10 Best Places to Visit in Al Ain

UAE is a destination of contrast. It has the glitz of Dubai on one side and the quaintness of regions like Al Ain on the other. Yes, Al Ain is one of the most beautiful cities in the nation that receive visitors year after year for its laid-back settings sprinkled with sheer greenery and soulful serenity. 

Want to know more about the greenest city in the UAE? Continue reading this post as it covers everything, including the top places to visit in Al Ain. You can also check other things to do in UAE on my blog by simply clicking on this link.

1. Al Ain Oasis

If you are traveling to Al Ain for its unrivaled greens and natural beauty, this 1200-hectare oasis should be on top of your list of things to do and see in the city. It dates back over 4000 years and is considered the region’s oldest inhabited settlement. The place is so blissful that you can look forward to seeing more than 150,000 date palms plus other fruit-bearing plants and trees. You can also see an ancient irrigation system called Falaj, still practiced in Al Ain.

If you are looking for more reasons to visit the place, here is an interesting fact. It is the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, centrally located in the city, about one and a half hours drive from the capital Abu Dhabi.

2. Jebel Hafeet

Lying along the Oman border, Jebel Hafeet is UAE’s second largest mountain, the largest being Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. An exciting ride up through its incredibly winding road will culminate with stunning views over the whole of Al Ain city, plus the unparalleled Rub Al Khali desert, which is the world’s biggest sand desert. More experiences await you here as you camp amidst the rugged yet quietude settings of the Hajjar Mountains and further participate in activities like cycling, hiking, camel ride, and buggy ride, to name a few. It is about 180 kilometers from Abu Dhabi and approximately 160 kilometers from Dubai.

3. Mubazzarah Park’s Natural Hot Spring Pools

It is one of the region’s hidden gems. No visit to Jebel Hafeet or Al Ain is complete without a halt at this park, located at the mountain foothills. Besides its verdant surroundings and ample recreational facilities for adults and kids alike, its main highlight is the natural mineral hot springs. It has therapeutic qualities which add to the whole experience. You can either go for a swim or dip your feet into the spring. No matter what your preference is, don’t give this activity a miss. We recommend visiting Mubazzarah Park on weekdays to make the most of your trip and avoid the weekend rush.

4. Qasr Al Muwaiji

This place of interest is of immense historical significance in the UAE. It was once the ancestral home of the ruling Al Nahyan family and the birthplace of the UAE’s former president, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who recently passed away in May 2022. Moreover, it has been a vital part of the UAE’s history, where many inevitable decisions took place, impacting the development and its citizens. It is not only an indispensable part of the country’s culture and heritage but also stands as a magnificent illustration of 20th-century sand and brick architecture.

5. Hili Archeological Park

It is another prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site that is unmissable on your trip to Al Ain. The colossal park encompasses several tombs, villages, and other pivotal archeological remnants representing periods as early as Bronze Age and Iron Age. You get to see here more than 4,000-year-old Grand Tomb, featuring two entrances enhanced by the carvings of human and animal figures. You will also find a verdant garden and children’s play area, among other things.

6. Al Ain National Museum

Found in proximity to the charming Al Ain Oasis, this is one of the foremost stops in any Al Ain City Tour. Rightly so, it is the country’s oldest museum where you can acquaint yourself with the modest Emirati past, spanning from the early Stone Age. The museum’s main draw is the Sultan Fort – a timeless sand structure. Moreover, the art and artifacts on

display fall into three categories, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Gifts. They together showcase the region’s history, culture, and mostly the Emirati way of life.

7. Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo is a must-visit place on your Al Ain visit, especially when accompanied by your family and little ones. It is the largest of its kind zoo in the Middle East and serves as a safe sanctuary for over 4,000 animals from 200 plus species. From African Wolf, Jaguar, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, and Nile crocodile to Desert Eagle Owl, Greater Flamingo,

and Steppe Eagle, you will see a vast array of mammals, reptiles, and birds in a setting that resembles their natural habitat. Apart from these, the zoo is a venue for numerous animal shows and experiences that would blow you away; Penguin Parade, Penguin Feeding, Lemur Walk, Reptile Encounter, and Cheetah Run are just a few to mention. We recommend signing up for a 90-minute guided golf cart ride for a

hassle-free and relaxed exploration of the zoo inhabitants.

8. Wadi Adventure Park

Heighten your craving for fun and thrill as you stop by Wadi Adventure Park, located about a little over an hour’s drive from the Al Ain city center. Set against the breathtaking Jebel Hafeet Mountains in the backdrop. It is one of the ultimate places in the region to enjoy kayaking, wakeboarding, and, of course, rafting. Wadi Adventure Park is the first human-made white water facility in the Middle East. If these are not enough, there is an aerial adventure course that guarantees you an action-packed day out in Al Ain.

9. Camel Market

The traditional camel market is an excellent alternative for people seeking unique experiences on their UAE holiday. Interestingly, it is also the country’s last conventional camel market, where you can see both adult and young indigenous camels up close. But, this is not just the place to find the sale of camels; you will also find other animals like cows, goats, and sheep. Although it is open all days until sunset, it is advisable to reach here early morning if you wish to get an idea of how the haggling and sale take place.

10. Camel Race

Want to see a camel but don’t want to handle the chaos of visiting the camel market? You can do it more excitingly by making your way to watch the camel race that mostly takes place at Al Maqam Track or on Al Ain Road, about 50 kilometers from Abu Dhabi. It happens mostly on weekends and public holidays. And the best thing is that entry is free.

Conclusion

Al Ain has earned a reputation for being a calm and relaxed alternative to loud and glamorous cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. After all, it overflows with a terrific array of Al Ain attractions and activities that appeal to every preference and skill level. The best thing is that it offers all the fun elements of a big city minus the showy and swankiness. Therefore, promising you the best of both worlds.

Cover photo by Saj Shafique on Unsplash