Things to Do in Al Ain

Al Ain is Abu Dhabi’s inland city, sitting on the UAE–Oman border at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. It is the UAE’s fourth largest city and the only inland metropolis in the country. Unlike the coastal cities, Al Ain is green — fed by a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system that still flows today. UNESCO recognised the city’s historic landscape in 2011, covering the oasis, old forts, and ancient mountain tombs. The contrast with Dubai and Abu Dhabi is significant — Al Ain is quieter, greener, and less visually dominated by skyscrapers.

Al Ain Oasis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The largest oasis in the UAE and one of the most significant in the Arab world. Around 147,000 date palms grow across 1,200 hectares, irrigated by the ancient falaj channels that run beneath the paths. The oasis is free to enter and has well-maintained walking trails through the palm groves — cool and shaded even in summer.

The falaj system is still operational. Standing beside the channels and watching the water flow under stone archways is one of the more quietly impressive things in the UAE. Open daily from approximately 7:00 to 20:00. Entry is free.

Al Ain Palace Museum (Sheikh Zayed’s Birthplace)

The former residence of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, now operates as a museum documenting the early decades of the federation and the traditional life of Al Ain before oil wealth transformed the country.

Entry approximately AED 10. Open Saturday–Thursday 9:00–16:30. The palace complex includes several traditional courtyard buildings and a collection of personal artefacts, vehicles, and photographs. Allow 60–90 minutes.

Jebel Hafeet Mountain

The Hajar Mountain summit at 1,249 metres is the highest point in Abu Dhabi emirate and the second highest in the UAE. The mountain road — a 12 km switchback road of 60 bends — is open to private vehicles 24 hours a day and is free to drive. The summit view over Al Ain, the oasis, and the Oman border stretches for hundreds of kilometres on a clear day.

Green Mubazzarah: At the base of Jebel Hafeet, this park area has hot spring pools (entry approximately AED 25 per vehicle), chalets for hire, and a small lake. It is a popular weekend family spot. The water temperature in the springs is warm year-round at approximately 38–40°C.

Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet: The only hotel on the mountain itself, at around 800 metres elevation. From approximately AED 500/night — worth considering for the sunset and sunrise views over the desert.

Al Ain Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the Arab world, covering 900 hectares. The collection includes white lions, Arabian oryx, giraffes, cheetahs, and a substantial African savanna section where animals roam in open paddocks.

Entry approximately AED 30 for adults, AED 20 for children aged 3–12. Open Saturday–Wednesday 9:00–18:00, Thursday–Friday 9:00–20:00. The zoo’s breeding programme for the Arabian oryx — a species that was once extinct in the wild — is one of its most notable conservation achievements.

Camel Market (Souq Al Dhawaghin)

Al Ain has one of the UAE’s most active camel markets, where hundreds of camels are bought and sold most mornings. This is a working livestock market, not a tourist attraction — which makes it more interesting. Traders, buyers, and handlers go about their business around you. No entry fee; open early morning to early afternoon.

The market is approximately 10 km from the city centre. Take a taxi (approximately AED 20–30 from central Al Ain) or drive yourself — parking is free.

Al Ain National Museum

The UAE’s oldest museum, established in 1971, covers the archaeology, ethnography, and history of the Al Ain region. It sits adjacent to the Eastern Fort (Al Qattara) and the Palace Museum. Entry approximately AED 3. Open Saturday–Thursday 8:00–16:00. The collection of Bronze Age artefacts from nearby tomb excavations is well presented.

Hili Archaeological Park

On the northern edge of Al Ain, this park contains Bronze Age tombs and settlement remains dating to 3,000–1,300 BCE — among the oldest known human settlements in the UAE. The grand tomb at the centre of the park is particularly well preserved. Entry is free. Open daily 9:00–21:00.

Getting Around Al Ain

Al Ain is a spread-out city best navigated by car. Taxis are affordable (approximately AED 10–20 for most city trips) and reliable. The main sites — oasis, palace museum, national museum — are within a few kilometres of each other in the old city core. Jebel Hafeet and the camel market are 10–15 km out and best reached by taxi or rental car.

For more context see our full Al Ain guide.