Al-Ain is a city in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). This city is also known as the “Oasis City” or “Garden City” because of its natural springs and palm groves. Al-Ain is the best city to visit with family. This is the largest inland city but smaller than Abu Dhabi and Dubai. To reach Al Ain, it will only take one and a half hours from Abu Dhabi and 2 hours from Dubai. Al-Ain is the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, who is the founder of the UAE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many beautiful places to visit in Al Ain City.
1. Jebel Hafeet
Jebel Hafeet or Hafeet Mountain is the highest mountain peak in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, but it is the second-highest peak in UAE. This mountain range is most loved in the UAE. It is 1249 meter 1249-meter-high mountain that is visible from Al Ain city. Jebel Hafeet Mountain is only 56 km away from central Al Ain City. It is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking sightseeing places to visit.
2. Al-Ain Zoo
Al-Ain Zoo is one of the most popular and largest zoos in the UAE. The late Sheikh Zayed founded it in 1967. Al-Ain Zoo is the best place to visit for families. This zoo is the home of 4000 animals which includes giraffes, Arabian antelope, African gazelles, eland, Arabian oryx, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and many more. Out of these animals, around 130 of their species are considered endangered. This zoo also has a monkey compound, reptile house, aviary section, giraffe feeding center, and camel riding facilities. It will take only two hours to complete the full tour of the zoo. There are also other facilities for a tour like SUVs and trucks.
3. Al-Jahili Fort
Al-Jahili Fort is one of the most popular and historical structures of the UAE. This fort was founded in 1891 to protect the city from attackers. This fort is one of the largest forts in Al-Ain city and also a remarkable building in UAE. Now, this fort is reestablished and become a major interest of Al Ain. The north wing of Al Ain fort is used as a permanent exhibition center by photographer and British adventurer Wilfred Thesiger. The east wing of the fort is used as a bookshop that has books on the history of many emirates of UAE and an information center.
4. Al-Ain Oasis
Al-Ain Oasis is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in Al Ain City. This date farm was declared as the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This date farm is the home of almost 100 types of date trees and is spread over 3000 acres of land area. There are thousands of date palms, which offer shade and block the outside noise. This date farm is the place for a walk in peace around the shaded walkways, and to explore 100 types of flora. The irrigation system used in this farm is known as falaj, which is an ancient irrigation system.
5. Wadi Adventure Park
Wadi Adventure Park is the most popular adventure park in Al Ain City. This adventure park has the first human-made rafting, surfing, and kayaking facilities. Wadi Adventure Park has three white water channels for kayaking and rafting, and the world’s largest artificial surfing wave, which is 3.3 meters. This park also hosted the world’s first rafting championship held in 2016 and 27 countries participated. Along with the water-based activities, this adventure park also has an airpark. The airpark in Wadi Adventure contains a 200m long zip line, a 13m high climbing wall, and a suspended balance beam.
6. Al-Ain Palace Museum
Al-Ain Palace Museum is one of the best places to visit in Al Ain city. This museum is the residence of the first ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan. In Al Ain Palace Museum, the information is available in Arabic but the decoration of the museum is worth admiring. Al-Ain Palace is divided into official, private, and guest quarters and the palace courtyard contains palms, magnolia trees, and cacti.
7. Camel Racing Track
Camel Racing is the oldest tradition in the Emirates. This camel racing track is 10 km long and daily camel races are hosted in this track. The best breeds of camels like black or brown “ Boushahri” and golden or white “Anafi” can be seen in the track. The entrance to the racing track is free, and you can also bet on your favorite camel as much as you want.
Also read, Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi
