Plan a day trip and explore these amazing free places to visit in Al Ain
They say the best things in life are free and we agree. Think of fresh air, an abundance of nature and serenity, the city of Al Ain has it all. Even better, all this can be explored without busting that monthly budget! Ready to explore? Put your wallets away and enjoy these places to visit in Al Ain for free.
CULTURAL PLACES TO VISIT IN AL AIN FOR FREE
For culture buffs who want to make the most of their visit to Al Ain, without spending a lot of money, here are some free things to do in the city.
Visit the Hili Archaeological Park
The Hili Archaeological Park is home to famous archaeological sites. The sites date back to the Bronze Age and feature preserved structures like ancient tombs and water channels, making it one of the best archaeological sites in the UAE. Aside from this, there’s a large garden with various plants and flowers that you can visit when the weather is cooler. Entry to the park is free for all visitors.
Marvel at the Al Jahili Fort
Located in the Buraimi Oasis, this picturesque fort is one of the city’s most impressive historic structures. And you can visit it for free! Al Jahili Fort was the former residence of the Al Nahyan royal family many years ago and is now a popular tourist attraction. Made from mud bricks, the massive structure is a sight to behold and makes you marvel at the mastery of the craftsmen that originally created it.
Check out the Al Mezyad Fort
If you love exploring forts, you can also add a visit to the Al Mezyad Fort to your list of free places to visit in Al Ain. Spread across 3,600 sq.mt. this 19th-century fort has more than 40 rooms. It’s a great spot for history buffs who want to explore the local culture in Al Ain.
EXPERIENCE THE MIX OF THE OLD AND THE CONTEMPORARY AT QASR AL MUWAIJI
Looking for more free things to do in Al Ain on the cultural front? Drop by at Qasr Al Muwaiji, a palace built in the 20th century that has also served as the diwan and family home for His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The palace now serves as a contemporary museum showcasing a celebration of the life and achievements of the founding father of the UAE.
The museum provides a historical multimedia tour of the palace, as well as guided tours to those interested in exploring it.
DON’T MISS OUT ON AL AIN PALACE MUSEUM
Entry to Al Ain Palace Museum is also free to visit for anyone who’d like to know more about the history of Al Ain and the royal family’s lineage.
The palace features a distinct internal gate, inscribed with verses of the Holy Quran. There’s also a special room in Al Ain Palace, dedicated to the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him), some of which are also calligraphed on its ceiling.
FREE RELAXING ACTIVITIES IN AL AIN
Want to add some free relaxing activities in Al Ain to add to your list of things to do? Here are a few you can enjoy.
Visit Green Mubazzarah for a weekend getaway
Of all the parks in Al Ain, the Green Mubazzarah is the biggest. This popular picnic spot is located at the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet mountain and is within a two-hour drive from Dubai.
The majestic hills at the base of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak make for quite a setting. Entry to the park is free, however, you have to pay to access the natural hot springs and other activities there.
Explore Al Ain Oasis
A natural wonder you can visit free of cost in the capital is Al Ain Oasis. The 3,000-acre oasis is home to over 147,000 date palm trees and is also one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in the UAE. Take a peaceful walk through the palms, before visiting the Eco-Centre and the Eastern Fort.
The oasis still uses the age-old Falaj irrigation system to supply water to the entire plantation. And you can see it in action for free! There are several other oases in Al Ain and it costs nothing to go and explore them.
FREE ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES IN AL AIN
There’s something free to do in Al Ain for the thrill-seekers out there as well.
BRAVE JEBEL HAFEET!
For that rush of adrenaline, one of the best places to visit in Al Ain for free is Jebel Hafeet. Standing at 1,249m, Jebel Hafeet is the highest mountain peak in the Abu Dhabi region. There are plenty of things to do at Jebel Hafeet, most of which are free. You can hike all the way up to the top or challenge yourself to some mountain biking. Make sure you carry appropriate gear to enjoy this trip to its fullest.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET TO AL AIN FROM DUBAI?
The best way to get to Al Ain from Dubai is to drive there via the E66 highway. Another option is to take a taxi from Dubai.
IS THERE A BUS SERVICE BETWEEN DUBAI TO AL AIN?
There is an Al Ain to Dubai bus service but it’s currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.
With that, we wrap up our guide on the free places to visit in Al Ain and the activities you can enjoy there. Free things aside, there are plenty of other activities in Al Ain that you can indulge in for a small price.
You can go camping in the desert, visit Al Ain Zoo, try out new restaurants or experience white water rafting at the Wadi Adventure Park.
Visiting Al Ain is a popular and rewarding experience, especially for those who love the calmness of nature with a little bit of adventure. You can also plan a day trip from Dubai to Al Ain to make the most of your time in the garden city.
There are plenty of things to do in Dubai too. For example, you can go for extreme adventures in Dubai and test your limits.
