Falaj Al Mualla

Falaj Al Mualla takes its name from the system that made it possible: an aflaj network, in which water is tapped from underground and led by gravity through channels to the gardens, shared out on a rota measured in fixed time units and administered by an appointed water master. The knowledge, oral traditions and equitable distribution rules of the aflaj were inscribed by UNESCO in 2020. Date gardens and a fort sit in the oasis, with the desert running out around them.

Background

The oasis was first named Falaj Al Ali, for the Al Ali tribe that settled Umm Al Quwain, and lies some 30 km inland from Umm Al Quwain city. It was settled at about the time the Al Ali left the island of Sinniyah for the mainland once the island's water ran out. Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, built the fort, dated to 1825, and a bathing house in the early 19th century, and three watchtowers stand over the wadi. Aquifers from the Hajar Mountains water the oasis, where some 60 families traditionally lived from 5,000 date palms. The UAE's first poultry farm was set up here, and in 2015 the town had 4,253 people.

Source: Wikipedia, "Falaj Al Mualla"

What's there

• The falaj channels - gravity-fed water led from underground to the gardens.
• The distribution rota - shares measured in fixed units and administered by a water master.
• The date gardens - the palm plantations the system exists to water.
• The fort - the fortification standing over the oasis.

When to go

November to March; summer here is extreme. Mornings are best for walking the gardens. The date harvest is in the late summer heat.

Good to know

There is nothing formally laid on for visitors and the gardens are private working farms. The fort has limited or no regular opening. A car is essential and there is nowhere to eat.

Nearby

Umm Al Quwain town is northwest, and Al Dhaid is south.

Key facts