Maximizing Your Long Weekend or Layover in Al Ain

Just a 90-minute drive inland from Abu Dhabi city lies Al Ain, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This oasis city is a natural marvel, featuring a landscape as varied as its rich culture, where palm trees exceed the number of homes and ancient irrigation channels sustain the sand-dune-covered desert. Al Ain offers something for every kind of traveler, making it a fantastic stop for those looking to extend their Abu Dhabi adventure by a couple of days.

You can wander through the oases along paths shaded by vibrant greenery. In the bustling city streets, you’ll encounter historic forts that showcase traditional practices and narrate the essential tales of the UAE’s beginnings—history enthusiasts can explore archaeological sites and admire ancient relics. For culture lovers, a visit to the region's historic palaces, camel market, and lively souks brimming with authentic Emirati crafts, spices, carpets, perfumes, and more is a must. With so much to explore in Al Ain, here’s how to fully enjoy a few days in this captivating city.

Activities in Al Ain

A trip to Al Ain can range from a serene retreat to an exhilarating escapade, or a blend of both. The options for activities are limitless—here are a few must-see attractions to include in your plans while enjoying your time in Al Ain.

Discover the tranquility of a renowned oasis

The vast Al Ain Oasis, spanning nearly 3,000 acres, is a beloved UNESCO World Heritage site located in the city's heart. It offers an escape from city life, encouraging visitors to wander along shaded pathways and find solace amidst lush greenery. This oasis is home to 147,000 date palm trees, over 100 types of vegetation, and historical treasures like the 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system, which utilizes tunnels and channels to deliver water.

Explore a functioning camel market

Al Ain’s famous camel market, located less than 10 miles from the city center, offers a striking contrast to urban life and provides an insight into genuine Arab culture and traditional Emirati heritage. It's also a fantastic spot for photography, featuring young Arabian camels destined for racing and adult camels for breeding. Families will find the experience enjoyable too, as visitors can get close, observe locals arriving in trucks loaded with goats and sheep, and watch mock races.

Shop at a genuine souk

At Souk Al ZDinogoana, a true Emirati market set in a contemporary environment next to Al Jimi Mall, you can discover traditional clothing, incense, spices, henna, oud, and dallah (Arabian coffee pots). Other markets in the area include Al Ain Souk, Souk Al Bawadi, and Souk Al Qaws.

Visit a historic palace

Al Ain Palace Museum holds significant historical importance for the nation, being the former home of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first president of the UAE. This estate provides insights into the life of the ruling family, beautifully combining modern architecture with Emirati traditions. The site was built and renovated with sustainability in mind, utilizing eco-friendly materials such as clay, adobe, and palm elements. Admission is free.

Explore the walls of a renovated fort

Featuring its unique square design, corner towers, and impressive entrance, the historic fort and palace Qasr Al Muwaiji remains important today as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the UAE. The restored fort now serves as a museum and cultural center, providing a glimpse into the history, heritage, and traditions of the ruling Al Nahyan family and the region.

Accommodation options in Al Ain

Al Ain is a captivating destination that seamlessly merges luxury with desert scenery, and the city’s hotel offerings reflect this unique blend. Here are three centrally located hotels that will help you make the most of your stay in Al Ain.

Ayla Hotel, situated in the heart of Al Ain within the chic Ayla Commercial Complex, is perfect for leisure travelers due to its close proximity to shopping and entertainment options. It boasts comfortable accommodations, a fully equipped health club, a variety of dining choices, and modern meeting facilities.

If you seek a tranquil haven in the heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful gardens, look no further than Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain. Originally built for a royal wedding, this hotel features three inviting swimming pools and contemporary rooms offering views of the UAE’s tallest peaks.

For a more resort-like atmosphere just minutes from the city center, Al Ain Rotana is an exceptional option, featuring seven restaurants, three pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Choose from well-appointed rooms and suites with views of lush gardens, Jebel Hafit Heights, or Mediterranean-style villas.

Dining options in Al Ain

Al Ain boasts an impressive array of exceptional restaurants, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining experiences, with a diverse range of cuisines from around the globe. Tamra Café at the Ayla Bawadi Hotel is a tea lounge with traditional Arabic influences. This spacious and sophisticated venue provides a tranquil environment for relaxation or social gatherings, along with an all-day menu featuring breakfast and lunch selections, teas, coffees, smoothies, and desserts.

For lunch, consider Ayla, the international all-day dining spot at Ayla Hotel, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of theme nights. From buffet breakfasts to live BBQ stations and a wide range of international lunch and dinner options, their menu incorporates American, Italian, Middle Eastern, European, and Indian flavors, catering to all tastes and making it a popular choice for any meal.

For a memorable dining experience, visit Tanjore Restaurant, which artfully combines modern dishes with authentic Indian cuisine prepared in traditional tandoori clay ovens. Begin with classic onion bhajiya, then savor a paneer dish, lamb vindaloo, or a signature specialty like Murgh Awadhi Korma Aed, finishing with delightful kulfi ice cream or rasmalai, homemade cottage-cheese dumplings in sugar syrup served with rich saffron-infused milk and pistachios.

If you're seeking a laid-back evening, check out Arabesque Restaurant located in the same resort. The menu features Arabic and North African influences blended with European styles, reflected in the restaurant's modern and airy decor. Daily lunch specials highlight themed dishes from both the Arab world and Europe.

Getting to Al Ain

When traveling from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Al Ain, you have multiple options for your journey. Taxis are conveniently available for a direct ride, while car rental services offer greater flexibility. Public transport is also an option, with buses operated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, typically taking about 90 minutes, though this may vary with traffic. If you’re coming from Dubai International Airport, taxi, Uber, or rental car trips usually take between 90 to 120 minutes. Private transfers and a combination of Dubai Metro and buses are additional alternatives. Al Ain also has its own airport, Al Ain International Airport, located approximately 10 miles northwest of the city center, primarily servicing domestic and some international flights to nearby locations.