Al Ain

Al Ain is the garden city of United Arab Emirates. This oasis town is next to and virtually merged with and the Omani town of Buraimi. The "Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)" have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Travel to Al Ain

Travel by plane to Al Ain

Al Ain International Airport IATA Flight Code: AAN - A small airport with a few flights (to Calicut in India and Cairo). The vast majority of flights arrive at the airports in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The easiest way to reach Al Ain is by bus from Abu Dhabi (140 kilometers) and Dubai (100 kilometers). Buses depart hourly from Abu Dhabi bus station and the Dubai bus station, respectively. Arriving at Al Ain bus station. It takes 2 hours (10 dirham from Abu Dhabi, 15 dirham from Dubai). Buses are clean with air conditioning and stop halfway for 10 min. From Dubai the bus station to go to Al Ain is the "Al Ghubaiba Bus Station". From Dubai there are mini buses available from Bur Dubai taxi station. Clean semi luxury mini vans charges 20 dirham for the 90-min journey.

How to get around in Al Ain

Taxis are extremely simple to find and affordable (in the older, brown taxis, 2.50 dirham plus 1.00/km; silver taxis are more expensive, but have better air conditioning and, usually, English-speaking drivers). There is also a local bus service.

Halal Sightseeing Tips

Al Ain has several sites that would be of interest to tourists:

Jebel Hafeet 24.0594898,55.7786843 Free The second tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (1350 m), Jebel Hafeet is neighbored by flat plains on three sides, which afford stunning views, mainly at sunset. The road to the top winds around hairpin turns for 12 km. There are three rest points for viewing and then at the very top is a large parking area with a cafeteria and 360-degree view of the entire area. Take care on the road as some drivers enjoy the excitement of the twists and turns too much. There is a hotel (Mecure Hafeet) at the top, as well as Green Mubazara Park and Ain Al Fada resorts at the bottom.
Camel Souq | Near Meyzad border crossing - Opening Hours: Daylight Free In the Meyzad area, about 5 kilometers south of Al Ain, near the Oman border and the camel souq is open every day. Hundreds of camels are brought together to buy and sell. Dress conservatively. The traders are very friendly, mainly to children. The non-Gulf Arab traders may ask for money ("baksheesh") for letting children sit on a camel. Many traders will pick up children so that they can be photographed.
Al Ain Museum and Fort 24.2162979,55.7741921 Opening Hours: Free On Al Ain Street (or "Main Street" as the local residents call it), this fort was built to protect the oasis from raiders. It was used as the headquarters for Sheikh Zayed when he was the ruler of the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi, prior to his ascending to Sheikh of Abu Dhabi itself. The museum recreates the way people of the region lived before the founding of the United Arab Emirates.
Al Ain Oasis 24.21647,55.77127 Free The biggest of several oasises in region and the oasit is made up of thousands of date palms. The oasis sits between the main souq area downtown and Al Ain street. Narrow roads run through the oasis, so you can drive through it, or you can walk. A small restaurant/coffee shop (currently closed) is located in the middle. Walking in the oasit is mainly nice when the sun is not directly overhead, as the palm trees offer cooling shade.

Top Must Do Travel Tips to Al Ain

There is also a large zoo and safari park in Al Ain that is quite popular with visiting tourists.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Al Ain

Arabia Center A ladies' speciality shopping center by ENB Group, in Jabal Roundabout. A special attraction for Arabic traditional wear & Western outfits for ladies and their kids.

Al Ain has three shopping malls:

Al Ain Mall 24.22171,55.78234 close to the town centre - The largest mall in Al Ain. It contains an ice-skating rink, children's play areas and a cinema showing new releases.
Al Jimi Mall 24.24408,55.72700 in the Jimi Area, close to the Municipality building (Baladiya in Arabic) - The building was built as a vegetable and Meat market, but was renovated and revamped into a stunning shopping mall. It has Carrefour and the large supermarket where you would get everything on your shopping list.
Al Bawadi Mall 24.16047,55.80796 - The newest mall, a 15-min drive past the Hilton and houses lots of familiar names: / Marks and Spencer; Boots; New Look; Top Shop as well as a second Carrefour, an Ace Hardware and Magrudy's bookshop. The Gold Souk has been relocated here and the camel market is near.

Al Ain also has various shopping areas and the Town Centre Area (Main Street, Khalifa Street and Oud At Touba Street). Vendors sell everything from cheaply-made toys and souvenirs to spices, Arabian incense and Gold.

Even Black Ladies traditional wear. 4 showrooms in Al Ain. With maximum designs for Abhaya, all showrooms are designed as Arabic Studios is another attraction.

Halal Food and Restaurants in Al Ain

Al Ain is host to a wide range of palates and ethnicity's when it comes to cuisine. Lebanese/Arabic food is cheapest; hotel restaurants the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) and Hardees, but there is little for most people to eat at those places. Some of the best and affordableest food in the city can be found at its many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low and quality excellent. Chinese food is at its best in the many Chinese restaurants. Residents find Al Ain's selection to be more than adequate. Most restaurants and cafes deliver to anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable and rarely costs extra. Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes and the array of splendid pure Vegetarian Indian cuisine and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Al Ain a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying client.

Most of the good restaurants are concentrated on Khalifa Street.

The main street in Mauteredh (Mathraz, according to some) has a large number of cafeterias serving Lebanese to Indian food. Alcohol is available in the main hotel restaurants, however it is advised to drink in moderation as in common with the rest of the United Arab Emirates; it is illegal to be intoxicated in public places.

Where to stay

Where to go from Al Ain

You can cross the border to Oman.