Al Ain Region is an oasis of calm and natural beauty. Known as the Garden City, it offers travellers a refreshing change of pace with palm groves, natural springs, ancient tombs, cool shaded oases and the dramatic rise of Jebel Hafit on the horizon. It is a place where history feels close, nature feels abundant and everyday life moves to a different rhythm.
For visitors from across the region, Al Ain Region offers space to breathe, discover heritage and reconnect with tradition. For agents, it is an essential complement to Abu Dhabi City and a destination that suits families, culture lovers, nature seekers and anyone looking for a calm and more meaningful escape.
Why travellers love Al Ain Region
Al Ain Region is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited places, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where natural beauty and heritage are perfectly combined.
- Oases with shaded paths, falaj channels and thousands of date palms
- Centuries-old forts and archaeological sites
- Wildlife encounters and desert adventures
- Mountain views and quiet desert nights
It is a living museum worth every second spent exploring its stories and secrets.
Travel essentials
Al Ain Region is easy to explore and ideal for short trips or multi-day itineraries.
- Ideal duration: 1–2 days for the main highlights, longer for desert parks and cultural stops
- Getting around: Taxis, private cars and organised tours operate widely
- Dress code: Modest clothing for religious and heritage sites
- Location: Approximately 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi by road
Al Ain Nature and heritage highlights:
Al Ain Oasis
Al Ain Oasis is the city’s most serene landmark. Fed by an ancient falaj irrigation system, it offers cool, shaded pathways lined with thousands of palms. Visitors can walk, cycle or simply sit under the trees and enjoy a quiet moment in one of the region’s most historic agricultural landscapes.
Highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Shaded paths and traditional falaj channels
- Ideal for relaxed, unhurried exploration
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Qasr Al Muwaiji is a beautifully restored fort that once housed the Abu Dhabi ruling family. It now shares stories of leadership, heritage and Emirati history through exhibitions that sit within traditional clay walls and open courtyards.
Highlights:
- Restored fort with elegant architecture
- Exhibits celebrating national heritage
- A calm cultural stop in the heart of Al Ain
Jebel Hafit and Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Jebel Hafit is the highest peak in Abu Dhabi and one of Al Ain Region’s most impressive natural landmarks. The mountain offers sweeping views and a stunning sunset, while the surrounding desert park introduces travellers to early civilisation, regional traditions and outdoor adventures.
Highlights:
- Scenic hiking and cycling routes
- Camel and horse riding
- Neolithic archaeological sites and 5,000-year-old tombs
- Camping options from simple tents to bubble stays
- Exceptional stargazing in quiet desert skies
Al Ain Museum
The UAE’s oldest museum offers a journey from the Stone Age to the present. Recently redeveloped, it now displays artefacts such as flint tools, pottery and copper weapons, along with a rare moon rock gifted by NASA.
Highlights:
- Opened in 1969, now fully modernised
- Exhibits spanning millennia of regional history
- Well curated galleries for families and culture lovers
Al Jahili Fort
Built in the 1890s by Sheikh Zayed the First, Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE’s most admired heritage sites. Its sand-coloured walls, landscaped gardens and permanent exhibition on explorer Wilfred Thesiger make it a must-see cultural landmark.
Highlights:
- Distinctive clay architecture
- Award winning restoration
- Peaceful grounds ideal for photography and quiet reflection
Wildlife and outdoor adventures
Al Ain Zoo and Al Ain Safari
Al Ain Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals and remains one of the region’s most important wildlife destinations. The 217 hectare Al Ain Safari offers guided experiences led by expert Emirati rangers, giving travellers an up-close look at African and Arabian wildlife.
Highlights:
- Lions, rhinos, hippos and Arabian oryx
- Walk through lemur habitat
- Giraffe feeding sessions
- Wildlife train tours
- Private dining beside the lion habitat
Al Ain Sportplex
A lively destination that blends adventure with local culture. Visitors can race on a 1.6 km karting track, enjoy paintball and sports facilities, or explore the Heritage and Culture Village for souks, cafés and performances.
Highlights:
- Outdoor karting circuit
- Various sports activitie
- Heritage and Culture Village with traditional storytelling and crafts
Markets and authentic culture
Souq Al Qattara
Located between the Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases, this restored mid-20th century market offers traditional crafts, local products and an opportunity to meet Emirati artisans.
Highlights:
- Handmade crafts and cultural displays
- A relaxed introduction to Emirati traditions
- A calm stop woven into the oasis landscape
Al Ain Camel Market
One of the last remaining traditional camel markets in the UAE and a fascinating look at local culture. Visitors can observe trading activity in the morning when the market is most lively. Visits must be arranged in advance and supervised by staff for safety.
Highlights:
- Authentic cultural experience
- Active trading during morning hours
- Easily accessible from central Al Ain
Ramadan in Al Ain Region
Ramadan brings a special atmosphere to Al Ain, with cultural evenings, quiet oasis walks and traditional hospitality at its heart.
- Iftar at historic landmarks
Enjoy traditional iftar menus at venues overlooking Al Ain Oasis, Jebel Hafit, or within heritage-inspired settings that highlight the spirit of the season.
- Night visits to Al Ain Oasis
Walk the shaded paths of the UNESCO-listed oasis in the cool evening air, with falaj channels, palm groves, and ambient lighting creating a peaceful Ramadan atmosphere.
- Taraweeh moments across Al Ain’s mosques
Mosques around the city welcome worshippers for evening prayers, including beautifully designed community mosques that reflect the region’s architectural heritage.
- Cultural evenings at Al Jahili Fort
Seasonal programmes may include calligraphy demonstrations, traditional storytelling (hakawati), and heritage performances that celebrate Emirati Ramadan traditions.
- Suhoor under the stars
Many desert resorts and camps in the area offer serene suhoor experiences, with quiet views of the dunes and classic Emirati hospitality.
- Ramadan-themed souqs and stalls
Explore small evening markets offering dates, local crafts, Ramadan lanterns (fanous), and seasonal treats such as luqaimat and regag.
- Family nights at Al Ain Zoo
Extended Ramadan hours usually give families the chance to enjoy cooler evenings, wildlife talks, and special dining options.
- Community iftars and charitable moments
Local organisations often arrange community iftars across the city, reflecting the spirit of generosity and togetherness that defines Ramadan.
- Dates, heritage, and falaj tours
Ramadan is an ideal time for guided walks that explore the historic irrigation systems, palm farming traditions, and Al Ain’s role in the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Retail and dining experiences at Al Jimi and Al Ain Malls
Malls typically offer late-night shopping, themed décor, children’s workshops, and special iftar and suhoor menus.
Useful information for travellers
- Getting there: Approximately 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi by road
- Tickets: Al Ain Zoo AED 30 for adults, AED 10 for children; most other sites free or with on-site ticketing
- Timings: Check Visit Abu Dhabi listings for seasonal variations
- Suggested time: One full day for main highlights, two for deeper exploration
Visitors can explore these new attractions with ease using the Abu Dhabi Pass, a fully digital pass launched in collaboration with Etihad Airways, offering seamless access, transport benefits, and exclusive discounts across the emirate.
Conclusion
If Abu Dhabi is the energy, Al Ain Region is the exhale. Its calm, green, cultured, historical, and just the right amount of adventure Whether you want to wander through date-palm oases, climb mountains, pet giraffes, or explore ancient forts, Al Ain Region promises a refreshing break from city life. Travel agents can discover the depth of the region through Experience Abu Dhabi Experts, a platform which provides specialised training to travel professionals worldwide.
Two landmark cultural openings are set to elevate the region’s arts and heritage landscape. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, now open in Saadiyat Cultural District, introduces a transformative 17,000 sqm multi-sensory experience where immersive installations evolve organically with their environment. Later this year, Zayed National Museum will open its doors as the cultural heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, honouring the life and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through world-class galleries, rare artefacts, and immersive storytelling spanning 300,000 years of human history.
So, pack your sunglasses, charge your phone and get ready for a trip where nature meets history… and where every corner looks like a landscape painting.
