UAE's Environment
There are lots of interesting things to see in the UAE: beaches, mountains, dunes and oases. In the summer time the average temperature is around 40˚C. However, the temperature could actually reach 50˚C. Generally the temperature in the winter does not fall below 20˚C. However, sometimes it can drop below 10˚C.
Knowing where to find water in the desert was incredibly important for the nomads that lived there. They had to choose certain routes through the desert in order to move safely from one water source to another. The Bedu (Bedouin) knew where to find springs, oases and streams and passed this information on from generation to generation.
Having a reliable source of clean water was very important. The Bedu (Bedouin) were well aware of how important this was and developed different ways to collect and use water wisely. In the mountains they built dams to collect water. Cisterns to collect water were also built. The Bedu (Bedouin) were able to find and drill wells. They knew how to protect these wells from erosion and sandstorms.
Source: Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
The water was then stored in containers like these until they were needed.
The Bedu (Bedouin) also needed access to water for their animals as many of them were shepherds who had sheep, goats or camels. In wintertime, when rain fell, the desert became green and so the animals had plenty to eat. Animals did not need as much water in the wintertime. In the summertime, however, the weather was far to hot to be too far away from water and so they pitched their tents near wells and oases.
Due to the increase in population in the UAE a lot more water is needed. Now desalination plants take the salt out of the water so that it can be used as drinking water.