Bookmark these places to discover Abu Dhabi’s rich history on your next visit

The city of Abu Dhabi is a modern metropolis. But its sites are rich with evidence of historical civilizations that settled in or moved through the region. On your next visit, make sure you check out the following eight historic locations to acquaint yourself with the past of this place. (Photo: PR Handout)

Keen on an island getaway that lets you explore history? The wildlife haven of Sir Bani Yas Island ‑- one of eight Al Dhafra islands southwest of the city -‑ is ideal. One of the earliest written accounts of the island -‑ a two‑and‑a‑half‑hour drive and ferry‑hop from Abu Dhabi ‑- was in 1590 by Venetian jeweller Gasparo Balbi, who mentioned an island surrounded by pearls. The island also has Late Stone Age and Bronze Age roots. (Photo: PR Handout)

In the city itself, the first place for history buffs to go to is the Qasr Al Hosn national monument. The ancestral home of the Royal Al Nahyan family has served as the seat of the government, a consultative council, and a national archive. (Photo: PR handout)

History buffs will appreciate the Hili Oasis, located near Fossil Valley, home to fossils that date back to when the area was covered by the sea. The Hili Archaeological Park provides the earliest evidence of an agricultural village in the UAE and contains Bronze Age and Iron Age villages, burial grounds, forts and agricultural infrastructure. (Photo: PR Handout)

The House of Artisans, part of the Al Hosn complex, celebrates the relationship between the people of UAE and the country's natural resources. Marvel at beautiful artwork, meet traditional artisans and capture textured photographs. Explore the vibrant art of Sadu, a traditional Bedouin form of weaving using wool from sheep, camels, and goats to create striking geometrical designs that are used to decorate tents and camel‑riding accessories. (Photo: PR Handout)

After the Emirate's capital, Al Ain -‑ Abu Dhabi’s Garden city about a 90‑minute drive away -‑ is of huge cultural and historical importance. Al Ain Oasis, the largest of seven Al Ain oases, has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 2011. It's the perfect family‑friendly place to learn more about the region's inhabitants who began taming the desert 4,000 years ago. (Photo: PR Handout)

While the Bedouins's pioneering spirit was key to Abu Dhabi's development, the animals at their side played starring roles in the capital's story. Besides the much-valued camels, falcons and salukis helped the Bedouins survive. (Photo: PR Handout)

Other places of interest in Al Ain include museums and forts such as the Al Jahili Fort erected in 1891 to defend the city. It is also home to an exhibition of the works of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger. (Photo: PR Handout)

No trip to the UAE is complete without a desert safari adventure. Abu Dhabi's magical Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) -‑ the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass -‑ is just a one‑and‑a‑half‑hour drive from the city. (Photo: PR Handout)