Hi, I am not a tourist to this place but this is the place where I reside, so thought why not tell you since most of you will be knowing emirates like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, but I doubt if Al-Ain is included.
The Arabic words Al Ain means ’’The Spring’’ and were taken as the city’s name due to the abundant ground water springs in the area. This ground water provided for natural oases in the desert which were the attraction to human settlement.
So let me tell you something about this place:)
The fertile oasis city of Al Ain lies about 160 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city, with desert on one side and mountains on the other, and is the capital of Abu Dhabi?s Eastern Region. Abu Dhabi is one of seven emirates, which make up the United Arab Emirates (The UAE), a federation that was formed in December, 1971. Al Ain is situated on the border with the Sultanate of Oman and the town of Buraimi (owned by Oman).
As a fertile oasis of date palms, with a natural water supply, Al Ain has long been a city of greenery but extensive planting over the past 40 years has transformed it into a garden city. Apart from roads lined with trees, bushes and flowers, there are more than 70 public parks and gardens in Al Ain. Around the region, the desert has turned green as extensive areas have been devoted to agriculture.
A wide range of modern day tourist attractions can be found in Al Ain. They cater to young and old alike and can provide hours of fun and interest. These attractions are :
Al Ain Museum
Located in Sultan bin Zayed St, this museum has an extensive archaeological and ethnographical collection, including some spectacular second millennium gold pendants and an important coin collection. The Ethnographical Section reflects the past daily life of the people of the region. The Archaeological Section displays discoveries dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages.
Fun City
Fun City is the largest theme park in Al-Ain, with over forty rides and attractions set in expansive landscaped gardens with picnic facilities and numerous food outlets. Throughout each year special shows and attractions can he seen for limited periods. Al Ain Ice Rink adjacent to the Fun City, is a magnificent Olympic sized facility containing numerous children’s games in addition to the skating.
Al Ain Oasis
This is a huge shady date plantation in the centre of town near Al Ain Museum and well worth a visit. The plantation is divided into small date farms, with permanent access for farmers? vehicles and for pedestrians. Two small mosques are sited within the palm groves.
Zoo and Aquarium
The huge site housing the Zoo is located to the south of the town. Big cat houses, gorilla and monkey compounds, reptile house ( a new addition- found such a one in New Zealand), aviaries all make viewing the large animal collection an easy experience. The zoo is also famous for its research activities particularly for it?s breeding of endangered native animals.
Jebel Hafeet Mountain
1350 meters high, of craggy rock, the mountain is a major landmark positioned to the south of the city. A 13 kilometer long road winds its way to the summit where temperatures are significantly lower. On a clear day there are magnificent views of the city and it?s surrounds. From this mountain, you can see the spectacular views of Al-Ain city and on the other side, you can see Oman. At night, this mountain is lit with road lamps that makes it look breathtaking when seen from far.
Hot Springs
Located off the road to the Hafeet Mountain it is an amazing sight to see the lakes of water amid the arid mountain and desert setting. It is said that this hot water comes from underground and has medicinal values. Throughout the year, tourists come and have a bath here.
The Forts
Al Ain has numerous forts and watchtowers. Many have been restored using traditional materials. Dating from the 9th and early 20th century, they were built for defensive purposes but were also centers of government.
Desert trips
Tour companies can organ trips in 4-wheel drive vehicles to the desert and
wadis-the dried-up river beds which burst into life a short period after heavy rain. Healing across the dunes is an exhilarating experience.
Ain Al Faydah
Close to Jebel Hafeet is the resort of Ain Al Faydah. Visitors can take a boat
on the lake or a swim in one of the pools while the gardens are the perfect
setting for a picnic.
Hili Archaeological Gardens
This beautifully landscaped park has as its centre piece the restored tomb dating back four millennium It also contains children’s playgrounds, picnic areas and a coffe shop.
Public Garden
Al Ain is blessed with numerous beautifully landscaped parks. Of particular interest to visitors is the Central Public Gardens located just west of the Clocktower Roundabout in the Town Center. Set within the gardens are fascinating fountains and a large children?s adventure play area.
Hotels
AL Ain has three 5 star resort hotels, The Hilton, The Intercontinental and the new Rotana Hotel, set in expansive beautiful landscaped grounds. There is a guest house and chalet complex within the Ain Al Fayda Resort and a guest house at Al Remah.
Important Information:
Getting to Al Ain:
Al Ain international Airport is situated 23km north west of the city center. There are scheduled flights to other Gulf and Middle East destinations and to the Sub- Continent. Al Ain is connected to other cities in the UAE by excellent highways. The car journey from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai takes around 90 minutes. There are also regular bus services and taxis from both cities.
Language:
Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken.
Business Hours:
The weekend in the UAE is Thursday and Friday when all government offices are closed. Banks and most other commercial activities close from Thursday afternoon to Friday.
Visit AL AIN for an experience to remember.