Included in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, this city is the "greenest" on the Arabian Peninsula. You can get here from Dubai yourself by bus, every hour departing from Al-Gubayba bus station (ticket price is 20 drx). In one and a half to two hours, you will see shady gardens blooming all year round, spread over many kilometers.
The city is also famous for its historical monuments and cultural and entertainment centers. These include the Natural History Museum (tel. (03) 761 2277) and the Al Ain Museum (tel. (03) 764 1595). This is the old fort, built 175 years ago by the Al Nahyan family, whose members later became the rulers of the country, and the city university, and the Fun City amusement park. In addition, there is a large camel farm.
Al Ain Zoo - Sa
The largest menagerie not only in the UAE, but throughout the Middle East. Here are collected exotic animals not only in Arabia (including gemsboks), but also the rest of the world. Animals can be seen in natural enclosures, and fish in a huge aquarium. Phone (03) 782 8188. In winter, the city hosts exhibitions and flower festivals. Interesting impressions remain from a walk along the paths of the palm grove (Palm Plantation), located in the very center of the city and visible both from the bus station and from AlSalma and Al-Muraba squares.
Preferring comFort rest can stay at InterContinental (tel. (03) 768 6686) and Rotana (tel. (03) 754 5111). Fans of cheap hotels can find them, moving from the center of Al Ain to the north along Abu Baker Al Siddik Street to the gas station OmanOil.
East fort
The place where Sheikh Zayed was born is now turned into one of the best museums in the UAE. An exhibition of old photographs will let you know how AlAin has changed since the 1960s. There is also an exhibition of archaeological excavations and a collection of ancient weapons. You can learn a lot about the animal and plant world of the oasis, as well as the traditional lifestyle of the Bedouins.
Fort al-Handak
He is considered perhaps the oldest in the UAE - he is about 400 years old. Free admission. Open from 8.00 to 18.00 (on Thursdays and Fridays with a break of 13.00-16.00).
Buraimi Market
They sell meat, fruits and household goods, but there are several shops in this market where you can find Omani jewelry made of silver, as well as traditional daggers (hanjar) of Omani work.
Healy Gardens
This park in the northern part of the city will allow you to take refuge in the shade and enjoy the coolness of numerous fountains. It arose around a copy of an ancient tomb - an oval-shaped structure made of limestone.
Healy Fan City
This is an amusement park with an indoor ice rink, a tourist train and a number of other activities for parents and children.
Mount Jebel Hafeet
This is the highest point in the UAE (1163 m). A serpentine of a wide asphalt road leads to its top. From there, a breathtaking view of the desert and oasis opens. Just below the observation deck is the palace of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
Camel market
If you are not afraid of not very pleasant smells, you should definitely call here (it is only 5 km from the center of Al Ain). You will see the disappearing spirit of old Arabia: camels, gently licking newborn children, strict male dads and desperately bargaining buyers and sellers. Camel prices start at 500 dirhams, and the price of an adult (not a race) camel is measured in tens of thousands. The market runs from dawn to dusk with a break for the hot time of the day.
