The city of Al Ain is historically known as Tawam or Al Buraimi oasis, and more recently has been called the Garden City – because its springs enable a lot of green vegetation to grow there (the name ‘Al Ain’ means ‘the spring’). There are numerous underground water springs in the area; and the ancient falaj system of irrigation is still in use in some areas, distributing water underground by a network of tunnels emerging eventually into open channels where the flow can be directed and regulated.

 

 

 

 

[Originally published in Abu Dhabi Week vol 2 issue 20]