ lives,” said H.E. Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, director general of the group.

He added that the next step will be to decide how best to preserve the village which has a great potential to commemorate pre-oil life.

Written by Erin Marshall

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