Al Khars is a large earthenware jar traditionally used for storing and cooling water. It was also used to preserve both mashed and unmashed dates, as well as grains and various dry foods, and could hold large quantities reaching approximately 350 kilograms. Some khars jars were made from dark-coloured clay and were more porous than the hibb (another type of earthenware jar) making them more suitable for storing thick liquids such as dibs (date syrup) and dry foodstuffs, while less effective for keeping drinking water over long periods. Al Khars has a relatively narrow mouth compared with the hibb used for drinking water, with a small base and a body that widens in the middle. It was therefore placed directly on the ground inside kitchens or bakhakhir (traditional storerooms). Sometimes khars jars were filled with fresh water and placed along short routes between villages and towns for passers-by and travellers to drink from, reflecting social solidarity, charitable giving and the desire to earn spiritual reward in traditional Emirati society.