If you have planned a visit to Dubai, or any of the other cities in the United Arab Emirates and you want to see places more traditional of the region and away from the typical tourist trail… then take a day trip to Al Ain. In 2011 Al Ain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in the UAE.
Getting to Al Ain
A drive from Dubai to Al Ain will take you no more than two hours. And I’m going to recommend that you rent a car because this will give you the benefit of freedom while getting around. We enjoyed taking our time to see each place in detail and to explore at our own free will.
Of course there are alternative solutions if you choose not to drive. Public transport is always an option, check this post for more information about schedules and timetables from Dubai to Al Ain.
Remember that if you are visiting Al Ain during the current pandemic you may be required to present a recent PCR or DPI test at the Dubai/Abu Dhabi border. This can be done a couple of days in advance if you choose or at the border crossing point (please check the local websites for updates). We chose to visit the Ghantoot DPI screening centre two days ahead of our visit.
Our Top Must See Places to Visit
In no particular order, below is a list of our favourite places to visit in Al Ain. Pick and choose to create your own favourite list and itinerary.
We would recommend that you stay one night in Al Ain to get the best from your time in this beautiful city. See our recommendations for accomodation options and places to stay at the end of this post.
Al Jahili Fort
This fort is very special to the Arabian Peninsula as it dates back to 1890 and was built by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the first ruler of the UAE. Given the nomadic nature of the region the age of this fort provides a unique insight into the history, culture and life as it was in the previous century.
Must See Places to Visit in Al Ain
If you have planned a visit to Dubai, or any of the other cities in the United Arab Emirates and you want to see places more traditional of the region and away from the typical tourist trail… then take a day trip to Al Ain. In 2011 Al Ain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in the UAE.
This makes a visit to Al Ain very worthwhile and highly recommended in our book. Let us share some of the highlights of the garden city of Al Ain, each in its own right a truly unique reason to plan a trip.
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Table of Contents
- Getting to Al Ain
- Our Top Must See Places to Visit
- Al Jahili Fort
- Al Ain Oasis
- Al Hili Archeological Park
- Green Mubazzarah Thermal Springs
- Jebel Hafit/Hafeet Lookout
- Jebel Hafit Desert Park
- A Weekend Getaway to Al Ain or a Day Trip
Getting to Al Ain
A drive from Dubai to Al Ain will take you no more than two hours. And I’m going to recommend that you rent a car because this will give you the benefit of freedom while getting around. We enjoyed taking our time to see each place in detail and to explore at our own free will.
Remember that if you are visiting Al Ain during the current pandemic you may be required to present a recent PCR or DPI test at the Dubai/Abu Dhabi border. This can be done a couple of days in advance if you choose or at the border crossing point (please check the local websites for updates). We chose to visit the Ghantoot DPI screening centre two days ahead of our visit.
Our Top Must See Places to Visit
In no particular order, below is a list of our favourite places to visit in Al Ain. Pick and choose to create your own favourite list and itinerary.
We would recommend that you stay one night in Al Ain to get the best from your time in this beautiful city. See our recommendations for accomodation options and places to stay at the end of this post.
Al Jahili Fort
This fort is very special to the Arabian Peninsula as it dates back to 1890 and was built by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the first ruler of the UAE. Given the nomadic nature of the region the age of this fort provides a unique insight into the history, culture and life as it was in the previous century.
Great lengths have been taken in the restoration process of the fort to maintain the authenticity of the building. The materials used are consistent with those locally available to the region such as mud and the date palm. This is explained in a short film in the visiting area of the fort.
Take a walk up and around the small tower on the right side of the fort. To the back left are the royal quarters which demonstrate a simple, yet beautiful display of Arabian design and architecture.
One of my favourite sections of the Jahili fort is the permanent art display of Wilfred Thesiger. An English explorer in the 1950’s came to Arabian peninsula to explore Oman and the United Arab Emirates before they became two countries. An account of his journey is presented through a series of black and white photographs and film on display in the front left section of the fort. Interestingly, Al Ain is where Thesiger finished his journey, deciding to stay on to get a better understanding of life in the region during this time.
The fort is situated within a large park. A perfect place to stop for lunch or to let the kids have a play. There are parking options around the fort and across the road from the main entrance. There is no entrance free, which makes a visit easy on the pocket
Al Ain Oasis
Fifteen years living in Dubai and I cannot understand why I have not heard of this Oasis before now. Following some random googling of Al Ain, I stumbled across a review of this 1200 hectares of oases. It seems such a shame to me that I haven’t visited before now AND that more people have not heard of it. However, I suppose it also adds to the beauty of the Al Ain Oasis, as the tranquility and quietness is possibly what makes it so special.
The Oasis is divided into a maze of smaller fenced off independently owned farms. A centrally paved path runs within and around the oasis which creates an easy access to each section.
But what makes the Oasis so unique is the Falaj system that runs throughout. A falaj is a traditional man made water system that evenly divides and carries water to where it is needed. It brings and distributes water from underground sources.
Historically speaking a falaj was very important to the local culture, a source of community and togetherness. They are the ideal water solution in the harsh and dry landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. Further to this, they date back some 3000 years, which makes them quite an extraordinary thing to see in action.
Entrance is free, but you might to consider renting a bike to get around inside the oasis. We paid a small hourly fee, and were not charged for the extra hour that we had the bike. Overall, it was a great way to see the entire area, and it saved the legs of the younger members of the family. You will be able to stop and explore inside some of the more beautifully cared for oasis and falaj systems.
Al Hili Archeological Park
Green Mubazzarah Thermal Springs
Likewise, the thermal springs were also closed due to Covid restrictions. Before our visit I had never hear of thermal springs in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, I was very surprised to discover this little treasure.
It sounds as though it is a busy place, particularly in the evenings and weekends, but a great place to visit if you are looking to soak weary feet. And also to experience something a little unique in this region.
Jebel Hafit/Hafeet Lookout
For a very grand view over Al Ain, head to the lookout. From Al Ain, this drive will take around 30 minutes to the very top. From one side, you’ll look down over the Jebel Hafit Desert Park and on the other side Al Ain.
This is a popular picnic destination for locals and expats alike. Lining the footpaths, picnic mats and tents are sprawled out as families and smalls groups of friends enjoy their time together.
Besides this, there are a couple of places to order food and a small play park for the kids to get a run around.
Jebel Hafit Desert Park
The Jebel Hafit Desert Park is brand new… well new in terms of access any how.Only 15 minutes out of the central city is the Al Hili Archeological park. Unfortunately, we were unable to see this as the park was closed during our visit. However, this is a space we would liked to have seen.
In the 1970’s these tombs and structures were restored. And they date back to between 3000 and 2000 BC. The information that I have read about this archeological park appear to suggest it is an interesting place to explore, rich in culture and history. For more information, visit the website for Abu Dhabi Culture.