The Garden Oasis

Al Ain, a welcome retreat in the desert. Birthplace and beloved retreat of ruler His Highness Sheikh Zayed, the city is located 150km inland from Abu Dhabi, built around an oasis where old falaj irrigation systems can still be seen amid the palm groves. 

The low-rise city centre sprawls at the foot of the Hajar mountains, where a switchback highway snakes up Jebel Hafeet to afford visitors' spectacular views across the desert to Oman. Al Ain is more than just a holiday home; however, acting as host to the university of the United Arab Emirates, as well as an agricultural centre with a large number of working and experimental farms. 

It also has more than 10,000 hectares of parks and gardens; a host of archeological remains, many of which are on display in the fort museum in the city centre; a large zoo, home to endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx, and a weekly camel market, plus tourism attraction such as the Hili Fun City amusement park, the Ain Al Fayda resort and boating lake, nearby Buraimi oasis in Oman and the fossicking potential of Fossil Valley. 

And, for the increasing number of overseas tourists, Al Ain is also a perfect jumping off point for excursions into the desert, overnight safaris or adventurous hikes up the mountains slopes.