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Situated in the foothills of the imposing Jebel Hafit mountain of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city about one and a half hours away from the capital, you will find more than 500 ancient tombs known as the Jebel Hafit Tombs. These 5,000-year-old structures mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE. Thanks to excavations by Danish archaeologists in 1959, evidence of ceramic vessels and copper artefacts were found there, indicating the importance of maritime trade across the Arabian Gulf e
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In 2011, UNESCO recognised the Jebel Hafit Desert Park as being a vital component of the World Heritage Site of Al Ain, the UAE’s first World Heritage Site.
The park not only preserves the area’s rich history but also its unique biodiversity, encouraging visitors to experience this dynamic landscape up close and understand how it has changed over millions of years.
Get up close to the incredible Jebel Hafit Tombs on a guided hike organised by the Jebel Hafit Desert Park.
The tombs are single chambers made of local, unworked or roughly cut stones. These differ from later Umm an-Nar tombs in the area, which was made from finely worked blocks and contained the remains of hundreds of people.
Jebel Hafit Desert Park has a dedicated campsite at the base of the mountain, right nearby the famous beehive tombs. Campers can pitch their own tent on a plot, or stay in a traditional Bedouin-style tent and wake to an Emirati breakfast.
Air-conditioned bubble tents are a more luxurious option, with a transparent ceiling for stargazing and a private terrace, fire pit and telescope.
You can explore the family-friendly Jebel Hafit Desert Park’s majestic natural surroundings on a mountain bike, a camel, or an electric skateboard. Discover fascinating archaeological and historical remains that tell enchanting stories of this unique area’s ancient habitation.
Jebel Hafit, Al Ain
How old are the Jebel Hafit Tombs?
The tombs date back around 5,000 years, to roughly 3000–2500 BCE, and mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE.
They're built in a distinctive beehive style, with single round or oval stone chambers that once held the remains of several individuals each.
How do I visit the tombs?
The tombs are accessed through Jebel Hafit Desert Park, which runs guided hikes to the site. It's best explored with a guide, both for context on the archaeology and to navigate the terrain safely.
Are the Jebel Hafit Tombs a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. They're part of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain, inscribed by UNESCO in 2011 as the UAE's first World Heritage Site, along with Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Al Ain's oases.
What can visitors see at the site?
The tombs sit on the slopes of Jebel Hafit, with hundreds scattered across the surrounding foothills.
Excavations here have uncovered imported pottery, beads, spearheads and daggers, evidence that this area was linked to trade networks reaching as far as Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley thousands of years ago.
Is there anything else to do nearby?
Jebel Hafit Desert Park also offers mountain biking, horseback riding and camel trekking, along with overnight stays ranging from basic camping to Bedouin-style tents and glamping.
When is the best time to visit?
The cooler months, from October to March, are best for hiking and spending time outdoors at the site.
