A historic irrigation system has been restored to its pristine glory in Al Mubazzara valley in the foothills of the UAE's highest mountain, Jebel Hafeet.
The dam is one of the earliest structures built on the orders of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to harness the available water resources for agriculture in the area.
A team of experts from the Department of Antiquities and Tourism in Al Ain has done the restoration work.
Known as Al Mubazzara Dam, it was constructed in a valley in the western foothills of Jebel Hafeet around 52 years ago, according to a source at the department.
The dam is surrounded by rugged terrain and is not easily accessible.
The Al Mubazzara area, which is popular for its hot springs, has recently become a focal point by the authorities who are developing it as a big tourist destination.
A tourist resort has appeared in the sandy area where greenery has started to sprout as a result of the efforts of Al Ain Municipality, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Department and the Private Department of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
An artificial lake has also been built in Al Mubazzara where tourists can ride paddle boats.
The lake is filled with fish and for many it a favourite haunt.
The Department of Antiquities and Tourism, set up through a presidential decree in 1969, has been digging deep to unearth the roots of civilisation in this part of the world.
It has also been running the Al Ain National Museum the first museum in the UAE.
The restoration of buildings such as special houses, markets, palaces and forts was started in 1979, as a part of its efforts to preserve the country's past and cultural heritage.
The department has detailed plans and methods for restoring building and heritage sites.
It has so far restored the glory of many valuable old buildings, special houses, markets, sites, palaces and forts.
The structures the department has restored over the years include five old forts in Liwa area, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate.
It also carried out work on an old mosque in Al Qatara District and Seijia Fort in Al Dahera area of Al Ain.
The dam is one of the earliest structures built on the orders of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
