An oasis city at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, known for its cultural significance, educational institutions, and traditional souks. Home to UAE's first university.
Al Ain, often called the "Garden City" of the United Arab Emirates, is an inland oasis city on the border with Oman. Al Ain invites you to explore ancient oases, archaeological sites, and mountain landscapes. You can walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al Ain Oasis, climb the historic Al Jahili Fort, examine artifacts at the Al Ain National Museum, or drive up Jebel Hafeet mountain for panoramic views.
Location and Climate
Al Ain sits about 160 km east of Abu Dhabi and 120 km south of Dubai in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The city experiences a hot desert climate with long, warm summers and mild winters. Unlike coastal cities in the UAE, Al Ain has lower humidity, which many visitors find more comfortable.
Al Ain Oasis
At the city's center lies Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering nearly 3,000 acres. This green area contains over 147,000 date palms and a 3,000-year-old irrigation system called falaj. You can explore shaded pathways on foot or rent a bicycle at the entrance. The Eco-Centre explains the oasis ecosystem and demonstrates specific irrigation techniques used for centuries.
Jebel Hafeet
Jebel Hafeet, at 1,240 meters, is the highest peak in Abu Dhabi emirate. An 11.7 km winding road leads to the summit, where you can see Al Ain city, the surrounding desert, and on clear days, into Oman. At the mountain's base, you'll find the Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs, burial sites dating back to the Bronze Age.
Al Jahili Fort
Built in the 1890s, Al Jahili Fort stands as a prominent historical structure in Al Ain. The fort now houses a visitor center and an exhibition on Wilfred Thesiger, the British explorer who crossed the Empty Quarter desert in the 1940s. You can climb the watchtowers for views over the surrounding palm groves.
Museums
Al Ain National Museum displays archaeological finds from the region and exhibits on local culture and traditions. At the Al Ain Palace Museum, former residence of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, you can walk through the rooms and courtyards where the royal family once lived, observing furnishings from the pre-oil era UAE.
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo houses over 4,000 animals and focuses on conservation of desert species. You can see Arabian oryx, sand cats, and other native wildlife. The zoo includes a giraffe feeding area and a petting zoo for children.
Adventure Activities
At Wadi Adventure, you can try water-based activities. This park has an artificial surf wave, white water rafting channels, and a kayaking course. You can also zip-line or climb walls.
Traditional Markets
Visit the camel market on the outskirts of Al Ain to watch traders buying and selling camels. You can observe the negotiations and see different types of camels up close. The central souk (market) sells spices, textiles, and local handicrafts.
Getting There and Around
You can reach Al Ain by road from Abu Dhabi (2 hours) or Dubai (1.5 hours). Buses run regularly from both cities. Al Ain International Airport connects to several destinations in the Middle East and South Asia. Within the city, taxis are the main form of public transport. Renting a car allows you to visit attractions outside the city center more easily.
