Our Favorite Spots in Al Ain, UAE
The view of from Jabel Hafeet in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Introduction to Al Ain
Al Ain is a lesser-known city in the United Arab Emirates, located inland approximately two hours from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Most travelers will visit either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but we definitely suggest adding a few days to your UAE adventure and making the trip to Al Ain, with its amazing hidden gems, mountains, deserts, museums, camel farms, markets, malls, soccer stadium, and even an oasis.
We were fortunate to spend a month in Al Ain while visiting our friend Andrew. This gave us ample opportunity to explore this wonderful city.
The entrance to the downtown fruits, vegetable and fish market in Al Ain
Places to Visit in Al Ain, UAE
Jabel Hafeet Mountain
We timed our drive to Jebel Hafeet Mountain so that we would arrive late afternoon for the sunset. At the summit, Jebel Hafeet is 1,249 meters, 4,091 ft. above sea level. It is located on the border between the United Arab Emirates and Oman and offers an impressive view of Al Ain and Oman.
Even though we are used to the mountains in Canada, this was a different cup of tea altogether. We are talking about a Star Wars landscape here.
The warmly toned colors of the sand, sun, and rocks are unlike anything I have ever seen. Especially right after sundown, it was magical.
Andrew had a blast driving up and down the windy mountain road, which is very well maintained and often used by car manufacturers to test-drive cars. Do not miss the opportunity to see Jabel Hafeet and the amazing views.
Sunset at Jebel Hafeet Mountain, Al Ain
Al Ain National Museum
The taxis in Al Ain are clean and fares are reasonable, so we flagged one down and went straight to the Al Ain National Museum, located downtown next to the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a short walk through the oasis, we entered the museum.
The Al Ain Oasis. Al Ain is unique in the United Arab Emirates, with more than average vegetation and plant growth. The water comes from the mountains in Oman and is sourced underground.
It was very quiet at Al Ain National Museum, and for a while, I think we were the only guests. A school group arrived, and the children were well-behaved. They went through the museum in a single file, with wonderfully short attention spans, bringing back memories of past elementary school field trips.
The students wore uniforms, and most of the girls wore traditional head scarves. The museum is well worth a visit. It gives valuable insight into the country’s short history and a look back at the times of Bedouins, nomads, and early settlers.
Local school children visiting at the Al Ain National Museum in the United Arab Emirates
Al Jahili Fort
Leaving the Al Ain National Museum, we wandered through the meat and vegetable market, making our way up the main street towards the Al Jahili Fort.
Once again, there were very few visitors, and it was somewhat surreal to wander among the buildings, imagining what life would have been like. Much easier without throngs of tourists.
The photography exhibit from British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger and his 1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert was a surprise treat. The images were humbling and awe-inspiring at the same time.
The Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, UAE
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
This former Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan residence opened to the public in 2001 after a two-year renovation period. The palace walls measure 430 meters, 470 yards, to give you an idea of size.
As you enter the palace, you find yourself in a warm, open courtyard with trees and a well in the center. The sounds of birds chirping were calming. Very few tourists had found their way to the palace, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.
Visiting at the Al Ain Palace Museum in The United Arab Emirates
We meandered through the many sitting rooms, coffee rooms, and guest rooms and noted how cool they felt despite the scorching sun and warm temperatures outside. We imagined how the children must have had a hay day dashing and darting among the many covered walkways.
In the grand courtyard, a huge desert tent is a centerpiece, similar to the tent where the Sheikh would receive guests and elite visitors. We made ourselves comfortable and took a few photos.
A family from Oman entered the tent and did various family photos until I offered to take some pictures with their cell phones.
An Omani family gathered in the courtyard tent at the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
They loved the idea, and right away, I had three cell phones in my hand. I asked politely if I would be allowed to take a photo of the family, too. The head of the family gave me an approving nod, and I snapped a couple of frames.
They told us we must visit Oman. It’s beautiful there. We were planning a weekend trip later in the month.
Al Qattara Cultural Centre
After a brief visit to the Qattara Cultural Centre a few days earlier, we vowed to return when the market was open and to see the traditional dance.
Hospitality tables were set up around the courtyard, and representatives from the cultural and tourism board welcomed us with dates, Arabic coffee, and a traditional dessert.
A pretty serious sound system was set up for the show, and we were surprised to hear the music selection with thumping beats and a steady groove.
A group of young men are ready for the the traditional dance at Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain, UAE
The Traditional Dance at Souq Al Qattara
Two young boys joined in the fun and danced along to the beat. They juggled their toy rifles, throwing them high in the air and trying their best to catch them again.
The anti-gun part of me was a bit reluctant to take a liking to this display. Still, I told myself, this is a tradition here, and remembering the many sheik portraits over the last couple of weeks, you see them with their rifles—a necessary tool trying to survive in the desert.
The boys spotted my camera quickly and were very aware of me being there. You could see that extra concentration was put into the maneuvers.
The two young boys performing at Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain
We also sampled the local food introduced to us by a former Emirati general, who told us he had visited Ottawa, Canada, and had skated the Rideau Canal in the bitter cold.
After sampling the cabbage rolls and the delicious “balls”, which I do not know the name of, we decided to make this our dinner.
Al Ain Camel Souk
It was a lazy afternoon at the camel souk. We started driving the car around a huge suburban livestock market directly behind the Bawadi Mall in Al Ain.
It did not look like much was going on, but I pulled up my socks and decided to get out of the car to capture a few close-up shots.
At the Al Ain Camel Souk, United Arab Emirates
Then, it seemed, a flurry of activity began to unfold out of nowhere. Four or five trucks arrived with camels in the back.
Horns beeped, and dust was kicked up as about fifty men sauntered in from neighboring stalls to view or help with the arrival of new camels.
I am sure this scene happens frequently, but I feel fortunate it happened while we explored the area.
The camels were not thrilled to be moved around and voiced their opinion with their distinctive low growl as they were shuffled from the trucks to the stalls.
Camels are delivered to the Camel Market in Al Ain
Al Ain FC Soccer Stadium
We are soccer fans and grabbed the chance to catch two games while in Al Ain. The first game was between Al Ain and Al Wasl. We paid $4.00 for our tickets. It was good value for money, no doubt.
The level of soccer was impressive, and the home team won 3-0. During our visit, Al Ain topped the UAE League, which translated to an amazing atmosphere inside and outside the stadium.
Al Ain FC plays a home game at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE
Al Ain was an adventure like no other for us, and we hope you don’t miss the chance to go out of your way from the big cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It will be well worth it.
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