Al Ain
The Garden City
General Information
Common Name: -
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Area: 0
Languages Spoken: -
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: - to - and -
International Access: Al Ain has its own international airport, but the vast majority of flights arrive at Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Description
Al Ain (literally The Spring), also known as the Garden City due to its greenery, is the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates. It is located next to, and virtually merged with, the Omani town of Buraimi, approximately 160 km east of the capital Abu Dhabi and about 120 km south of Dubai. Al Ain is the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, and it has the country''s highest number of Emirati nationals. Al Ain is located in Abu Dhabi, inland on the border with Oman. The freeways connecting Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai form a geographic triangle in the center of the country, each city being roughly 130 kilometers from the other two.Location
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Experience life on the fast lane with Middle East’s most advanced go- karting facility that is also one of the best in the world too for the facilities offered by it. This 1.4km raceway hosts some of the biggest annual events of the global karting calendar such as the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals and several others. Its fully floodlit circuit offers an exhilarating rush to your senses and challenges your capabilities as a driver to the fullest. Though exclusive usage of the circuit needs to be booked in advance the place is open for public on all days where they can test themselves on some top of the line intrepid brand rental cars. 
Home to around 4000 animals of which around 30 percent of the total species are considered to be endangered in the world, Al Ain Zoo is 900 hectare park where animals are kept in enclosures resembling their natural habitats. In order to conserve animals better, the zoo even has partnership with several other top wildlife parks and resorts of the world. In addition to the wildlife enclosures, there is plenty of green space for family picnics, cafeterias, and a tour by train of the whole region. Some truly enjoyable interactive activities that will make your day at the zoo a whole lot of fun are giraffe feeding, camel riding, Elezba petting and several others. Another special feature of the zoo is the specially designated children’s area that offers a heady mix of entertainment and fun filled education for the little members of your family. There is a special recycling garden, mixed use play area, native plant garden and a vegetable, fruit and herb garden that will offer a truly enjoyable horticultural lesson to all your little ones. Timings: 7am to 6pm
Located adjacent to the beautiful Al Hosn Palace, Al Ain National Museum showcases the unique culture and history of the city at its best. The museum has been divided into three sections depending upon the various aspects of lifestyle it illustrates- ethnography, archaeology, and gifts. The Ethnographical section represents the day to day life of people of the region. Exhibits in this section include reconstructed traditional majilis, household items, utensils, jewelry as well as a huge reconstruction of the Grand Hili tomb complete with its rock engravings. Archaeological section displays include exhibits dating back to the bronze and iron ages. The gifts section is dedicated to the unusual gifts sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan received during its reign including a golden palm tree, a dagger, golden swords and several other interesting displays. You will have no problem getting information about each exhibit as they are labeled in both English and Arabic. Closed On: Monday
Timings: 8am to 7:30pm; Friday - 3pm to 7:30pm
Built right along the foothills of the majestic Jebel Hafeet, Wadi adventure is one of first man made kayaking, white water rafting and surfing facility of Middle East. Enjoy the adrenaline rush offered by these exciting water sports activities that make this place the perfect family destination. The 3.3 metre man made surf wave of the park is also the largest in the world as well as the longest kayaking channel network of the world. The park is completely safe too what with certified trainers monitoring you everywhere as well as training lessons provided at every point. You can bring your own rafting or kayaking equipment or rent them out from the park’s own rental shop. 
Al Ain is not known as the ‘Garden City’ for anything. The place is full of greenery right amidst the desert sandy surroundings. Though the plant life is a result of a massive forestation program of the city administration rather than being naturally available, yet it is a welcome respite after all the sandy deserts and sweltering sun. Though the city is full of parks, the most famous and must visit among them is the Central Public garden. With its impressive fountain and lighting displays as well as a huge playground for the children, the park is the most popular among all both among the locals as well as the visiting tourists. Timings: All times open
Hili Fun City is a traditional complete family entertainment destination featuring over forty exciting rides and attractions that include the Dynamic Motion Theatre, looping roller coaster, high flying sky flyer and many other rides and slides. Starting from gentle ones for the little members, to family roller coasters to thrilling rides for the more grownups, the place has something for everyone. Though the place is one of the first theme parks of the gulf, it is also one of the largest and the most popular of all in the region. Adding to the charm of the place are its beautifully shaded gardens with special designated BBQ areas that are just the ideal place for a family picnic. Recent renovation of the park has led to an increase in the number of rides too with the addition of various modern favorites such as Gyro Tower and Laser Dome. There is also an annual festival held at the park every year to celebrate the history and culture of UAE. In this, various international shows are organized in the park’s amphitheatre transforming the environment into that of a carnival atmosphere with people visiting from round the country. Closed On: Sunday
Timings: September to May: Fridays& Saturdays- 12pm to 10am and Monday to Thursdays- 4pm to 10pm June to August: Fridays & Saturdays- 4pm to 10pm and Monday to Thursday- 5pm to 10pm
Remarks: Wednesdays reserved for ladies only
Said to be the highest peak of Al Ain and the second highest in whole of UAE, Jebel Hafeet is atowering rocky mountain that borders Oman and stands guard over the citizens of Al Ain. Made of the craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions and millions of years, the place forms an important part of the city’s history. In fact, significant fossil discoveries and as many as 500 burial tombs dating back to over 5000 years ago have been discovered in the foothills. For those who love to hike or indulge in mountain climbing or cycling, the place offers a great opportunity via its winding highway that has also been described as ‘One of the greats driving roads of the world’. Reach the top and you will a find a view that will make up for all the sweat and the effort you put in reaching there.