Al Ain: A city rich in Culture & History

Al Ain, is a city of United Arab Emirates which is located in the eastern region of United Arab Emirates. This city offers a blend of modernity and tradition. There is so much greenery and Natural Springs, Hence, AlAin city is known as “Garden City”. Someone who is a nature lover, along with history and culture of United Arab Emirates, this city is best option for that.

City Attractions:

Al Ain National Museum:

At the National museum of Al Ain you will learn the rich history and culture of the city . This museum features the exhibits on natural history, ethnography and archeology.
This museum is temporarily close.
The archaeology section of the museum has artifacts from the mesopotamian era, items from bronze age, 5000 year old pots, items like weapons, jewellery and pottery vessels. Customs and traditions of Lifestyle, education, agriculture, medicine and daily life can be seen in the ethnography section.

Gifts section

This museum covers the items given to Sheikh Zayed from around the world such as Moon Rock gifted by NASA.

Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

Al Ain’s historical and cultural significance can be explored at the former palace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The founding father of United Arab Emirates, his legacy and life can be seen at this palace.

History:

In 1937 the palace was built which later, until 1966 served as the residence of Sheikh Zayed and his family. In 1998, it was restored and converted to museum.

Exhibits:

Sheikh Zayed’s life and achievements like personal belongings, documents and photos are featured as exhibits at the Museum.
The traditional Emirati Culture is also displayed at the museum such as traditional jewelry, artifacts and clothing which shows the rich cultural heritage of UAE.
The palace also gives the glimpse of the royal family and their lifestyle as rooms were restored Including the bedrooms, kitchen, the majlis (reception area).
The palace also has a courtyard and garden which is a tranquil oasis and perfect for relaxation.

Location

The location of this palace is near Al Ain Oasis in United Arab Emirates.
Other Information
The timings for visiting palace are 9am to 5pm from Saturday to Thursday and 3 pm to 5pm on Fridays
The entry fee is AED 3 approximately 0.80 USD per person. And guided tours are available for Arabic and English both languages.
In Al Ain, Sheikh Zayed Palace is a must visit place, which is offering a rich Cultural Heritage of UAE and unique insight into the life of Sheikh Zayed, founding father of United Arab Emirates.

Jebel Hafeet

Mount Hafeet or Jebel hafeet is United Arab Emirate’s highest peak. Jebel Hafeet is located in Al Ain which offers beautiful city views and landscape. The height of this mountain is 4068 feet (1240 meters) above the sea level.

Attractions

The landscape of city can be observed from this mountain and tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of the city along with breathtaking views.
The Mountain trails are suitable for all skill levels and it’s a good place to go for trekking and hiking. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain road is perfect for road trips along with scenic views.
This mountain in Al Ain has archaeological sites and caves with shows the rich history of the city. Natural hot springs are also present in which you can relax and have therapeutic properties.

Hotel

Jebel Hafeet Mercure Hotel is a luxurious hotel which offers different amenities and amazing views. This hotel is located at the top of the mountain at a height of 3000 feet.
Jebel Hafeet Mercure Hotel Al Ain has 124 rooms and suites offering Superior rooms, Deluxe rooms, Presidential Suites and Executive Suites.
Different amenities are offered by the Hotel such as fitness facilities, Spa, swimming pool and water slide. Private indoor car parking and free WiFi also available.
Jebel Hafeet Mercure Hotel has different dining options like Le Belvedere, Eden Rock Orient Cafe, Al Khayama, and Lawrence’s Bar. Different shuttle services are also provided by this hotel along with wheelchair accessibility, car park, meeting rooms and room services.

Some Facts about Jebel Hafeet Mountain

Fossil discoveries were made on this mountain which dates back to a million years. The minerals and rock formation on the mountain is very unique which makes it an attractive site for geologists. The historical significance of this mountain is that it had been an important landmark for centuries. It was featured in ancient trade routes in historical accounts.

Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain oasis is the natural and ancient oasis, UNESCO world heritage site, in which you can wander through the lush oak groves and natural springs. It is a very popular site for tourists and major destinations in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. This natural oasis is located in the heart of Al Ain city.

Features

There are over 147,000 date palms in this oasis which creates a lush and tranquil atmosphere. Where is a traditional irrigation system, an ancient falaj which dates back to the Iron Age. Here are few archeological sites at the oasis which were uncovered during excavations. These sites uncovered the evidence of human settlement which dates back to the Neolithic period.
Al Ain Oasis is a habitat for many insects, plants and birds. There are walking trails for tourists to discover and explore the oasis’s secrets.

Guides are available for guided tours they share knowledgeable information related to oasis’s history, significance and culture. Some cultural events and festivals are celebrated at Oasis which shows the Emirati tradition and heritage.
The Al Ain Oasis gives an unforgettable experience for tourists, and also a unique blend of natural beauty, culture and history.

Ticket and Timings

Opening hours of Oasis are 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday to Thursday and 3pm to 5pm on Fridays. AED 3 is entry fee of Oasis which is approximately 0.80 USD per person.
The location of Oasis is near the Al ain Palace Museum, in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Al Ain Zoo

The Al Ain zoo is known as Al Ain Wildlife park & Resort too. The focus of this zoo is towards conservation. This zoo is located in Al Ain, united Arab Emirates on 900 hectares. It’s a popular destination among tourists.
Some features about this zoo are as follows:

Animals:

There are over 4000 animals from around the world. Some endangered and rare species are also found here like Sumatran tiger and Arabian oryx. There is also a variety of primates, reptiles, birds and big cats.

Attractions:

Other attractions of this place include, a large enclosure simulating the African savannah. There is also a whole section dedicated to unique Arabian Desert wildlife. The reptile house has a collection of turtles, lizards and snakes. There is also a bird house which features birds and parrots. Also there is an area for petting animals, where children or animal lovers can interact with friendly animals.

Facilities:

There are a variety of cafes and restaurants at the zoo which offer different dining options. Play areas for kids are also available. There are cycling and walking trails for the tourists who want to explore the zoo. Tour guides are also available who share knowledgeable information about the animals and the efforts made towards conservation.

Conservation

The conservation efforts made by the zoo management are as under:
There is a whole breeding program for endangered species. Education and research initiatives are taken by the zoo management in collaboration with international organisations for conservation.

Timings and Tickets

The zoo’s opening hours are from 9 am to 8 pm, daily.
The entry fee is AED30 approximately 8 USD per person. The location of Al Ain zoo is near Jebel Hafeet Mountain, UAE.
The Al ain Zoo is a must visit place for those who love animals, promote conservation and educationists. This place also offers enjoyment for others.

Other things to do in Al Ain:

You can experience the traditional camel ride, the old and traditional transportation mode of UAE.
Or You can visit the souks to explore the traditional market of Al Ain, UAE, where you can find everything from spices to souvenirs.
Here you must enjoy the local cuisine by trying the traditional Emirati dishes like luqaimat and machboos.
You can also explore the surrounding wadis ( dry river beds) and mountains by going hiking.
Soak in the natural hot springs and take a relaxing bath at Al Ain Springs Hotel.

Al Jahili Fort

History

Al Jahili Fort was built in 1891 to protect palm farmers around Al-Jahili Oasis. It was later seized by the former Oman coastal scout for its operation to protect the mountain lanes and to preserve the inter-tribal peace.

Location

The fort is located in the southern part of the city of Al Ain, close to Al Ain palace and Museum. It is situated at Sultan Bin Zayed Al Awwal Street, Al Mutawaa, Al Ain.

Architecture

The fort is square-shaped and has a length of 35 meters and a height of 8 meters. It has three round watchtowers and a rectangular watchtower on the northwestern corner.

Restoration

The fort was restored by the Department of Antiquity and Museum in Al Ain during the mid-1980s. It was later restored again by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage in 2008.

Timings and Ticket:

The fort is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays are closed. The entry to the fort is free.

Conclusion

Al Ain is a city that offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. From its rich history and culture to its natural beauty and modern attractions, there’s something for everyone in this hidden gem of the UAE. So come and discover the charm of Al Ain for yourself!
Also remember to respect local regulations, environment, and culture when visiting Al Ain as we should respect other cultures. Enjoy your trip!

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