Al Ain Hotels

Al Ain Rundown

While Al Ain marks a veritable midway point between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates city is another world from the overt wealth of Saadiyat Island and the Burj Khalifa. A fleet of supertall cranes may not grace what is a modest skyline in comparison but the aims of the desert oasis differ from those of the opulent capital and ostentatious financial power base of the Arabian Peninsula state. ... Read more »

Al Ain, a green city home to 375,000 people, borders vast sand dunes on one side and twin city Al Buraimi in Oman on the other. The “Garden City of the Gulf” is a place to meander through groves of date palms, take in epic vistas of Saudi Arabia’s mythical Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter, and observe quotidian life unspoilt by development sprawl and pervasive expat influence.

The late U.A.E. president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan did spur efforts to spruce up his city of birth but Al Ain, happily, is still a city that depends on humble charms to define it, from parks and forts to archaeological sites and vibrant marketplaces.

AL AIN'S TOP 10

10. Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium is where big-ticket events take place in Al Ain.	5. Shimbouah Garden is one of the reasons behind Al Ain’s “Garden City of the Gulf” nickname.
9. Al Ain Oasis is the flagship oasis in the country.	4. Camel Suq is a flurry of activity and good fun for the kids.
8. Al Ain Palace Museum is in the palace of the former U.A.E. president.	3. Al Ain Zoo is small but has some wonderful native animals on display.
7. Al Ain National Museum is a first-rate ethnographic and archaeological overview of the U.A.E.	2. Hili Archaeological Park helps feed the National Museum with artefacts.
6. Jebel Hafeet is the rooftop of the U.A.E. and a popular tourist attraction.	1. Murabba Heritage Fort is one of the most vital heritage landmarks in the U.A.E.

AL AIN EVENTS

Al Ain Classics Festival is a world class celebration of classical music in March that benefits from deep pocket patronage.

Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club supports a successful professional football squad with one AFC Champions League title. Games take place at Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium throughout the season.

Al Ain Mall and Al Jimi Mall provide ample shop ‘til you drop fodder.

WHEN TO GO

Al Ain has a classic arid climate typical for the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf but summer temperatures run a little bit cooler, on average, from the urban swelter of Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Rain is predictably scarce, with just under 4 in (100 mm) per year. Humidity in Al Ain runs close to 60%, which makes it a target for domestic tourists between June and September.

Summer temperatures range from 80.5°F (27°C) to 99°F (37°C) in the oasis city and from 59°F (15°C) to 77°F (77°C) throughout the winter months.

GETTING AROUND

Al Ain has a small international airport with service to the likes of Cochin, Doha, Kabul, Khartoum and Riyadh. The vast majority of tourists arrive via Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The drive runs anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours and coach bus transport is very comfortable and affordable. For those with the budget, a luxury taxi is another possibility.

Taxis range in quality and class in Al Ain but do prove necessary under the hot desert sun. The city operates a small local bus service.

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