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Things to do in Al Ain

Our most recommended things to do in Al Ain

From Dubai: Al Ain Garden City Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

1. From Dubai: Al Ain Garden City Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a great day taking in the sights of the beautiful UNESCO-listed "Garden City" of Al Ain. En route watch the fascinating and ever-changing desert scenery. On arrival visit the renovated Old Palace of H.H. late Sheikh Zayed, former ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE's founding President. Next, visit the award-winning Al Jahili Fort to view the permanent exhibition dedicated to the intrepid British explorer, Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed The Empty Quarter Rub al-Khali twice in the 1940s. You will then head to UAE’s oldest Al Ain National Museum to discover artifacts from the 6th Century B.C. Head to the heritage site of Al Ain Oasis where your guide informs you about the Falaj, an ancient underground irrigation system. Afterwards, enjoy a photo session at the local camel market, the largest in the region, before stopping for a delicious lunch. Later, you will make a final stop at the foot of Jebel Hafeet mountain for a look at the popular hot springs before a pleasant drive back.

From Abu Dhabi: Al Ain Full Day Tour with Lunch

2. From Abu Dhabi: Al Ain Full Day Tour with Lunch

Visit Al Ain, the traditional seat of the Sheikhs and perhaps the most traditional of the main cities in the UAE where desert life is best demonstrated. See a true series of oases and take a visit to the Al Ain National Museum and Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, as well as a trip to the camel race track and the livestock market where you can watch real-life bargaining, an important part of the culture.  Following this, head to Jebel Hafeet, the great mountain and its remarkable location that overlooks the beauty of Al Ain city. Also, visit the Hot Springs situated at the foot of the mountain and discover the healing water which is found abundantly in this area. Then, enjoy lunch in a hotel before heading back to Abu Dhabi. 

From Dubai: Al Ain City Tour

3. From Dubai: Al Ain City Tour

Al Ain is one of the agricultural centers of the Emirates, a university city and the birthplace of the first President of the UAE.  The first stop is the archaeological Hili Garden which dates back over 500 years. Next, learn about the origins of the city at the Al Ain Museum. Enjoy a shaded walk through the Jimi and Hili oases, before visiting the Al Ain Palace Museum, the residence of the late ruler Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Explore the collection of family portraits and learn how the royal family lived and entertained guests to the palace.  At the end of the day, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa

4. Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa

After a tiring flight, why not relax and take the worry out of your arrival? Simply book a private transfer by modern, air-conditioned vehicle to your accommodation or location of choice. Your professional driver will wait for you in the arrival area with a name board. Your private transfer can take you between Abu Dhabi International Airport and your hotel in Abu Dhabi city, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Anantara, Al Ain or in Dubai (or vice versa). Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours of booking and you'll be provided with a travel voucher that should be presented to your driver on arrival (or for departure transfers, at the time of your hotel pick-up).

Dubai: Al Ain Garden City with Conservation Zoo

5. Dubai: Al Ain Garden City with Conservation Zoo

Visit the beautiful garden city of Al Ain, the greenest of all the Emirates, on a full-day tour from Dubai. Begin with a visit to the Al Ain Museum with its extensive archaeological collection, including some spectacular second-millennium gold pendants. It also houses a reconstruction of the Grand Hili tomb with its rock engravings.  Next, go to the top of Jebel Hafeet, UAE's highest peak, giving you stunning views of the desert. At the foot of Jebel Hafeet are hot water springs, ideal for bathing tired feet in steaming therapeutic waters. Then stop at the largest camel market in the UAE, recently renovated to entertain guests all the more. Depending on the time of year, you may see baby camels. Move on to Al Ain Conservation Zoo, which houses some the world's last remaining white lions and tigers. You will have the chance to get up close to the animals while strolling through the wonderful gardens and enclosures. 

From Dubai: Al Ain Highlights Private Tour with Zoo Tickets

6. From Dubai: Al Ain Highlights Private Tour with Zoo Tickets

Welcome to Al Ain, U.A.E, where we invite you to join us on a tour of the city's top attractions! Our tour will take you to some of the most beautiful and historic sites in the area, including: Al Ain Oasis: Next, We will start with the UNESCO world heritage site of Al Ain Oasis, where you can take a leisurely walk among more than 100,000 date palm trees and experience the traditional falaj irrigation system. Al Ain Palace Museum: Our next stop will be the Al Ain Palace Museum, a beautifully restored residence of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Here you'll learn about the traditional Emirati way of life and culture. Al Jahili Fort: We'll also take you to the historic Al Jahili Fort, a well-preserved structure that dates back to the 19th century and was restored to its original glory. You can explore the fort's interior and learn about its fascinating history. Hili Archaeological Park: We'll take you to the Hili Archaeological Park, a unique site that features ancient tombs and ruins dating back to the Bronze Age. You can explore the park's different archaeological sites and learn about the area's rich history. Al Ain National Museum: We'll then visit the Al Ain National Museum, where you'll learn about the rich history and culture of the region, including exhibits on Bedouin life, agriculture, and archaeology. Qasr Al Muwaiji: Our tour will end with a visit to Qasr Al Muwaiji, a beautifully restored fort that has been converted into a museum, showcasing the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed. Here, you'll learn about the history of the Al Nahyan family and their contribution to the development of the UAE. Jebel Hafeet: We'll start our journey with a visit to Jebel Hafeet, the highest mountain in the UAE, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and cityscape. Al Ain Zoo: Our tour ends at Al Ain Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals, including rare and endangered species. You can enjoy a range of animal encounters and take part in various activities at the zoo. Join us on this unforgettable tour to experience the best that Al Ain has to offer!

Al Ain: 8-Hour Tour for Small Groups

7. Al Ain: 8-Hour Tour for Small Groups

Discover the history of the Emirates and Al Ain, a city in the desert with a population of 650,000 people, a good hour’s drive from Dubai and full of green oases. Visit the Heritage Village and museums that document the development over the past 40 years. Visit the beautiful gardens with palm trees, learn about the irrigation techniques, and admire the Al Ain Oasis. At the various markets, watch the traders haggle over their prices – with wares ranging from fruits to camels. Even falcons play a special role in Al Ain at special farms where the expensive animals are trained and cared for. Enjoy a meal in the home of a local family or at a selected restaurant, and enjoy delicious Arabic dishes. Traditionally, you sit on the floor and eat with your hands but beginners may use a knife and fork. Jebel Hafeet, the highest mountain of the Emirates, is located in Al Ain. From here you can see as far as Oman. Below the mountain is the world’s unique mountain landscape of Green Mubazzarah. You will also stop at a mineral spring. On this tour, get an extensive insight into a country where there is much to discover. Experience a day full of unforgettable impressions.

Al Ain: Full-Day Tour from Dubai

8. Al Ain: Full-Day Tour from Dubai

Visit Al-Ain, a unique UAE city, on this day trip from Dubai. Tour the second-largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and see the residences of powerful families in magnificent buildings, the most important universities, picturesque oases, exciting markets, and the palace of Sheikh Zayed. On your tour learn interesting facts and stroll through beautiful gardens with palm trees, learn about the irrigation system of the oasis, and discover the role of the hawks. Visit bustling markets with everything on offer from exotic fruits to live animals. Stop at the mineral springs at the foot of the mountain for a refreshing and scenic break. Listen to your guide as they tell you about the country and its people. Visit a camel farm and hear about the training program for racing camels or maybe have the chance for a cup of fresh camel milk. After the visit to the farm, experience the nightlife of Al Ain. Enjoy the culinary delights in the fresh air, under the palm trees with live music. Sit back, relax, and reminisce about your day in Al-Ain.

Other Sightseeing Options in Al Ain

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What people are saying about Al Ain

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 367 reviews

What I particularly liked about the excursion was the optimal mix of nature and culture. Al Ain is a green oasis in the desert. The lunch buffet was varied and tasted very good. There were many different impressions on the trip. The guide was very friendly and was able to answer all of our questions.

The trip to Al Ain is definitely recommended. The oasis, the fort, the springs and the Hajjar Mountains are really impressive. We received a lot of useful information about the country and culture from our guide Kumar.

Had a wonderful day with our tour guide Akbar who took care of everything, provided us with interesting facts and was really friendly and trustworthy.

Great and varied insight. Lots of information from the voice guide (several languages including German). On time with a good driver / guide.

The tour is well worth seeing, all points were approached, enough time for everything, I can recommend it