Al Qatarha Oasis, Al Ain

Al Ain contains many oases. In each one the land is divided into registered plots. Every plot is planted with date palm trees, although there are a few others such as pomegranate, orange, fig and mango trees.

The oases are quiet at this time of year, the only noise comes from a variety of birds who clearly enjoy their haven. However, when the dates ripen the oasis becomes a hive of harvesting activity. This one contains a coffee 'house' where people can take refreshment, relax, smoke a hookah or look at a range of artefacts from the pre-industrialised Emirate. After the 3rd Lions v South Africa rugby test match on 4 July, Leonard Murphy and his family, together with some of their friends kindly attended my victory dinner there.