Hili Archaeological Park

Hili Archaeological Park was established to showcase the ancient monuments of Al Ain and provide easy access for visitors. Most sites date to the Umm an-Nar period (c. 2500–2000 BCE), named after the island near Abu Dhabi where remains of this culture were first discovered.

The park’s centerpiece, the Hili Grand Tomb (c. 2000 BCE), is a circular structure measuring up to 12 metres in diameter and around 4 metres high. It features two entrances decorated with engraved reliefs depicting human and animal figures and was used for the burial of people from nearby settlements. Numerous similar tombs are located across the Hili area, and a future archaeological trail will allow visitors to explore these sites and learn more about Umm an-Nar culture.

The park also includes several Bronze Age forts and settlements. Hili 8, for example, provides evidence of some of the earliest agriculture in the UAE, dating back approximately 5,000 years. Artefacts from these sites are displayed at Al Ain Museum.