After our visit to the Al Fahidi Fort Ginny and Sern took us to the
Al Ain Palace Museum that the late Sheikh Zayed used to call home. Located right beside an oasis, we marveled at the greenery that grew in abundance here, as well as the the well manicured lawns.
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| the palace that Sheikh Zayed actually lived in |
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| foreboding gates |
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| glimpse into a great man's past |
Excerpts from
Visit Abu Dhabi’s
website:
Located on the western edge of Al Ain Oasis,
the Palace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was built in 1937. It
was converted into a museum in 1998 and opened to the public in 2001. The
original structure comprised a private residence for the ruler and his family
within a complex of courtyards.
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| situated beside an oasis |
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| definitely has its perks |
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| lush greenery, a rare sight in these parts |
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| well manicured lawns |
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| tastefully landscaped |
The architectural design and construction of
Al Ain Palace is typical of historical buildings of the UAE. It features the
characteristic ventilation structures that are designed to keep the buildings
cool in the summer.
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| typical of historical buildings here |
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| lined with portraits from the past |
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| ingenious way to keep cool |
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| an ancestral portrait |
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| distinct Islamic designs |
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| out one corridor |
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| and onto another corridor |
Paying homage to the heritage of Sheikh Zayed, the tent that he used to
host guests during the winter has been erected in the palace. The tent
simulates the way of life that Sheikh Zayed was proud of, and allows visitors
to learn about the Bedouin heritage, history and renowned Arabic hospitality.
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| the late Sheikh's weapons of choice |
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| and we don't mean cameras! |
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| wonder what this is |
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| an actual old lantern |
In the courtyard of the internal palace is a Land Rover, similar to the
cars that Sheikh Zayed used during his visits to check on the conditions of the
communities in the region.
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| does this still run? |
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| or a mere showpiece? |
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| looking at home in the palace |
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| as we headed out the palace gates |
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| we bade a fond farewell to this historical palace in the desert |
We're headed to our first real life
oasis next!
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