It’s nice sometimes just to get out of the city. What’s happening in Al Ain these days?
What isn’t happening in Al Ain?
Okay, what isn’t happening in Al Ain?
It’s just a figure of speech.
So there is something happening in Al Ain?
Of course. Why else would we be here?
Go on, then. What are we looking at?
An iconic monument to the country’s past, that’s what. This is Al Jahili Fort, a building that has stood guard over Al Ain since 1891. It was constructed to protect the city and nearby palm groves.
It still looks in good shape.
Yes, the fort has been carefully restored and is one of the best examples of its type in the country. And you’re free to roam around the buildings and to climb the tower. You get some lovely views of palm trees and oases that show why Al Ain is referred to as the Garden City.
Anything in particular to pay attention to inside?
It’s nice just to explore at your own pace, looking in the rooms and getting an idea about how life used to be in the UAE. Just be careful not to get trapped in one of the dark rooms with a small door. Not that we got stuck or anything…
Right, we’ll be careful of that.
Oh, and there’s also a permanent exhibition about the British explorer Wilfred Thesiger. He crossed the vast Rub Al Khali desert with Bedouins during the 1940s, embarking on an epic journey from Salalah in the far south of Oman all the way to Abu Dhabi. The exhibition includes a number of Thesiger’s belongings and photographs of his adventures.
Hang on a second, I recognise this building. Where have I seen it before?
The main tower of the fort is on the bottles of Al Ain Water. It also adorns the badge of the UAE’s most successful football team, Al Ain FC.
Only near Al Jahili Fort
Al Ain Rotana
This family-friendly hotel is just across the road from Al Jahili Fort. It has comfortable rooms and suites, plenty of pools, tennis courts and some good restaurants. The dining options include a branch of the popular Tiki bar Trader Vic’s. This hotel is also a great base from which to explore Al Ain itself.
Al Ain Rotana, Zayed Bin Sultan Street (03 754 5111).
