Top 15 Things to Do in Al Ain
Al Ain is the fourth biggest city in the UAE and a fascinating destination within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This ancient city, known historically as the "Al Ain Oasis," has a crucial role in the country's cultural and civilizational legacy, with its origins reaching back to around 3000 BC. Al Ain is a one-of-a-kind natural setting, surrounded by fascinating sand dunes that have a stunning red tint due to iron oxide.
Al Ain, known for its copious water springs, thriving camel breeding and trade, and an abundance of gardens that gave it the nickname "Garden City," invites you to discover its most popular tourist sites. Here are some of the best things to do in Al Ain to make your trip genuinely unforgettable.
1. Green Mubazzarah
Green Mubazzarah is a weekend escape with beautiful views, a gorgeous park, and a mineral spring, that make it ideal for family picnics. This place is located on the slopes of Jebel Hafeet, and is a short drive from Dubai, allowing for spontaneous plans. Dive into the mineral springs, that are known for their healing characteristics, particularly for rheumatism.
The 1.6 million square meters of flora, surrounded by the spectacular Jebel Hafeet mountains, offers a peaceful retreat. Camel and horseback riding, hiking, and a ride on the little railway are just a few of the numerous activity options. For a fuller experience, stay overnight in chalets or nearby hotels.
Operating Hours:
- Green Mubazzarah operates 24 hours daily
- Some attractions may have operating hours
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Green Mubazzarah
- However, for different attractions, there may be fees
2. Al Ain Zoo
The Al Ain Zoo, founded by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is a fascinating location for animal lovers. The zoo, which spans 400 hectares and houses over 200 wildlife species, provides an exceptional opportunity to learn about exotic creatures. It emphasizes environmental preservation and resource sustainability as the UAE's largest zoo. The zoo houses and nurtures species before releasing them back into their native habitats, thanks to a specialized conservation facility.
Notably, the zoo has the largest group of Arabian sand cats and is vital to the protection of Dama gazelles. Al Ain Zoo promotes environmental awareness and the necessity of safeguarding endangered species via educational projects.
Operating Hours:
- Al Ain Zoo operates daily from 15.00 to 22.00
Entrance Fee:
- AED 31,50 (around USD 8,50) per adult and AED 10,50 (around USD 2,80) for children
3. Hili Archaeological Park
Al Ain's Hili Archaeological Park provides an enthralling journey through the regional Bronze Age and Iron Age history. It features well-preserved villages, graveyards, and agricultural systems from 3000 BCE to 300 BCE as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the spectacular Grand Tomb and Hili Site 1 tower, the park has the largest collection of tombs and buildings from the Umm an-Nar era.
These old structures demonstrate the era's mastery of architecture. Another nearby formation, Hili 10, has a circular wall and a central well that resembles a previous stronghold. Discover the fascinating heritage of Al Ain by exploring this archaeological gem.
Operating Hours:
- Hili Archaeological Park operates daily from 16.00 to 23.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Hili Archaeological Park
4. Hili Fun City
Hili Fun City in Al Ain is a must-see amusement park with 28 exhilarating rides and fun activities for the whole family. Children may have a blast at the Flying Clowns attraction with brightly painted carts that ascent into the air. In Circus Train, people can drive or take in the sights from the comfort of a passenger wagon while listening to music.
The ice rink, which was built in 1987, serves as the home ground for the Abu Dhabi hockey team and is available for skating and ice hockey. Thanks to positive reviews, Hili Fun City's ice rink and thrilling rides are very popular among adrenaline seekers and families. Visit Hili Fun City on your itinerary for a fun-filled day to remember.
Operating Hours:
- Hili Fun City operates daily from 17.00 to 23.00
Entrance Fee:
- All-inclusive tickets cost AED 60 ( around USD 16) per person from Wednesday to Saturday and AED 30 ( around USD 8) on Mondays and Tuesdays
5. Al Ain Adventure
At the base of Jebel Hafeet Mountain is Al Ain Adventure Park, which provides an exciting and enjoyable experience for the whole family. The park is ideal for exhilarating sports like rafting and kayaking due to being one of the first artificial whitewater rafting channels in the Middle East. A surfing wall, wakeboarding facilities, swimming, and splash pools are also included.
Adventurers can participate in a thrilling aerial course featuring a 14-meter-high swing, a 1,200-meter zip line, 18 obstacles, and a vertical climb line. The park is perfect for corporate trips, sporting events, and team-building activities. Even packages with lodging and airport transfers are available for visitors.
Operating Hours:
- Al Ain Adventure operates daily from 11.00 to 19.00
Entrance Fee:
- All-day access pass costs AED 195 (around USD 53) per person
- All-day access pass costs AED 115 (around USD 31) per child
6. Al Jahili Fort
One of the largest forts in the United Arab Emirates, Al Jahili Fort, serves as a royal summer retreat and a symbol of power. It provides a fascinating look into history and was constructed by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa in the late 19th century. The fort was built to subjugate the surrounding tribes and used as the ruler's summer residence.
Al Jahili Fort nestles in the mild climate of Al Ain and was converted into the headquarters of the British Army in the 1950s after being abandoned for a while. It now stands as a monument to the past, holding exhibitions and a visitor center, after restorations. Explore the fascination of the Al Jahili Fort and its fascinating history.
Operating Hours:
- Al Jahili Fort operates daily from 09.00 to 19.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Al Jahili Fort
7. Jebel Hafeet
Explore the magnificent Jebel Hafeet Mountain, a well-known landmark. It soars to a height of 1,249 meters and offers panoramic views over the beautiful city of Al Ain and breathtaking dawn and sunset views. The family-friendly Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is located at the base of Jebel Hafeet and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camel rides.
Learn about the Bronze Age Jebel Hafeet Tombs and other ancient archaeological relics. The park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites tourists to camp and explore its dynamic nature, maintaining history and biodiversity.
Operating Hours:
- Jebel Hafeet operates daily from 11.00 to 23.00
Entrance Fee:
- AED 10 (around USD 2,70) per adult and AED 5 (around USD1,30) for children
8. Al Ain Palace Museum
At Al Ain Palace, one of the most prominent museums, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the UAE. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first President of the UAE, lived in this notable historical location. Get a glimpse into the ruling family's and the community's lives and learn about their customs and history.
The palace, which underwent renovation in 1998, exhibits a combination of modern design and traditional Emirati elements. Its distinctive architecture blends the past and present in a fascinating way using sustainable resources. Explore this cultural gem to connect with the heritage of the UAE.
Operating Hours:
- Al Ain Palace Museum operates daily from 09.00 to 19.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Al Ain Palace Museum
9. Al Ain Oasis
Al Ain Oasis, a stunning refuge in the "Green City" of Al Ain, is the perfect place to get away from the busy metropolis and unwind. This gorgeous oasis covers 1,200 hectares, with 147,000 date palm trees, a wide variety of plants, and historic Aflaj irrigation systems. As you head through the centuries-old canals that bring water from far-off mountains, you can explore the rich heritage of this UNESCO Cultural Site.
Enjoy the greenery while listening calming sounds of nature. You can use an electric buggy, a rented bicycle, or foot to explore the oasis. The educational Eco-Centre is a must-visit if you want to learn more about this natural wonder.
Operating Hours:
- Al Ain Oasis operates daily from 09.00 to 17.30
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Al Ain Oasis
10. Qasr Al Muwaiji
Popular historical landmark Qasr Al Muwaiji is a famous mudbrick fortress that has influenced the country for over a century. Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, resided here. Explore the fort's magnificent architecture and its use as a place for community gatherings.
Visit the exhibition space to learn more about Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's life and accomplishments. Discover the significance of water in Al Ain while touring the nearby Muwaiji Oasis, which is home to a plethora of palm trees. Qasr Al Muwaiji is a must-see location for history enthusiasts and serves as a tribute to the UAE's past.
Operating Hours:
- Qasr Al Muwaiji operates daily from 09.00 to 19.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Qasr Al Muwaiji
11. Al Qattara Center for the Arts
Visit the Al Qattara Arts Center to take in Al Ain's thriving artistic and cultural scene. It offers a venue for both appreciating art and expressing one's own creativity. This center, which opened its doors in 2011, provides a variety of cultural events and workshops for people of all ages which celebrate local practices and artistic traditions.
The center offers a fostering environment for artistic expression with studios for music, handicrafts, drawing, painting, pottery, calligraphy, and more. Al Qattara Arts Centre is a refuge for art lovers and a center of culture in Al Ain, complete with an exhibition hall, gallery, library, and café.
Operating Hours:
- Al Qattara Center for the Arts operates daily from 08.00 to 20.00
Entrance Fee:
- AED 20 (around USD 5) per person
12. Bawadi Mall
Enjoy an extravagant shopping experience at Bawadi Mall, the biggest mall in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. It's a fashion lover's heaven with more than 400 stores offering a variety of international and local brands, including designer labels. At the food court and casual dining outlets, indulge in a variety of gastronomic delicacies.
A ski village, roller coaster, movie theater, and bowling alley are among the family entertainment options available at the mall. Explore shops filled with unique souvenirs like gold, carpets, and handicrafts that capture the spirit of the region. At Bawadi Mall, you may eat, shop, and capture cherishable moments.
Operating Hours:
- Bawadi Mall operates Sunday through Thursday from 10.00 to 22.00
- On Fridays and Saturdays, it operates from 10.00 to 00.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Bawadi Mall
13. Al Ain Mall
Al Ain Mall, Al Ain's premier shopping and entertainment destination since 2001, beckons you to explore its charms. This famous mall has shaped the city's identity and enthralls tourists and locals. Al Ain Mall houses 350 renowned stores and 60 upscale restaurants and cafes, providing a singular shopping and dining experience that is only available here. Enjoy unmatched entertainment choices, such as a full-sized ice rink, a bowling alley, a pool hall, and the Grand Cineplex.
The mall has architecture that honors Al Ain's rich legacy, draws over 12 million tourists each year, and is a popular spot for tourists. Take advantage of year-round promotions with luxurious grand prizes and a lively ambiance to ensure a satisfying shopping experience.
Operating Hours:
- Al Ain Mall operates Sunday through Thursday from 10.00 to 22.00
- On Fridays and Saturdays, it operates from 10.00 to 00.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Al Ain Mall
14. Souk Al Zafarana
You can find the core of Emirati culture at Al Ain's Souk Al Zafarana, a hidden treasure only 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi. This modern marketplace offers an authentic shopping experience by elegantly displaying traditional attire, incense, spices, henna, oud, and Arabian coffee pots. Don't miss Mubdia Village, a women-only enclave with female shop owners.
Located near Al Jimi Mall, Souk Al Zafarana is perfect for families, individuals, and couples looking for authentic and unforgettable shopping experiences. At Souk Al Zafarana, you can immerse yourself in the colorful ambiance, indulge in Emirati traditions and uncover unique items.
Operating Hours:
- Souk Al Zafarana operates daily from 10.00 to 22.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Souk Al Zafarana
15. Al Jimi Mall
In Al Ain, the alluring garden city of Abu Dhabi, explore Al Jimi Mall, a pioneering shopping destination. Al Jimi Mall, the first mall in the area, is significant historically because it was once a thriving meat and vegetable market in the 1980s. Today, it draws tourists in with a bustling retail landscape that offers a wide variety of shopping attractions.
Find the ease of the Carrefour supermarket, uncover the newest fashions at Centrepoint, improve your home at Home Centre, and surprise your children with the exhilarating Fun City play area. Al Jimi Mall delivers an unforgettable shopping adventure in a setting rich in tradition.
Operating Hours:
- Al Jimi Mall operates Sunday through Thursday from 08.00 to 22.00
- On Fridays and Saturdays, it operates from 08.00 to 00.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Al Jimi Mall
