Al Ain has a special place in all Emiratis’ hearts, as it is the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the creator of the United Arab Emirates. It is popularly known as the Garden City of the UAE, courtesy its natural springs, greenery, and oases. Tourists from across the world flock to the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to see its forts, oases, UNESCO sites, museums, and zoo.

Here is a list of places and activities that deserve a place in your Al Ain travel itinerary.

The First Step

The best way to explore Al Ain is by driving around the city. The clean, wide, and well-connected roads of Al Ain make it easy for travellers to drive to all the tourist attractions without any hassle. With many affordable car hire options in the city, contact a reliable and reputed car rentals service like Hertz to get your hands on a comfortable four-wheeler. Please note that non-UAE residents need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Al Ain.

Must-See Attractions

Start your trip by visiting the Al Jahili Fort, one of the most beautiful historical structures in the UAE. On your visit to the fort, you would also get the chance to see the black and white photographs clicked by acclaimed English explorer and travel writer Wilfred Thesiger. Next on your list should be the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, which was home to the late UAE founder. The aim of this museum is to preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and educate tourists about his family and life.

You should also visit the Al Ain Oasis, which is the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Drive to the peak of Jebel Hafeet (Hafeet Mountain) to enjoy panoramic views of the city. People looking for places to visit with children would definitely enjoy a tour around the Al Ain National Museum, Central Public Garden, Hili Archeological Park, Hili Fun City and Al Ain Zoo. Head to Mubazzarah Park, a natural oasis with mineral hot springs to enjoy a relaxing picnic with friends and family.

Emirati delicacies in Al Ain

Some of the many top-rated restaurants in Al Ain are Makani Café, Tanjore, Flavours, Paco’s Bar, and Zest. Budget travelers looking to savour authentic UAE cuisine must visit the Al Diwan Restaurant. You can also enjoy an outdoor poolside meal at the Hiltonia Club House.

Places to Shop

From modern malls to traditional souqs, Al Ain has something for everyone. Visit the Bawadi Mall, Al Ain Mall, Al Jimi Mall and Wahat Hili Mall to shop, eat, and have fun. You can buy traditional Emirati clothes, aromatic incense, authentic spices, henna, and Arabian coffee pots at the Souq Al Zafarana.

Spread out the activities based on the number of days you plan to stay in the UAE and the kind of traveler you are. Some can squeeze all the activities in just one day, while some like to unravel each layer of the city at an unhurried pace.

ABU DHABI MALL Voco Hotel - Trade Centre Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Dubai Motor City Dubai Marina Dubai Festival City Abu Dhabi Airport Al Reem, Abu Dhabi Al Reef, Abu Dhabi Sharjah Airport Al Hamra Mall, RAK

ABU DHABI MALL

Address

AK07 Al Mayaani Street, Al Zahiyah, AUH Mall,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates

Phone

026315320

Opening Hours

Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday to Saturday - 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Voco Hotel – Trade Centre

Address

VOCO HOTEL Nassima Tower - Trade Centre Trade Centre 1 – Dubai,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates

Phone

04-5510287

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya

Address

Um Ramool, Rashidiya,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2060206

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 07:00-22:00

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

Address

Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2245222

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

Address

Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2203013

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Motor City

Address

Shop 8, Ground Floor, Foxhill 8, Motor City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4273200

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday; Closed

Dubai Marina

Address

Hertz - Dubai Marina City Premiere Marina Deluxe Hotel Apartment ,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4226775

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday Closed

Dubai Festival City

Address

InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 7011239

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00 - 17:00 Saturday; Closed

Abu Dhabi Airport

Address

AUH Terminal A Rental Returns, short term park 2nd level,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2805 8090 971 2805 8089

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Al Reem, Abu Dhabi

Address

Marina Square, Al Reem Island,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 6320494

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday : CLOSED Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00

Al Reef, Abu Dhabi

Address

Al Reef Downtown, ,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 645 8488

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday : CLOSED Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00

Sharjah Airport

Address

Inside Arrivals Terminal, Kiosk 2, Outside baggage claim area, Sharjah Airport,
Sharjah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 6 5528290

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 08:00-20:00

Al Hamra Mall, RAK

Address

Unit 52, First Floor, Al Hamra Mall, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Rd,
Ras Al Khaimah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 7 2434386

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00, 19:00 to 22:00

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