Best Tourist Attractions in Al Ain
1. Al Jahili Fort
A treasure house for the Emirati history and Al Ain ancient era, the Al Jahili Fort is a big bulky fortress that looks like some giant sandcastle. Built-in the year 1891, the architecture served as a defense for the city and save the precious palm grooves. It also served as a headquarter of Oman Trucial Scouts. For a brief period, it served as a home to the local governor. The fort has beautifully landscaped gardens and visitors love to explore it.
Good to Know
- The fort is open from 9 am to 5 PM every day except Friday, when the place is open from 3 PM to 5 PM. The fort remains closed on Mondays.
- There is no entry fee to visit Al Jahili Fort
- It takes around 1-2 hours to explore the entire fort
2. Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
Also known as the Al Ain museum, it has served as a home to Sheikh Zayed- the first president of UAE. Although most of the information inside is in the Arabian language, the photos and galleries speak volumes of the city’s historical past. The interior décor helps a lot in understanding the life led in the bygone era. The birthplace of the current crown prince of UAE-Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this palace museum offers great insights into the royal family of UAE as well.
Good to Know
- The palace museum is open from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM all week, except Monday. The opening hours on Friday is between 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- The opening hours may change during the month of Ramadan. You must check online before planning your visit
- You do not have to pay any entry fee to visit Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
3. Al-Ain National Museum
This informational museum is one of the best Al Ain attractions. It has three different sections including Ethnography- that depicts the daily life of the people during the Bedouin era, the archeology section that has the treasured ruins of ancient times and the gifts section. The ethnography section particularly is of great interest to people as it exhibits the jewelry used during those times, the weapons, the musical instruments, and the recreation of the traditional majlis.
Good to Know
- The opening hours of the museum is between 8:30 Am to 7:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday
- On Fridays, the museum would be open from 3 Pm to 7:30 PM
- The museum would remain closed on Mondays
- The entry ticket for adults is AED3 while that for children under 10 is AED 1
- The museum has a gift shop from where you can buy traditional Arabic souvenirs
- The museum is close to Al Ain Oasis and combining the two places on one day would ideal
4. The famous Camel Souq
Possibly the last remaining traditional camel trading souq in UAE, the Camel souq (market) is one of the best places to visit in Al Ain. Located east of Jebel Haffeet, the camel souq is your best opportunity to get up close and personal with the most loved pets of the Arabs. While you can also oblige to the self-appointed tour guides, it’s always better to walk and explore by yourself. The souq is open from 6am to 7pm. The shops generally close by 11 pm during weekends when the tourist rush is more.
Good to Know
- The operation hours of the camel souk is between 6 AM and 7 PM
- It would take around 2 hours to explore the entire souk
- If you are opting for a tour, decide on the tour fee beforehand
- Do not pet or take pictures of the camels before you negotiate the price
- It would be really crowded and noisy during the early hours. If you want to enjoy the market in peace, visit the Camel Souk during the later hours
- As the place is conservative, it is necessary to dress modestly (both men and women) when visiting the camel souk
5. Hili Archeological Park
With findings dating back to the stone and bronze age, Hili archeological park is one of the most visited tourist places in Al Ain. Surrounded by the Palm oasis trees, the findings displayed are only half of what was excavated. Most of the findings are exhibited at the Al Ain National Museum. Many of its findings date back to the 3rd millennium BCE and keep you in awe of them.
Good to Know
- Hili Archaeological Park remains open from 4 PM to 11 PM throughout the week. On Fridays, the park opens at 1 PM and closes at 11 PM
- There is no entry fee to visit the park
- You can easily spend 1.5-2 hours exploring the park
- If you are visiting during summer, do not forget to apply sunscreen and to bring your hat, umbrella or sunglasses
- As the park is located on the Omani border, you should check out the sand dunes of Oman from the wall behind the play area
6. Hili Fun City
One of the biggest and most famous fun theme parks in UAE- Hili Fun city is one of the most loved tourist places of the Al Ain. With over 40 thrilling rides loved by kids and adults alike, the park excites tourists with its special Sky- flyer. Thousands of visitors visit the park from neighboring places and it is one of the most frequented weekend getaways for the locals.
Good to Know
- The theme park is open from 4 Pm to 10 Pm from Monday to Thursday and from 12 PM to 10 PM from Friday and Saturday
- The place remains closed on Sunday
- The ticket price from Wednesday to Saturday is AED 50 per person and AED 45 on Monday and Tuesday. The ticket includes entry fee and access to all attractions any number of times.
- You cannot bring a bicycle, rollers or any other vehicles inside the park
- Make sure to wear your footwear at all times, as walking barefoot inside the park is not allowed
- You cannot bring any animals or pets inside the park
- Do not spit anywhere inside the park
7. Al-Ain Zoo
Boasting of the largest animal enclosures in the United Arab Emirates, Al Ain Zoo is one of the most revered zoos in the UAE. It has separate big cat enclosures featuring lions, tigers, spotted and black leopards, jaguars, pumas. A dedicated monkey compound, reptile house, and aviary section too. The research facilities and the breeding program of the zoo are especially popular.
Good to Know
- The Al Ain Zoo opening hours are between 9 AM to 8 PM
- The ticket price would vary as per the type of ticket you opt for. The ticket price can vary from AED 31 to AED 236 for adults and AED 10 to AED 94 for children. You can find more information on their official website.
- Always feed the animals of the zoo with the supervision of the zoo staff
- Taking pictures and videos for commercial purposes is not allowed
Conclusion
Al-Ain is not a place to visit for glittery malls and high-rise skyscrapers. It is a destination that you visit to unwind and relax in the calm of the small city and the togetherness of the friends and family. Al-Ain should be visited for the love of archeology, history, and culture.
