The natives of Aley are predominantly Druze. There is however a populace Christian Maronite and Orthodox population, as well as a smaller Shi'a Muslim population. Many outsiders, especially from the Persian Gulf, own homes in Aley where they spend their summers, escaping the heat and humidity in their own countries.
The word "aley" derivatives from Aramaic, and means "high place," referring to the town's high altitude above sea level.
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