Leisurely Explore the Oasis City of Al Ain! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots

Al Ain is a city in Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the second-largest city in the emirate after Abu Dhabi City, with a population of approximately 650,000. Located near the border with Oman, Al Ain holds historical significance as the hometown of Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the UAE. As you explore the city, you'll frequently see his name on mosques, bridges, and public facilities.

The name "Al Ain" means "spring" in Arabic, and true to its name, the city is known for its numerous natural springs and lush greenery. It is often referred to as the "Garden City" of the Gulf region due to its abundant oases and well-maintained parks.

While many people are familiar with Abu Dhabi, Al Ain remains lesser known. However, this hidden gem offers a variety of fascinating attractions. Here, we introduce 7 must-visit places in Al Ain that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Jebel Hafeet

Two-thirds of the Jebel Hafeet mountain range is located in Oman, while the remaining one-third lies in Al Ain, UAE. In 1986, a 11.7 km highway leading to the summit was opened, and it quickly gained a reputation as an exciting driving route due to its smooth curves and scenic views. The major American automotive information company Edmunds even ranked it as the world’s best driving road!

At 1,250 meters, the summit offers a breathtaking view of the sunset and the entire Al Ain city, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. There are caves at the top, and the surrounding area contains fossilized coral remains, indicating that this region was once covered by the sea in ancient times. Visitors can also relax at the restaurants and cafes while enjoying the stunning landscape from the mountain peak.

2. Mubazzarah

At the foot of Jebel Hafeet, you’ll find an oasis called Mubazzarah, known for its natural hot springs with temperatures ranging from 36.5°C to 51.4°C. The area features gender-separated thermal pools, foot baths, and spa facilities, making it a popular spot among both tourists and locals. Experiencing hot springs in the UAE is a rare opportunity, but unlike in Japan, swimwear is required, so be sure to keep that in mind!

For adventure lovers, Wadi Adventure is a must-visit attraction in the area. It is the only artificial whitewater rafting facility in the UAE and offers kayaking and surfing experiences. It boasts the world’s largest artificial wave at 3.3 meters and the longest artificial kayaking course, spanning 1.7 km.

After driving up Jebel Hafeet to enjoy the sunset, staying overnight at Mubazzarah’s resort hotel is highly recommended for a relaxing experience.

3. Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

Before becoming the first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed lived in this palace, which was built in 1937. Since its opening as a museum in 2001, it has become a popular tourist attraction.

Sheikh Zayed, being a desert-born Bedouin, preferred a traditional Bedouin lifestyle. This is reflected in the palace's architecture and furnishings, such as palm root ceilings, woven palm leaf carpets, and a large Bedouin-style tent in the courtyard, specially crafted in Iran.

While most of the rooms maintain a Bedouin-style interior, the reception room was designed in a European style. The museum also displays Sheikh Zayed’s first car—a Land Rover, along with other artifacts that provide insight into his life and leadership.

4. Al Ain National Museum

Located at the edge of the Al Ain Oasis, the Al Ain National Museum showcases 7,500 years of history, from the Stone Age to the present day. The exhibits are divided into three sections: Archaeology, Ethnography, and Gifts to Sheikh Zayed from around the world.

About 10 km away, visitors can explore the remains of a Bronze Age (2500–2000 BCE) settlement in Hili, with excavated artifacts displayed in the museum. Other relics dating back to around 1000 BCE, discovered at Qarn Bint Saud, are also part of the collection.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of gifts received by Sheikh Zayed, including golden swords, silver daggers, and gold palm trees, offering a glimpse into the wealth and power of the ruling Sheikh in the UAE. All exhibits come with Arabic and English explanations.

5. Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo was established in 1968 by Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the UAE, who was concerned about the hunting of wild animals and wanted to create a facility for their protection.

Covering a vast area of 9,000 hectares, the zoo is home to around 4,000 animals, giving the impression of a safari park rather than a traditional zoo. There are numerous attractions that children will love, including a petting zoo where they can interact with small animals, camel riding experiences, and giraffe feeding. It is a popular tourist destination.

One aspect unique to the UAE is its opening hours. While it opens in the morning during the cooler winter months, in the peak of summer, it operates from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM to avoid the extreme heat. The zoo also has a free shuttle bus running inside, making it easy to get around.

As for the animals, the zoo features white lions, white tigers, Arabian oryx, camels, meerkats, gazelles, and many more. Visiting at night could offer a different and exciting experience!

6. Al Jahili Fort

Built under the orders of Sheikh Zayed I in 1891 and completed in 1898, Al Jahili Fort was originally constructed to protect the surrounding oases, wells, and important date palm trees. Over time, as its strategic importance diminished, the fort fell into disuse, but it was restored in the 1980s and later underwent a second restoration. Today, it is open to the public.

The fort is square in shape, measuring 35 meters per side, and has a distinctive circular watchtower. The four-tiered tower has earned the nickname "wedding cake" and is even featured on the emblem of the well-known Al Ain Football Club in the UAE.

Al Jahili Fort is part of the Al Ain UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which were registered in 2011. With its stunning contrast between the sand-colored walls and the bright blue sky, it is a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit.

7. Camel Market

The Al Ain Camel Market is open to the public, allowing tourists to visit freely. Individual entry is free, but guided group tours require a fee. Visitors on a tour may be taken to a special tent where they can taste various types of Al Ain's famous dates, enjoy coffee or tea, and observe the market. They can also try on traditional Emirati clothing for photos.

At the market, you can witness real price negotiations and see camels being bought and sold. However, when taking photos, it is essential to ask for permission first, as some people may request a tip. Despite being called a camel market, goats and sheep are also traded here, making it a lively place throughout the day.

Located about an hour and a half by car from Abu Dhabi Airport, the market is situated on the western side of Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain's most famous tourist attraction. While some camel markets in the UAE have a strong local atmosphere that might feel intimidating for visitors, the Al Ain Camel Market is a popular tourist spot, making it a comfortable place to explore.

◎ Summary

The Cultural Sites of Al Ain were designated as the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage (Cultural Heritage) site in 2011. Since the ruins are scattered across the area and transportation is not very convenient, they tend to have fewer tourists. However, this also means you might get the rare opportunity to explore a world heritage site almost entirely to yourself!

Buses from Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide easy access to Al Ain. Since the summer heat can be extreme, it’s essential to stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid heatstroke. Enjoying Al Ain’s famous dates (dates fruit) is also a great way to replenish energy.

For those seeking a break from the heat, large shopping malls in the area offer a variety of experiences, from high-end brand stores to supermarkets popular among locals. Taking a rest and shopping during your sightseeing trip is highly recommended!

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Leisurely Explore the Oasis City of Al Ain! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots