Fun times in the garden city: Things to do in Al Ain

• Shopping Destinations
• Historical and Cultural Spots
• Attractions for Families
• Restaurants in Al Ain
• Parks in Al Ain
• FAQs

Al Ain, often called the garden city, can be an excellent retreat for those who want to unwind and enjoy nature and UAE culture at its best. From museum visits to zoo excursions and more, here is our roundup of the best things to do in Al Ain.

Shop till you drop!

Can’t resist a good shopping spree? A visit to these retail retreats can be on your list of Al Ain activities.

Al Ain Mall

The Al Ain Mall houses more than 300 brands, including top fashion labels, home accessories, kids’ fashion, jewellery and more. It also has many entertainment options and more than 60 dining spots for you to enjoy.

• Location: Othman Bin Affan Street, Central District – Al Ain
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Weekdays)| 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Weekends)
• Contact: +971-3-766-0333

Al Jimi Mall

Al Jimi Mall is another retail option among the top shopping spots in Al Ain. Some of the top brands in Al Jimi Mall include H&M, United Furniture, Brush & Blush and more. Visitors can also find many dining spots at Al Jimi Mall, including Costa Coffee, Evan Bakery, Ben’s Cookies and Baskin Robbins. You can even catch a movie or two at Vox Cinemas.

• Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Weekdays) |10:00 am to 12:00 am (Weekends)
• Contact: +971-3-762-3859

Barari Outlet Mall

Whether you are fond of exploring fashion brands or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, Barari Outlet Mall has you covered. Spread across 400,000 sq. ft., it has over 70 shops, a food court and an entertainment centre.

Please note, the timings given below are applicable only for retail outlets at Al Barari Mall.

• Location: 137th Street, Al Dhahir, Al Ain – Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Weekdays) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Weekends)
• Contact: +971-3-704-0777

Souq Al Qattara

Souq Al Qattara is an Arabian-style market nestled in the heart of Al Ain and is popular among those who love to spend time exploring traditional outlets. This retail treasure originally dates back to the mid 20th century. If you are a collector of classic items and antiques, then Souk Al Qattara is an ideal shopping destination for you as it features a wide range of hand-crafted items.

• Location: Hamooda Bin Ali Street, Al Qattara, Al Ain – Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-761-8080

Here are other malls and shopping spots in Al Ain for a shopping spree.

• Bawadi Mall
• Al Foah Mall
• Bawabat Al Sharq Mall

Historical and Cultural destinations in Al Ain

For culture buffs, a trip to these places can be a part of their list of Al Ain things to do.

GET A GLIMPSE OF THE 19TH CENTURY BARRACKS AT AL JAHILI FORT

Built in the 19^th century, Al Jahili Fort is one of the top historical attractions in Al Ain. The fort was developed by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First, the head of the Al Falah family and the leader of the Bani Yas tribe.

Previously home to the ruling family, Al Jahili Fort today has undergone massive restorations, which give visitors a chance to see its architectural evolution. It also features exhibits depicting Bedouin life in photographs captured by the British explorer Wilfred Thesiger.

• Location: Sultan Bin Zayed Al Awwal St – Al Mutawaa, Al Ain
• Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | 02:00 am to 06:00 pm (Friday)
• Contact: +971-3-711-8311

STEP INTO THE BRONZE AGE AT HILI ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

Hili Archaeological Park is an important historical site that contains ancient artefacts dating back as far as 3000 BCE. A site visit is your chance to witness the remains of various villages and agricultural infrastructure from the Bronze Age (3000 BCE to 1300 BCE) and Iron Age (1300 BCE to 300 BCE).

One of the top archaeological sites in the UAE, Hili Archaeological Park is also home to the largest collection of tombs and buildings from the historic period between 2000 BCE and 2500 BCE. With all of these interesting, fascinating relics and remains, the place attracts locals and tourists who are intrigued by the heritage of the region.

• Location: Near Al Ain National Museum Near Dubai Highway, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 09:30 am to 06:30 pm
• Contact: +971-2-666-4442

Explore the timeline of Al Ain City at Al Ain National Museum

Al Ain National Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UAE and was developed by His Highness, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1969. The museum was originally built to maintain a timeline of Al Ain’s history by gathering artefacts from the Stone Age onwards.

Today, the museum houses some of the most well-preserved artefacts collected from various historical sites in the region, including flint tools, ancient pottery vessels and arrowheads. A visit to Al Ain National Museum offers you excellent insight into the evolution of local culture and traditions that define the region.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful Eastern Fort, also called the Sultan Fort, located within the premises of the museum. The fort was built in 1910 by the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed.

• Location: Al Jahili area, Hessa bint Mohamed Street, Central District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-711-8331

LEARN ABOUT THE PRE-OIL BOOM LIFESTYLE AT Al AIN PALACE MUSEUM (QASR AL AIN)

Al Ain Palace Museum or Qasr Al Ain is a fort located on Hessa bint Mohammed Street Al Ain. Al Ain Palace is a beautiful ode to Bedouin architecture. Developed in 1937, this museum building was home to UAE’s first president, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and was later converted into a museum in 1998.

The palace museum and the private residence inside offer an intriguing glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the ruling family and community before the oil boom in the UAE.

One of the exhibits, which is also the most frequented, is the room where palace residents learnt the Holy Quran. This room has the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) engraved in the ceiling.

• Location: Al Ain St – Central District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm| 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm (Friday)
• Contact: +9713-711-8388

APPRECIATE ART AT AL QATTARA ARTS CENTRE

For those of you who appreciate art, Al Qattara Arts Centre is a must-visit. This place houses a huge art gallery as well as an archaeological and heritage exhibition that is popular with both art enthusiasts.

The building of the Art Centre is a historical fort that overlooks the Qattara Oasis and date-palm gardens. You can also register here for art classes for various disciplines, including photography, calligraphy, pottery, sketching and more.

• Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Closed on Friday
• Contact: +971-3-761-8080

LEARN ABOUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ABU DHABI RULERS AT QASR AL MUWAIJI

Grand will likely be the first word that comes to mind when you see the Qasr Al Muwaiji historical fort in Al Ain. From a mudbrick built as a watchtower for the Qasr Al Muwaiji Oasis to serving as a diwan for His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s government, this iconic location has held great historical significance over the years.

You can stand in the glassed-wall space in Qasr Al Muwaiji’s courtyard and take in an exhibit about the history of the fort, its inhabitants and the role of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in forming the nation-state of the UAE. This chronological exhibit also includes other interesting elements, like the importance of the Muwaiji Oasis.

• Location: Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm (Saturday to Thursday) | (03:00 pm to 07:00 pm (Friday) | Closed on Monday
• Contact: +971-3-767-4444

Attractions for Families and Kids

If you have your partner and the kids with you on your trip, here are some great things that they may enjoy in Al Ain.

Take a Road Trip to Jebel Hafeet and camp at Jebel Hafit Desert Park

Jebel Hafeet (also spelt as Jebel Hafit) is the highest mountain peak in Abu Dhabi at a height of around 1,240 metres. The hiking trails of Jebel Hafeet are a mountaineer’s haven and can be explored via mountain biking and trekking.

Activities that tourists can enjoy here include camping at the Jebel Hafit Desert Park. The desert park is a major attraction in Al Ain, located in the foothills of the mountain. You can choose from serviced camping, individual camping and luxury camping options. Besides camping, families can also enjoy horse and camel riding at the park.

Those who do not want to stay over but still want to visit can partake in a family picnic at this beautifully scenic spot. We’d also recommend visitors take buggy tours in the area to enjoy their trip to the fullest.

• Location: Jebel Hafit, Al Ain
• Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-711-8362

Kids will love a visit to Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo is a popular place to visit with friends and family. Take your kids to this amazing attraction home to more than 4,000 animal species, including giraffes, parrots, penguins, horses, camels and more. Visitors can enjoy feeding sessions with different animals, camel rides, bird shows and other activities at Al Ain Zoo.

• Location: Nahyan The First St, Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
• Contact:  +971-3-799-2000

Enjoy Ice-Skating at Al Ain Ice Rink

Looking to gracefully glide across the ice or at least try not to fall over? The ice rink at Al Ain Mall is calling you. This activity is a delightful treat during hot summer seasons in the UAE. The facility caters to adults as well as kids above six years old. Apart from bespoke skating sessions, the rink also arranges regular skating lessons for kids.

• Location: Al Ain Mall, Al Ain
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Weekdays)|10:00 am to 12:00 am (Weekends)
• Contact: +971-3-766-0333

Hop on some crazy rides at Hili Fun City

Hili Fun City is recognised as one of the first theme parks in the UAE. It offers more than 25 rides and activities for visitors of all ages. Hili Fun City in Al Ain has two major entertainment zones, the ice rink and the theme park.

So whether you want to experience ice skating in the desert or ride aboard some crazy rides, this place packs a ton of thrills for all ages.

• Location: Ardh Al Jaw St., Near Hili Wedding Hall – Abu Dhabi Al Ain- Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-784-5542

Plan a picnic at Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain Oasis is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UAE and is known for its breathtaking views and preserved traditional farming systems. The area is spread across 1,200-hectares of agricultural land with more than 147,000 date palms and other fruit trees. It is one of the oases in Al Ain and also among the more popular ones/

Shaded pathways and lush gardens, along with edutainment about the falaj irrigation system, make Al Ain Oasis an ideal weekend getaway for families and friends.

• Location: Al Ain Oasis, Central District – Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-711-8251

Al Ain is home to many popular oases of the UAE. Amongst the other oases that can be explored here are Qattara Oasis, Jahili Oasis and Hili Oasis. A visit to any of these beauty spots is definitely an enjoyable tick off the ‘best things to do in Al Ain’ list.

One of the fun things to do in Al Ain is a trip White Water Rafting at Wadi Adventure Park

Located at the foot of the famous Jebel Hafeet Mountain, Wadi Adventure Park in Al Ain offers several water-based activities for visitors. The park houses the first manmade white water rafting channel. These channels are about 1,100 metres long.

Visitors can also enjoy wakeboarding, swimming, zip-lining, vertical climbing, 14-metre high swings and other adventures. This popular location also has meeting rooms and an event venue for corporate visitors.

• Location: Mbazzarah Al Khadra – Abu Dhabi 
• Timings: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-781-8422

Al Ain Camel Market is a must-visit for tourists who want to explore Arab culture

Camels are the desert ships of Arabia and it is impossible to separate them from Arab heritage. These animals have been a major source of conveyance for Arabs, surviving in the natural atmosphere of hot deserts for centuries. Want a glimpse of the region’s bond with camels? Visit the Camel Market in Al Ain, located around 15-km away from Downtown.

Also known as the Al Ain Camel Souk, this is a place where you can explore different native breeds of camels and learn about the ancient practice of camel farming in the UAE.

• Location: Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Ain
• Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-784-0185

Try out some delicious cuisines from around the world at restaurants in Al Ain

Want to know where to find the best food in Al Ain? Check out these restaurants.

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is an Emirati restaurant in Al Ain and one of the emirate’s top eateries. The menu here includes traditional Arabic food that visitors can enjoy amidst a relaxed ambience.

• Average Price for Two: AED 200
• Location: Souq Al Zafarana, Next to Al Khabisi Hall, Al Jimi, Al Ain
• Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-766-5200 | +971-600-524-646

Jehangir’s

Those who love Indian food can visit Jehangir’s in Al Ain. The restaurant specialises in Mughal cuisine, with butter chicken, lamb chops, biryani and tiger prawns topping the list of favourites.

• Average Price for Two: AED 165
• Location: Level 1, Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain
• Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Contact: +97137545450 | +97137660033 | +971505808191

Coriander Restaurant

Coriander Restaurant is an Indian eatery that specialises in North Indian cuisine and is considered one of the top restaurants in Al Ain. Foodies love their mutton rogan josh, lamb biryani, okra and tandoori fish.

• Average Price for Two: AED 185
• Location: Ground Floor, Entrance 5, Bawadi Mall, Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Khrair, Al Ain,
• Timings: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-784-0500

Foodies visiting the city will find several other great restaurants in Al Ain, including Solidaire Restaurant and Manoushe Street.

Go on a playdate with your kids at the parks in Al Ain

Al Ain is called the green city and for good reason. It has some of the most verdant parks you’ll see across the country. These parks make great family spots, so let’s take a look.

GREEN MUBAZZARAH PARK AL AIN

Surrounded by rocky mountains, Green Mubazzarah Park is a popular family space. The park opened in 2004 and has become one of the major attractions in Al Ain. It also features a hot water spring and a camping corner.

• Location: Mbazzarah Al Khadra – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
• Contact: +971-3-783-9555

AL AIN LADIES PARK (Al BASRA PARK)

Al Ain Ladies Park or Al Basra Park is a community park dedicated to ladies and kids. The park features various facilities, including slides, benches, a play area and more. A range of activities and privacy for female visitors makes this among the best parks in Al Ain.

• Location: 130th St – Al Muwaij’i – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 24-hour
• Contact:  +971-3-767-8862

FAQs about Al Ain activities

What is the meaning of Al Ain?

Al Ain translates to “The Spring” in Arabic

Is Al Ain city fun to visit on the weekend?

Yes, Al Ain is one of the top spots to spend weekends in the UAE. You’ll find everything from natural attractions to historical landmarks and an abundance of entertainment options.

What is there to do in Al Ain for free?

Budget-conscious travellers will be happy to know that there are plenty of free things to do in Al Ain. You can visit Al Jahli Fort, explore Al Ain Oasis and indulge in various activities without spending a Dirham.

Is Al Ain a good destination for road trips in the UAE?

Yes, there are many scenic spots in Al Ain that make it one of the top road trip destinations in the UAE. Residents and tourists in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates can easily travel to Al Ain.

Where to go for riding camels in Al Ain?

There are various places to go for camel riding in Al Ain, including Al Ain Zoo and the Jebel Hafit Desert Park.

Where to go to enjoy ice-skating in Al Ain?

Families and individuals can go to the ice rink at the Al Ain Mall to enjoy ice-skating in Al Ain. Hili Fun City also houses an ice rink where visitors can sign up for skating sessions.

How has Al Ain changed over time?

The city has grown from a village to a large urban centre over the last 30 years.

That concludes our list of great things to do in Al Ain. The garden city is a treasure chest well worth opening. Looking for more details on the fabulous city? Check out our travel guide to Al Ain for a detailed overview of all it has to offer.

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