Hili Grand Tomb

The city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its palm oasis and ancient beehive tombs, but there is another archaeological monument dating back to the Bronze Age. Located next to the Omani border, the Hili Archaeological Park is a popular hangout for local families, but as the name suggests, it’s a lot more than just a children’s playground.

Hili is considered the largest archaeological site in the United Arab Emirates. Its crown jewel is the Grand Tomb, believed to be over 4,000 years old. The tomb is a tower that measures 12 meters (39 feet) in diameter. In its original form, the tower was believed to have stood at least four meters tall and featured a roof. Its surface showcases several ancient reliefs depicting Bronze Age people and animals.

After thousands of years, the tomb had fallen into disrepair. It was restored in the 1970s, but left without a roof.