July 28, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: The attractive things to do in Al Ain, one of the oldest inhabited cities on earth. It sits to the east in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, mixing old ways, nice looks, safe spots for all ages, and fun rides. Known as the “Garden City of the UAE” due to its green spots and trees, this town is a UNESCO site and a top pick for those who want to leave Dubai’s flash or Abu Dhabi’s big show.
If you want a one-of-a-kind trip in the UAE, here are the things to do in Al Ain, like digging into old sites, going up sharp mountains, tasting local foods, and chilling in warm parks.
This guide gives you all you need to know how the things to do in Al Ain trip great: top spots, eateries, places to stay, fun outside stuff, spots for health, shops, local things to do, and more. It comes with full info on each and prices in AED to help you plan things to do in Al Ain your money well.
Best Spots and Things To Do in Al Ain
Walk in Al Ain Oasis (FREE)
This big place holds over 147,000 palm trees, giving calm away from the town. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site of things to do in Al Ain. You can walk, bike (20 AED/hour), or go on an eco-tour to find out about the falaj water ways.
It’s near the city heart, free to get in, and the welcome spot has lots of cool facts about the city’s farm past.
Jebel Hafeet is (FREE)
This big hill is a big part of Al Ain. It’s 1,240 meters high, the second tallest in the UAE, and gives great views of the land, city, and nearby Oman.
Going up the twisty hill road costs nothing, but a taxi might want about AED 60–80 from the city center. Go at sunrise or sunset for a top time.
Green Mubazzarah (FREE)
At Jebel Hafeet’s base, this park is a top pick for families. It has green grass, warm springs, hang out spots, fake lakes, and even small homes for rent.
The warm pools are about AED 10 for grown-ups and AED 5 for kids. Houses start at AED 350 a night, making a comfy family break.
Al Jahili Fort (FREE)
Made in 1891, this big sandcastle-like fort shows the UAE’s past and explorer Wilfred Thesiger’s trips. You can go in free and ask for tours. It also hosts art shows and events in the year.
Hili Archaeological Park (FREE)
Go back 4,000 years at this spot with old tombs, Bronze Age finds, and a pretty park. Best to go early or late to miss the hot sun.
Cultural Trips and Museums in Al Ain
Al Ain National Museum (AED 3)
This is the oldest museum in the UAE and has cool old finds, Bedouin goods, gems, paper works, and weapons. It sits next to the Al Ain Oasis and offers a rich visit.
Grown-ups pay AED 3, kids under 10 go in for AED 1.
Qasr Al Muwaiji (FREE)
The late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed’s birthplace, this palace-now-museum shows the UAE leaders’ life with photos, holograms, and items. It’s free to visit and best in the late day when the sun makes the yard look golden.
Al Qattara Arts Centre (FREE, workshops cost extra)
In a fixed old mud tower, this place boosts art and crafts with shows and classes. Pottery and painting classes are about AED 30–50 each. It’s a spot for local artists and has music, poetry, and art events.
Outdoor Fun and Wild Life Things To Do In Al Ain
Wadi Adventure
By Jebel Hafeet, this is the first fake white-water rafting park in the Middle East. It has rafting (AED 240), kayaking (AED 210), and wakeboarding (AED 150). Children may also play at the splash area and climbing wall. Watching expenses AED 65; four-person family packages start at AED 500.
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo wants to protect animals and educate over 4,000 species, including unusual native ones like the oryx. A ticket is AED 35 for grown-ups and AED 30 for kids. Though they cost extra (AED 200–300 each), safaris are absolutely worthwhile.
Riding camels, feeding giraffes, and conversing with zoo keepers make for more pleasure.
Real Emirati Moment Things To Do In Al Ain
Al Ain Camel Market (No Cost to Enter)
It’s one of the last camel buy-sell spots in the UAE. Here, people trade camels for use in breeding, racing, or farm work. While it’s free to look, getting a guide (which is a good idea) may cost AED 100–150 for an hour. Taking photos is okay, but you should ask first.
Souq Al Qattara (No Cost)
Incense, hand-made baskets, spices, and clay pots are available in an antiquated covered market. It’s great to go in the evening when live traditional music plays. Plan to spend AED 10–50 on gifts.
Date Markets & Friday Souq
Near the Al Buraimi border, you’ll find dates like Medjool at the date market, sold in bulk (from AED 15–30 per kg). The Friday Market near Masafi has fabrics, carpets, and fun odd things.
Places to Eat in Al Ain
Café and Restaurant Al Fanar
At Al Ain Mall, this place brings back 1960s Emirati meals. Try dishes like Machboos (AED 55), Harees (AED 48), or Legemat (AED 25) for real local flavors.
Trader Vic’s at Al Ain Rotana
A fun Polynesian bar-restaurant with tropical drinks and mixed dishes. Save around AED 250–300 for two, food and drinks included.
Paco’s Mexican Restaurant
Also at Al Ain Rotana, Paco’s has a laid-back vibe with Mexican home-style food. You’ll likely pay about AED 120–160 for two.
Al Mallah
A cheap place with Lebanese street food like shawarmas (AED 10–15) and falafel dishes (AED 25–30).
Zest Restaurant (Danat Al Ain Resort)
Known for big buffet meals. Breakfast is AED 80, and dinner buffets cost about AED 140–160 each.
Places to Stay in Al Ain
Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet
Set into the hill, it gives great views. Rooms per night start at AED 320, and come with pools, eat spots, and a short walk to Green Mubazzarah.
Al Ain Rotana
This city hotel is super fancy, with a spa, gym, and a great restaurant. Rooms are AED 450 and up, and suites start at AED 600 per night.
Danat Al Ain Resort
In a palm garden, with tennis, many pools, and a kid’s area. Rooms from AED 350/night.
Ayla Hotels
Central and well-equipped. Rooms vary from AED 280–450/night, based on type.
Shopping in Al Ain
- Bawadi Mall: Over 400 shops including global fashion, a food area, and a movie spot.
- Al Ain Mall: Top brands and local shopping feel.
- Al Foah Mall: Famous for date treats and natural goods.
- Friday Market: Cheap finds including rugs (from AED 50) and local clothes (from AED 60).
Spa, Health, & Chill Time Things To Do In Al Ain
Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs
Going in starts at AED 10, and private family pools rent for AED 100/hour.
Zen the Spa (Al Ain Rotana)
Spa starts at AED 180 for 45 minutes, with full-day choices with jacuzzi, steam, and more from AED 450+.
Suggested 2-Day Plan in Al Ain
Day 1: Culture and Nature
Morning: Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain National Museum
Lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant
Afternoon: Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji
Evening: Jebel Hafeet, Hot Springs, Dinner at Trader Vic’s
Day 2: Animals and Thrill
Morning: Al Ain Zoo
Midday: Lunch at Zest Restaurant
Afternoon: Wadi Adventure
Evening: Souq Al Qattara and Date Market
Travel Advice
Time: From October to April. Reach there by vehicle; Dubai or Abu Dhabi are 1. 5–2 hours away; buses are also available (AED 25–30). Taxis (from AED 12) or rent a car at AED 120–150 per day will help you to go around.
Dress Tips: Wear simple clothes, especially in old places
Money: UAE Dirhams (AED); Cards work most places, but have cash for markets
Heart of the Emirates Trip
Al Ain offers peace away from the city glitz, with real culture to take in. From history and green spaces to trying local foods or relaxing in hot springs, Al Ain is full of surprises.
From living history to modern spaces, and mountains to markets, the things to do in Al Ain is where Emirati stories of old and new gather. So pack up, map your route, and get ready to uncover this green desert gem.
Even after you’ve seen the best things to do in Al Ain like its old finds and fun spots, there’s a lot more to see. If you’re staying longer or planning to come back, these special plans dig deep into the area’s wild spots, culture, and charm. Here are more cool things to do in Al Ain that will lift your trip.
Loving Things to Do in Al Ain
For those looking for a calm and loving get away of the things to do in Al Ain has a lot of close moments:
To the peak with your loved one, see the desert sky turn colors during the golden hour at Jebel Hafeet Drive. Carry food, a warm cover, and let the sweeping vistas set the tone.
Dinner Under the Stars
A few big hotels like Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet and Danat Resort give you your own meal out in the open. They ask for AED 450–600 per pair, with candles, set meals, and still places.
Couples Spa at Zen the Spa
Get massages side by side, hot stone work, or smell good oils at Al Ain Rotana’s big spa. Deals for two cost between AED 400 and AED 900, by how long and things to do in Al Ain like a hot tub or face clean.
Day Trips from Al Ain
If you’re in town for a few days, the things to do in Al Ain is also a start point for short trips into less-known but cool spots:
Al Wagan
South east from the city near the Oman line, Al Wagan gives quiet desert drives, lone palm farms, and looks at old desert ways.
Mezyad Fort & Border Area
Just 25 minutes from the town center, Mezyad Fort is an old safe place from the 19th century with a hill pass close by. Mix this with a stop at the Mezyad border shop, where locals sell cloth and spices.
Oasis Drive Along Al Ain – Sweihan Road
Drive yourself through the outer parts of Al Ain where you’ll go by small date farms, camel herds, and road stands selling fresh pomegranates, watermelon, and dates (Prices range from AED 10–30 per basket).
Photos Hotspots in Al Ain
Things to do in Al Ain is a dream spot for a picture taker from city old spots to wild great looks:
- Jebel Hafeet Summit at Dawn – great for wide land and flying drone shots.
- Al Ain Oasis from the Watchtower – perfect for wide shots of palm tops.
- Green Mubazzarah’s Steam Pools in Early Morning Fog – great for mood shots.
- Al Jahili Fort with Shadow Play at Dusk – the fort’s look glows gold-orange near sunset.
- Camels at Al Ain Camel Market – busy shots, great during morning trades.
Pro Tip: If using a drone, be sure you have the right okay from UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and keep away from line spots.
Eco-Friendly & Green Travel Tips
Al Ain moves towards being green, and as a good guest, you can help the things to do in Al Ain:
- Rent bikes from Al Ain Oasis Visitor Center and go around without hurting the air.
- Back local farms: Some date farms let you tour and sell clean food right there.
- Stay at green places like Ayla Grand Hotel, which uses sunlight and recycles water.
- Get crafts by local makers at Souq Al Qattara or make shops in the Cultural Foundation.
Some local things for sale are:
- Handmade smell burners: AED 25–50
- Woven baskets and mats: AED 40–80
- Clay pots: AED 15–100
Festivals and Season Events
If you time your trip of things to do in Al Ain, you can go to some true and fun things to do in Al Ain when they have festivals:
Al Ain Book Festival (November)
At the things to do in Al Ain, Al Ain Meeting Centre and public book places, this draws people who write, make art, and publish from all over the Arab lands. Many talks are free or cost less than AED 20.
Date Harvest Festival (August–September)
At Al Foah Date Factory and farms close by, visitors can join in old picking, making food demos, and try good things. Entry is usually free, with guided tours from AED 35.
National Day Shows (December 2)
Look out for walks, old dance shows, drone light shows, and big bangs, mostly near Al Ain Mall and the Al Jahili spot.
Ramadan Night Markets
During Ramadan, short night markets pop up selling lamps, praying stuff, sweets, and gifts linked to culture. A good place of things to do in Al Ain to mix with locals and learn about old ways.
Insider Travel Hacks for Al Ain
- Visit Al Ain Zoo Early
- Animals move around more in the morning. Get there at 9 AM sharp to skip crowds and midday heat.
Group Sites by Spot
You can walk or bike to places while visiting to things to do in Al Ain like Al Ain Oasis, the National Museum, Al Jahili Fort, and Qasr Al Muwaiji.It saves you time and money on taxis. You can also catch a bus from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.Use Nol or Hafilat Cards. These smart cards cost AED 5–10 and cut costs for long buses to Al Ain (usual fare AED 25–35).
Use Careem for Short Rides
Instead of old taxis, get Careem or Uber. Rates start at about AED 12, and you can set pick-ups from far spots like Jebel Hafeet or Wadi Adventure.
Stay on a Weekday
Hotel costs drop 20–30% on weekdays. Book from Sunday to Wednesday for best prices.
Language Wall? No problem
Most indications help people speak English well, but uttering a few words in Arabic like “Shukran” (thank you) provides a pleasant touch to your things to do in Al Ain.
Make Your Own Al Ain Plan
Here’s a way to shape your own plan things to do in Al Ain based on how you like to travel:
For Families:
- Morning: Al Ain Zoo
- Lunch: Zest Buffet at Danat
- Afternoon: Hili Fun City or Wadi Adventure Kids Pool
- Evening: Chill at Green Mubazzarah or shop at Bawadi Mall
For Culture Fans:
- Morning: Al Ain Oasis → Qasr Al Muwaiji
- Midday: Lunch with Emirati food at Al Fanar
- Afternoon: Souq Al Qattara and Fort
- Evening: Go to an art event at the Cultural Foundation or hear poetry if planned
For Those Who Seek Big Thrills:
- Morning: Climb Jebel Hafeet or bike trail
- Afternoon: Wadi Adventure (rafting + climbing)
- Evening: Sand racing near Mezyad with a night tent in Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
For People Going Alone:
Many things to do in Al Ain is very safe and easy to walk around. Most parks, malls, and cafés greet people going alone with open arms. Try taking pictures of the sunrise from the top of the hill or writing in your book under the cool palms of the Oasis.
Why Al Ain Must Be on Your UAE List
Some things to do in Al Ain, one has a true charm. It does not try to wow you with tall glass towers or made-up islands. Rather it draws you with the quiet of the desert, palm trees supported by ancient canals, old forts, and smiles from people still stopping to say hello.
Al Ain provides fresh activities to do whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning. The Garden City knows how to astound you with its rhythm, roots, and the deep calm just a city with a rich history can offer.
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