Looking for incredible things to do in Al Ain? Situated in the far east of the UAE, close to the border with Oman, Al Ain is one of the country’s most beloved spots for its history, green spaces and culture.
They don’t call Al Ain the Garden City for nothing, with loads of stunning flower gardens and parks to explore, it can be a a welcome break from the sight of orange dunes. There are also traces of human history dating back over 4,000 years here, remarkable tombs and examples of early irrigation that can’t be found anywhere else in the UAE.
It’s perhaps no surprise that with such deep roots in the history of the region, UNESCO has named some of Al Ain’s treasures on its famous World Heritage List. This beautiful city was also the hometown of the UAE’s founder, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi may hog the headlines when it comes to tourism, but Al Ain offers many things those near neighbours cannot – and with none of the crowds to get in your way. It’s the kind of city where you’ll discover hidden gems in every nook and cranny.
Looking to take a weekend trip to Al Ain? Check out this list of the very best things to do.
Animal encounters at Al Ain Zoo
If you’re looking for things to do in Al Ain, the first item on most people’s to-do lists is Al Ain Zoo. The zoo was founded in 1968 by His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and has a huge animal collection of over 4,300 animals including leopards, wolves, monkeys, lions, tigers, hippos, crocodiles, rhinos, gorillas and giraffes. It’s one of the best-known (and biggest) zoos in the GCC. Watch a penguin parade, feed the giraffes, see the cheetahs go for a run or get up close with lemurs.
For everything you need to know about Al Ain Zoo, click here.
Dhs32 (adults), Dhs11 (kids three-12).Open daily, 3pm-10pm. Shiab Al Ashkhar, alainzoo.ae (800 966).
Art at Al Qattara Arts Foundation
When it comes to arts and culture in Al Ain, Al Qattara Arts Foundation is where it’s at. This is one of the best things to do in Al Ain if you’re looking to paint and draw or take a look at the latest exhibit. The Centre first opened in 2011 and showcases archaeological and heritage exhibits, dry and wet studios for art classes and a gallery with residents’ and citizens’ art. If you’re planning a weekend trip to Al Ain, be sure to check out the programme to see what’s on.
For awesome gigs and concerts coming to Abu Dhabi this year, click here.
Free. Open daily, 9am-8pm. Al Qattara, (03 711 8225).
Camp in the desert
One of the most popular things to do in Al Ain in the winter is overnight camping in the desert. Families and friends pack firewood, camping chairs, karak, water and plenty of snacks for a night of chatting next to the bonfire. You can opt to hang out for the evening or pack a tent and sleep under the stars. Check out Al Ain desert picnic camp, desert camping area or find a spot in the desert near Jebel Hafeet.
For the best camping spots in Abu Dhabi and beyond, click here.
Locations vary.
Drive up Jebel Hafeet
There are few views in the UAE that compare to the one from the top of Jebel Hafeet. If you’re looking for picture-worthy things to do in Al Ain, this should be high on your list. Just jump in your car and take the winding road to the top of the mountain. Below, you’ll see the entire city spread out like a glittering sky of stars.
For the best UAE family road trips, click here.
Al Hajar Mountains.
Explore Al Ain Oasis
Al Ain Oasis is one of the prettiest places to explore when you’re on a weekend trip to Al Ain. The oasis is located in the centre of the city and is free to enter. Get up close and personal with the traditional falaj (an ancient irrigation system) and see over 147,000 date palms and fruit trees. It also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For the best places to walk in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily, 9am-7pm. Central District (03 711 8251).
Glamping at Pura Eco Retreat
Looking for authentic things to do in Al Ain? Pura Eco Retreat is a glamping site at Jebel Hafeet Desert Park that occupies a nine kilometre stretch at the base of Jebel Hafeet – and it looks pretty incredible. The park’s natural surroundings include archaeological and historical remains of ancient habitations. We’re talking the Neolithic period (8,000 years ago) and 5,000-year-old tombs. It has eight skylight domes, five sky bubbles, ten heritage tents and a ten-spot public campsite, so you can choose whichever experience is best for you. Sounds like the ultimate retreat.
For the ultimate UAE beauty spots you need to visit, click here.
Jebel, Hafit, jhdp.ae (03 711 8362).
Ice skating at Al Ain Mall
If you’re looking for ways to keep cool in Al Ain, head to Al Ain Mall for a zip around the skating rink. You’ll find the rink on the ground floor of the mall with families and pro skaters whizzing across the ice. The rink is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to midnight on weekends. One skating session is Dhs30 with your own skates or Dhs35 with rented skates.
Click here for top indoor sports in Abu Dhabi.
From Dhs30. 10am-10pm (Mon-Thu), 10am-midnight (Fri-Sun). Central District, Al Ain Mall, alainmall.net (03 766 0333).
Picnic beside the hotspring at Green Mubazzara
Green Mubazzarah isn’t only a lush green plain in the middle of tall rocky hills (though the view of so much green in the desert makes it well worth the visit) it’s also home to a hot spring that you can dip your feet in. It’s parked at the foot of Jebel Hafeet and is the perfect place for a picnic or a hike.
For the best hiking trails in the UAE, click here.
Jebel Hafeet.
Ride the rollercoasters at Hili Fun City
Hili Fun City opened in 1985 and is the region’s oldest theme park, so it makes sense that it’s enveloped in a heavy blanket of nostalgia. There are loads of classic kids’ rides, a skating rink and performances to see. Grab some snacks and have a jaunt around the park before you pick your first ride. This is one of the most fun things to do in Al Ain.
For UAE sporting events to sign up for this year, click here.
Open Tue-Thu 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 2pm-10pm. Al Hili (03 784 5542).
Safari at Al Ain Safari
Looking to get close to some stunning wildlife on your weekend trip to Al Ain? Al Ain Safari is one of the best things to do in Al Ain for animal-lovers. Safari guides will tell you all about the incredible animals on the safari, which also include zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, antelopes and ostriches. There are a number of different Al Ain Safari tour packages, including private SUV tours and tours in safari trucks. The SUV tours accommodate up to six people while the Safari truck tour accommodates up to 22 people.
For where to see sea turtles in the UAE, click here.
Prices vary. Open daily, 3pm-10pm. Shiab Al Ashkhar, alainzoo.ae (800 966).
Shopping at Bawadi Mall
If you’re looking to shop until you drop during your weekend trip to Al Ain, Bawadi Mall is one of the top malls in Al Ain for a reason. Aside from the many stores to choose from, there’s a cinema, bowling alley, fun city, food court and play area for the kids. Restaurants include TGI Friday’s, Abu Tafish, The Coffee Club and La Brioche. Shops are open from 10am to 11pm from Saturday to Wednesday and from 10am to midnight Thursday and Friday. Entertainment and the food court is open slightly later.
Click here for where to buy houseplants in the UAE.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-11pm;,Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Noud, bawadimall.com (03 784 0000).
Spa day at Zen the Spa
In search of things to do in Al Ain that will make you feel pampered? Zen the Spa at Al Ain Rotana is one of the top locations for a pampering sessions. There’s a couple suite, relaxation rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, plunge pool and hammam to enjoy. The spa is open from 10am to 10pm and offers loads of massage packages and treatments to take advantage of.
For top spas in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Prices vary. Open daily, 10am-10pm. Al Ain Rotana, Al Jahili, rotanatimes.com (03 703 1171).
Stroll through Al Batha Reserve
If you’re after the perfect spot for a stroll on your weekend trip to Al Ain, look no further than Al Batha Reserve. The eco-tourism reserve features a lake, playgrounds and green ghaf trees to lounge under. The lake has ducks on it so be sure to bring some lettuce, frozen peas or sweetcorn if you want to feed them (no bread please, it’s not healthy for them). Sounds like one of the sweetest things to do in Al Ain.
Click here for the best desert safaris in the UAE.
Open daily, 8am-11pm. Al Nabbagh.
Take the kids to Jahili Park
Looking for things to do in Al Ain with the whole family? They don’t call it the garden city for nothing. Al Ain is well known for its public parks and family spaces and Jahili Park is one of the best. Grab a coffee from a nearby café or let the kids run free through the playground or many walking trails. While you’re there, check out Al Jahili Fort, which is one of the largest forts in the UAE.
For the best parks in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily. Al Jahili.
Want to explore more in Al Ain? Click here for everything to know about visiting Al Ain Zoo.
