Al Ain was once a vital oasis on the caravan route from the UAE to Oman, and is the birthplace of Abu Dhabi’s ruling Al Nahyan family. Meaning ‘The Spring’ in Arabic, Al Ain city is fed by natural springs originating in the rocky heights that surround it. Set among lush oases and towering palm plantations, Al Ain - the Oasis City - is the emirate’s heritage heartland and one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FAMILY FUN
Al Ain boasts a range of attractions that are great family entertainment. Here’s our Top Three!
Al AIN IN WILDLIFE PARK & RESORT
Covering 900 hectares near the foot of Jebel Hafeet, this vast resort features towers of giraffes, herds of zebras and crashes of rhinoceroses, all co-existing in the mixed African-inspired exhibit. Enjoy watching the fabulous rare white lions of Sambona. Elsewhere, indigenous Arabian Oryx and gazelle offer a glimpse of wildlife typical to the local region and abundance of green public spaces are ideal picnic spots; there are also children’s playgrounds and a special train tour of the wildlife area.
GREEN MUBAZZARAH HOT SPRINGS
With undulating rocky terrain, rolling grassy hillsides, streams, hot springs and waterfalls, Green Mubazzarah is a childrens’ playground and a popular family picnic spot. Accommodation is available in chalets and advance reservations are recommended.
HILI FUN CITY
Recently renovated, this fun park boasts 28 attractions for all ages, a family show amphitheatre, picnic and play areas. Enjoy delicious snacks and sandwiches at any of the nine kiosks around Hili Fun City – the perfect place for a family day in the ‘Oasis’ city.
WADI ADVENTURE
A man-made white-water rafting, kayaking and surfing playground in the shadow of Jebel Hafeet. www.tamouh.com
HERITAGE
The cultural heartland of Abu Dhabi emirate, Al Ain offers numerous historical sites that provide unique glimpses into traditional Emirati life.
Al JAHILI FORT
The birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Al Jahili Fort was built in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves. The former headquarters of the Oman Trucial Scouts, a force that protected the area’s mountain passes and kept inter-tribal peace, the carefully-restored fort houses a permanent exhibition of the work of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger - affectionately referred to locally as Mubarak Bin London. Detailing Thesiger’s historic 1940’s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert, the exhibition and entire fort are wonderful places to explore!
Al AIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
With an archaeological section displaying discoveries dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages, including gold pendants and a coin collection, Al Ain National Museum offers a magical window into the traditional way of daily life for people from the region.
Al AIN IN PALACE MUSEUM
Come and explore Al Ain Palace Museum (also known as the Qasr Al Ain Museum). The museum was once the home of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and was also a hub of the city’s political life. Here you will enjoy a unique experience discovering a large collection of material concerning the ruling family such as portraits of the royal family, a family tree depicting the Sheikh’s lineage, and a schoolroom, where the royal children received their education from private tutors.
Classic Cars Museum at Al Ain Sportplex:
This museum is an educational facility that collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits vehicles related to the evolution of transportation in the UAE. You can find informative books with valuable information about old transportation in the UAE.
Open Saturday to Thursday from 9.30am-1pm and 5pm –10pm and on Friday from 4pm -10.30pm
+971 5 623 1323
www.alainclassiccarsmuseum.com
HERITAGE VILLAGE AT Al AIN SPORTPLEX
Here you can journey to the past and experience UAE’s traditional life. The village includes an old café, popular market, and two theatres where you can enjoy watching art shows and listening to poet artists and music concerts.
Open Saturday to Thursday from 9.30am-1pm and 5pm –10pm and on Friday from 4pm -10.30pm
+971 5 623 1323
www.alainsportplex.ae
SPORTS
Whatever your hobby or recreational passion is, the ‘Oasis’ city has a range of sports and leisure activities to please you.
Al AIN SPORTPLEX
With something for everyone, Al Ain Sportplex offers everything from team sport facilities for cricket and soccer, to paintball for large groups. A host of other attractions can be found on-site, while the facility is also home to the 1.4km Al Ain Raceway go-karting track - the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
GO-KARTING
The state-of-the-art Al Ain Raceway is anked as one of the world’s top three go-kart tracks, the state-of-the-art Al Ain Raceway has played host to major international events, such as the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals - the biggest annual event on the global karting calendar.
Featuring three distinctive configurations that provide an exhilarating challenge for drivers of all abilities, the fully floodlit circuit is open to the public to hone their skills on top-of-the-line Intrepid brand rental karts.
Al AIN EQUESTRAIN
An equestrian heaven! Whether you ride or not, a visit to The Palm Sports Resort will have you eager to saddle up and enjoy the spectacular array of some of Arabia’s most beautiful horses. Beginners can learn to ride, while regular competitions offer avenues for veterans and spectators alike. The resort also boasts an 18-hole, all-grass course under the shadow of Jebel Hafeet.
www.aesgc.ae
GOLF
Take in 18 holes on an all-grass course underneath the shadow of Jebel Hafeet. This is a jewel of a find at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
HIKING
With lush plantations scattered around the city providing gorgeous, shaded settings for long walks and quiet picnics, Al Ain is perfect for day hikes or recreational walking. More experienced hikers shouldn’t miss the Hanging Gardens hike, which showcases some of the country’s most unusual rock formations and plant life, while seasoned professionals can always tackle Jebel Hafeet!
SHOOTING CLUB
For beginners, corporate groups and experienced shooters. The club is also a good resource for information on shooting tips, equipments advice, gun tips, and competition opportunities for registered member.
Open 2pm - 10pm and closed on Sunday
+971 3 706 5000
DRIVE UP JEBEL HAFEET
Al Ain is a beautiful city and best seen from Jebel Hafeet the UAE’s second highest peak. Discover it yourself rising 1,240 metres, you can drive, or if you have the stamina, cycle to the top via a winding highway, which edmunds.com (the automotive information online source) describes as “among the world’s greatest driving roads.” Once you reach the top, you can take a break at the Mercure Jebel Hafeet hotel near the mountain’s peak.
VISIT THE CAMEL MARKET
The camel market is one of the areas you shouldn't miss! Here you will have the chance to explore the ship of the desert! Explore those enormous animals which are kept in a series of fenced paddocks according to their intended use. Young camels, reared for meat, are separated from older animals kept for breeding and milk. Most people enjoy hearing lively, the traders mentioning the merits of their prized animals, discussing prices and negotiating sales.
VISIT THE SOUK
A visit to a traditional souk always provides a fascinating insight into the culture of the city. Below are two traditional souks in Al Ain!
AL AIN SOUK
In the Central or Old Souk, you can have the opportunity to explore, savour the local atmosphere and practise your bargaining skills. Here you will find Arabian perfumes, oud, incense, and fresh honey.
SOUK AL ZAFARANA
Treat yourself to the real experience of true Emirati culture and tradition while being new. Whether you’re looking for traditional garments, incense or spices, henna or ouds, or dallah (Arabian coffee pots) this is the place for you.
+9713 762 1868
VISIT THE OASIS
Breathe as much of the world's purest air as you can! Walk, paddle and relax hearing the birdsong and the rustle of the palm fronds. This impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms. You are welcome to get a picnic table at the main entrance of the oasis, or watch plenty of working examples of the falaj, the UAE’s traditional irrigation system, which has been used for centuries to tap into underground wells.
OUR HERITAGE HEARTLAND
For thousands of years the oasis of Al Ain was an important caravan stop on ancient trade routes from Oman to ancient Persia, India and the Mediterranean.
Meaning ‘the spring’ in Arabic, Al Ain is fed by natural springs originating in the surrounding rocky heights. Also known as the ‘Oasis City’, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s heritage heartland, is renowned for its archaeological excavations – which have uncovered tombs over 4,000 years old. It is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements.
Al Ain is the traditional home of Abu Dhabi’s Ruling Al Nahyan family, and is best recognised as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan, the UAE’s founding President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
It has emerged as a vital centre for agriculture, education and tourism and is rich with traditional souks selling fruits and vegetables, handicrafts and even camels!
Today visitors to Al Ain can connect with its rich heritage by visiting its museums and renovated forts where they’ll walk in the footsteps of the emirate’s historic rulers.
In the heart of the city, Al Ain Oasis abounds with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms. The cool, shady walkways transport you from the heat and noise of the city to a tranquil haven, and many of the oasis farms have working examples of falaj, the traditional irrigation system which has been used for centuries to tap into underground wells.
The towering Jebel Hafeet height, one of the country’s largest peaks rising 1,240 metres, affords impressive views over Al Ain. In Jebel Hafeet’s foothills lies Green Mubazzarah – a park of undulating rocky terrain built around natural hot springs and waterfalls that has been landscaped to give the impression of rolling grassy hillsides.
Al Ain’s slow, relaxing atmosphere belies the amount of engaging activities it offers from visits to the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, which is home to over 4,000 animals including the indigenous Arabian Oryx and sand gazelle, to driving around one of the world’s most advanced go-kart tracks, teeing off on an all-grass 18-hole golf course in the shadow of Jebel Hafeet to attending international equestrian shows.
Today the ‘Oasis City’ is undergoing a flourishing renaissance, with a dedicated ‘Al Ain 2030’ development plan which will foster Al Ain’s authentic Arab identity whilst supporting a continually evolving modern culture.