In this article, I present Al Ainone of the most authentic cities in the United Arab Emirates, easily accessible from Dubai!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the city of Al Ain
- What you can see in this city
- How to get there easily from Dubai
- Practical information for visiting the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Al Ain, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Al Ain: article summary
Al Ain, the 4th largest city in the United Arab Emirates
If your visit to Dubai should already keep you busy during your stay, the emirate's surroundings have some wonderful surprises in store for those who take the time to explore them. And among the wonders to be discovered, one of the most impressive is certainly the town of Al Ain.
This is a Oasis whose name means La Source which is none other than the 4e largest cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah.
Al Ain is located about 150 kilometers southeast of Dubai, and offers a striking landscape, more authentic than the area's major cities, with its palm trees and surrounding hills. It's not for nothing that it's called the green city or the garden city!
If you're looking for what to do in Dubai during your trip, and you're not averse to a little a little excursion off the beaten trackI can't recommend you enough to discover Al Ain!
A little history of Al Ain
This area has been inhabited constantly since approximately 4,000 yearsIn fact, it developed an underground irrigation system that was particularly innovative at the time.
The town was located on the copper routeIt continues to make its living from trade, particularly agriculture, with a strong date production famous.
Al Ain is surrounded by 7 OasisDespite its modernization, the city has retained its charm of yesteryear. In fact, its town-planning rules have prevented it from becoming a city of disproportionate proportions, such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi with their skyscrapers higher and higher.
Information and facts about Al Ain
- It's the city that counts the most Emirati inhabitants (approximately 30 % of the total pollution of 780,000 inhabitants)
- This is the birthplace of the Sheikh Zayed ben Sultan Al Nahyane1st President of the United Arab Emirates
- Al Ain is home to the the country's largest universityUnited Arab Emirates University
- Several of its sites are listed Unesco heritage
What can you see and do in Al Ain?
Wandering around Al Ain might be enough to please you, as the city has such a special atmosphere, but it would be a shame to miss out on some sightseeing.
Here are Al Ain's must-sees!
The Camel Market
Al Ain is a city famous for its souksand the most famous of them all is the camel market. It's the biggest market of its kind in the United Arab Emirates!
It's hard not to be moved by the little camels or captivated by the impressive adult animals, especially when seen for the first time.
The Ai Ain camel market is about 15 km from the city center and offers a unique opportunity to take close-up photos with these beautiful animals. Please note that it is closed on Mondays.
Al Ain Oasis
Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2001, this oasis is a haven of peaceIt's an area of greenery and pleasant little paths to wander along calmly. We're right in the center of town, yet it's like being in another world!
While there are other oases in the vicinity, this central one is the easiest to visit, and will enable you to familiarize yourself with the FalajThe irrigation system developed here is used in the UAE, Oman, India and Iran.
Sheikh Zayed Palace
Built in the early 20e century as a residence for Sheikh Zayed, the Palace now houses a museum which gives a precise idea of the life of the ruling family, before the discovery of oil in the area and the changes this brought.
The interiors are furnished in period style, with access to the private rooms and bedrooms of its occupants. traditional architecture Arabic as well as visiting the courtyards and gardens.
Al Jahili Fort
Another must-see in Al Ain: Al Jahili FortThe Fort was used as the President's summer residence. Used as the President's summer residence, the Fort was later used for military purposes until the 1970s.
Its astonishing structure makes it a major attraction in the area, including its two watchtowersThese are pure products of Abu Dhabi's military architecture. You can discover a photo exhibition on the first floor and climb to the top of the observation tower for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
The Hili archaeological site
It is the largest Bronze and Iron Age archaeological site in the Emirates, with tombs and buildings from the past, remains of agricultural systems and ancient pottery.
If you would like to find out more about local history and cultureDon't miss this archaeological park located around 10 km from the center of Al Ain. Visits are free of charge!
Al Ain National Museum
Founded in 1971 at the request of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this museum - the 1er of the UAE - traces the city's history and its importance over the centuries. Between the tombs, artifacts and exhibits detailing the daily life of the Al Ain region's inhabitants through the ages, it's a very rewarding visit.
Al Ain Zoo
To discover rare animals such as giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, gorillas, pumas, hyenas or the incredible white tiger, you can opt for a visit to Al Ain Zoo. Founded in 1968, the zoo offers several fun experimentsincluding meals for the animals or visits to the Lion kingdom.
Good to know From Dubai, you can also take part in the a superb wildlife safari !
How do I get from Dubai to Al Ain?
To reach Al Ain from Dubai, you can :
- Rent a car in Dubai and follow the road to Al Ain in about 2 hours
- Take a Bus in Dubaiwith lines intercity which links the city to Al Ain in about 2 hours.
- Opt for an excursion departing from Dubai, with guide, organized tours and transportation, to make your life easier
Good to know you can consult this interactive map of Dubai to help you find your way around!
Al Ain: practical advice and information
Here's what you need to know about visiting Al Ain when you're in Dubai!
When should you visit Al Ain?
In summer, temperatures can reach the 50°. in Al Ain. This heat can be a problem, as many of the city's activities take place outdoors.
Depending on your dates of stay in DubaiYou decide how to proceed!
How long does it take to visit Al Ain?
You can visit Al Ain by 1 dayMany organized excursions offer this. However, to soak up the atmosphere and really take the time to see the major monuments and the surrounding area, allow at least 2 days.
Why visit Al Ain?
Quite simply, to discover a city less modern and forward-looking than Dubai. Click here, time seems to stand still and a visit to Al Ain is a real plunge into the United Arab Emirates' past!
What to see and do in the area?
In addition to the many Oasis to discover in the area, I have two suggestions to visit in the surrounding area:
- Visit Jebel Hafeet mountainnear Oman. It is one of the highest in the country and offers breathtaking scenery. It is about 40 km from Al Ain.
- Abu Dhabi2nd largest city in the UAE, 150 km from Al Ain, like Dubai. An impressive place, with skyscrapers, palaces, museums and the sublime Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
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