Sightseeing in Al Ain, UAE

Al Ain, the second most important city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, is an oasis. Al Ain along with Buraimi town is situated in Buraimi Oasis. The city is rich in underground water resources and is therefore rich in agricultural production.

The culturally rich Al Ain has several tourist attractions:

Al Ain National Museum

Al Ain National Museum is a rich museum with a vast collection of artifacts including the archaeological, ethnographical, gold and coin collections. The attempts made to reconstruct and present the traditional lifestyle and majlis are remarkable. One can get the feel of the local culture through the displays of the garments, gold and silver jewelry, household items and utensils. The highlight of the museum is the reconstruction of the Grand Hili Tomb with its rock engravings. The museum also displays the large collection of gifts received by the President from the visiting dignitaries and royalties. 

Forts

There are quite a number of forts in Al Ain. Interesting among these are the Al Muwaiji Fort, Al Rumeilah Fort, Eastern Fort, Hili Fort, Jahili Fort, Mazyad Fort, Mujairib Fort and Murabba Fort. The Al Muwaiji Fort is located within in the date plantation and is closed for renovation. The fort has three towers and tower on the north-west has a remarkable clay window. There is a reconstructed mosque as well in the fort with a separate minaret. Located in the residential area in the northern suburbs, Al Rumeilah Fort is a small walled structure with certain significant architectural characteristics. The Eastern Fort is within the premises of the Al Ain Museum. Built in AD 1910, it is the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. The fort is circled by a wall and has four watchtowers on the four corners.

The Hili Fort is comparatively of recent construction. It is a round fort with a round central tower and is situated on the corner of the huge date palm plantation. The entrance to the fort is highly decorative and the fort offers an impressive view of the Hili Oasis. The Jahili Fort is in its original location near the public gardens. It is restored and is open for public viewing. The Mazyad Fort is built of mud brick walls with a courtyard that has a date palm grove. The fort also possesses ramparts and watch-towers. The Mujairib Fort comprises of the main fort along with a smaller fort and watch-tower. It is enclosed within a park and children’s playground. The fort has several narrows stairways that may interest the tourists. The Murabba Fort is a small fortress enclosed by an embellished wall. It earlier housed the police headquarters as well as the prison.

Oases

With considerable groundwater, the oases around Al Ain are worth watching. Al Ain Oasis is situated near the Al Ain Museum in the heart of the city. The date palm plantations are sectioned into a number of small farms with permanent access for pedestrians and farmer’s vehicles. There are two mosques as well within the plantation. Qatarrah Oasis is important because of a long history of human habitation around this belt. It is also a significant archaeological site. The falaj irrigation system is noteworthy, which is preserved in the working condition. The site of the Date palms, fruits and greenery are pleasing to the eyes in the desert. Hili Oasis is a date plantation near the Hili and Al Rumeilah Forts.

Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium

Opened in 1969, Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium has prospered and have acquired a rare collection of animals over the years. The large part of the area of the zoo is habited by the Arabian antelopes, African antelopes and deer. The zoo also provides perfect condition for breeding of these animals. Besides, gorillas, monkeys, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas and tigers are also found in the zoo. The zoo also has a reptile house and volaries. The zoo actively carries out research programs especially for the endangered native species.

Hili Fun City

It is the largest theme park in probably the whole of Gulf. You can amuse yourself with more than 40 rides and attractions such as slides, sky flyers, roller coasters etc. The Hili Fun City also organizes an annual festival to celebrate the culture and history of UAE. Besides the rides, food outlets, souvenir shops and picnic facilities are provided during the festival.

Parks You have not seen the entire Al Ain if you have not visited the gardens of this city. The plants and greenery is due to planned forestation programme carried out over a period of time to make the city lush and vibrant even in the desert conditions. The best among all is the Central Public Gardens, which has an impressive fountain.

The fountain changes shapes and displays colorful lighting. There is a huge adventure playground for children thus making it a popular haunt amongst children.

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