Included in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, this city is the "greenest" on the Arabian Peninsula. It consists of six oases and archaeological sites of Bida Bint Saud, Hafit and Healy - evidence of a settled lifestyle of the inhabitants of the desert. Starting from the Neolithic period, traces of many primitive cultures have been preserved here.
Al Ain State Museum
This museum is dedicated to the unique history and culture of the city. The museum is part of the architectural complex of the Sultan bin Zayed Fortress (also known as the Eastern Fortress), which was erected in 1910 and is still in excellent condition. The museum has three main departments: archaeological, ethnographic and the department of decorative art.
Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 19:30, except Monday; Friday - from 15:00 to 19:30
Tel .: (03) 764 1595
Al Ain Palace Museum
This museum is located in the former residence of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan. At one time, this palace was one of the centers of the socio-political life of the region. The palace was built in 1910, transferred to the museum in 1998. Today the museum has been restored. The exhibits feature many exhibits on the history of the ruling dynasty. Visitors can peer into the apartments and gardens that once belonged to the "Father of the Nation."
The entrance is free.
Opening hours: daily from 08:30 to 19:30, except Mondays, on Fridays from 15:00 to 19:30.
Tel .: (03) 751 7755
Al Jahili Fortress
The picturesque fortress of Al Jahili is one of the most famous historical places in the UAE. The fortress was erected in 1891 to protect the city and valuable palm groves.
The fortress once housed the headquarters of scouting Treaty of Oman, the armed forces that defended mountain trails and ensured the peaceful coexistence of local tribes. The fortress also served as the residence of the local governor. Today the fortress is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is open to the public.
This Al Ain landmark has been carefully restored and now houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the British explorer and traveler Sir Wilfred Teziger (aka Mubarak bin London), who became famous for his passage through the Rub Al Khali desert in the 40s of the last century. Located next to the public garden, near the city center of Al Ain.
Oasis Al Ain
Located in the heart of the city, not far from the State Museum, this impressive oasis is full of date gardens, many of which still have good harvests. Cool shady alleys take away from the city noise and heat - here you can relax with the birds singing and the rustle of palm leaves. The oasis is irrigated using traditional means of irrigation - the fallage, which is 3,000 years old. Fascinating canals carry water to the date palms, allowing them to live and bear fruit in this small paradise in the heart of the city. It spreads over 1,200 hectares (approximately 3,000 acres), more than 147,000 date palm trees of 100 different varieties are planted here. You can enter the oasis territory through any of the eight entrances. Countless generations of people have been digging and supporting numerous underground passages in order to bring water to their beautiful city and make it green. Now everyone can enjoy the results of their work: admission to the oasis is free.
Tel .: (03) 711 8208
Center for the Arts "Al Cattara"
After the reconstruction, the Al Qattara fortress sheltered the magnificent Art Center and gallery. Preserving the ancient facades, the center is an amazing mix of traditional architecture and modern comfort. Within its walls are hundreds of contemporary exhibitions and informative lectures. The center was originally conceived as a place where any resident of the UAE can study and develop art and culture. The center has a soundproof studio for music and craft lessons, a studio for drawing and painting, pottery equipment, a special room for photography and PC lessons, a spacious calligraphy studio, as well as an exhibition hall, cafe and library.
Opening hours: daily, except Friday, from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00.
Al Ain Zoo
Located at the foot of Mount Jebel Hafeet, this park covers an area of 900 hectares. Visitors to the zoo will be able to see many animals that live in enclosures that recreate their natural habitat. In the park, visitors will find special lawns for picnics, playgrounds and cafes. You will also be offered a tour on a tourist train. Al Ain Zoo contains over 4,000 animals. About 30% of the 180 animal species represented here are threatened with extinction. The zoo offers new interactive activities: feeding giraffes, camel riding and the zoo for Elezba cubs.
Opening hours: from 09:00 to 20:00. In the hot summer months, working hours are from 16:00 to 22:00.
Phone for inquiries: 800 2977, www.awpr.ae
Mount Jebel Hafeet
The second highest mountain 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.
Archaeological Garden "Healy"
Just 10 kilometers from Al Ain (on the road to Dubai) are the archaeological gardens of Healy. Being both a public garden and an archaeological site, this place is popular both among tourists and among the local population. On the territory of the archaeological site are the remains of a Bronze Age settlement (25002000 BC), which was restored in 1995. It is the source of the most valuable finds in the region, many of which are estimated at more than 4,000 years old. The park has other archaeological sites, but most of it is occupied by a garden with plants, fountains and a playground for children. Healy is located next to the Valley of Fossils, whose age reaches several thousand years. In those days, they were still hidden under the thickness of sea water.
City of entertainment "Healy"
This renowned destination for all families for fun and relaxation in Al Ain, is the first most preferred theme park in the bay, which opened in 1985. The newly renewed park has 28 attractions for all ages, an amphitheater with performances for the whole family, a picnic area and games.
Price: 45 drh, for children under 5 years old - admission is free.
Tel .: (03) 784 5542, www.hilifuncity.ae
Cultural and Ethnographic Park
Gathering in one place the diversity and richness of the emirate’s culture, the theme park invites you to take a trip to the past and get acquainted with the traditional way of life in the UAE. In the village you can visit an old cafe, a popular market and two theaters where they give performances, concerts and read poetry.
Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday - from 09:30 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 22:00, on Friday - from 16:00 to 22:30
Camel market
This bazaar is a great opportunity to see camels close by, as well as watch how animals are traded and selected. Here you can take interesting photographs, but be careful and ask for permission first. You may be offered a paid tour of the market, but nothing prevents you from taking a walk on your own. In the livestock section, you will see how goats and sheep are brought by truck, and local sellers bargain furiously with buyers.
Classic Car Museum
Combining history and style, the museum presents the history of the evolution of transport in the UAE. It will be interesting for both experienced drivers and those who are interested in car rarities.
Tel .: (03) 623 1323
