Top Things to Do in Al Ain for Culture and Nature Lovers

Al Ain may not have Dubai’s glitz or Abu Dhabi’s skyline, but it offers something far more timeless, a deep connection to the UAE’s roots. Known as the “Garden City,” Al Ain is one of the country’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its sprawling palm oases, mudbrick forts, and desert mountains, the city blends culture and nature in a way no other place in the Emirates quite does.

If you’re a traveller who prefers historic trails over shopping malls and palm groves over high-rises, Al Ain is a must once you have visited the best places in Abu Dhabi. Here’s what to do when you’re looking to slow down and soak it all in.

Visit Al Jahili Fort

Start your day at Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s best-preserved and most picturesque historic sites. Built in the late 19th century to protect the city’s valuable palm groves, the fort has been carefully restored and now houses exhibitions, cultural displays, and open-air courtyards.

You can explore its defensive towers, browse rotating photo exhibition,s and walk through rooms that once hosted British explorer Wilfred Thesiger. It’s a calm, shady spot to spend an hour, and offers insight into the life of Al Ain before the age of highways and towers.

Stroll Through Al Ain Oasis

A short walk from the fort, the Al Ain Oasis is the city’s green lung, a massive 1,200-hectare expanse of over 147,000 date palms, narrow shaded paths, and working farms. It’s quiet, flat, and perfect for walking or cycling. The ancient falaj irrigation system, still operational today, flows through stone channels beside the pathways, offering a gentle soundtrack to your stroll.

There’s also a visitor Eco-Centre with interactive exhibits explaining sustainable agriculture in desert climates. It’s a rare opportunity to see a functioning palm oasis, not just a decorative landscape.

Explore Qasr Al Muwaiji

Just a few minutes away, Qasr Al Muwaiji offers another window into the past. This restored fort is the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s late president. The site includes digital installations, timelines and curated displays that explain how Al Ain played a key role in the country’s history.

The architecture is a highlight: minimal, angular, and designed for both shade and airflow – a brilliant example of traditional Emirati desert design.

Climb Jebel Hafeet

Towering over the city is Jebel Hafeet, the UAE’s second-highest peak and a natural landmark that dominates Al Ain’s skyline. The drive to the top is smooth, winding, and scenic, making it a favourite for sunset chasers, cyclists, and photographers.

At the summit, you’ll find panoramic views across the desert and into Oman. There are a few viewpoints along the route where you can safely pull over for photos. Bring water, a snack, and a light jacket; even during the warmer months, it can be breezy at the top.

Walk Among Tombs at Jebel Hafeet Foothills

Before heading up the mountain, stop at the Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs, a cluster of ancient burial structures dating back over 5,000 years. These dome-shaped stone tombs dot the landscape like something out of a historical film and are part of Al Ain’s UNESCO listing.

There’s little signage, so go with a guide if you want historical context, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and views of the nearby rocky plains. The tombs are open-air and unfenced – visitors are free to walk among them, though care and respect are essential.

Visit the Al Ain National Museum

For a deeper understanding of the area’s history, head to the Al Ain National Museum, located at the eastern edge of the oasis. Though compact, it holds an impressive collection of archaeological finds, traditional weapons, jewellery, and textiles.

The ethnographic section offers a fascinating look at Emirati daily life in the pre-oil era, including Bedouin tools, wedding traditions, and agricultural methods still used in parts of the city. It’s a great follow-up after exploring the oasis and tombs, tying all the threads of Al Ain’s history together. We recommend that you choose a reliable rent-a-car service in the UAE to visit all these places.

Tour the Camel Market

No visit to Al Ain is complete without a walk through the Camel Market, the last of its kind in the UAE. This is not a tourist gimmick – it’s a working market where local herders buy, sell, and trade camels for racing, breeding, and meat.

You’re welcome to look around, take photos (ask first), and talk to the vendors who are generally friendly and happy to explain the differences between breeds. Expect strong smells, a bit of dust, and a lot of character. Go in the morning when it’s busiest.

Cool Off at Al Ain Zoo and African Safari

For families or animal lovers, Al Ain Zoo offers a full day of shaded pathways, interactive experiences, and animal encounters. You’ll find native Arabian species like oryx and gazelles, as well as lions, giraffes, and elephants.

The African Safari section features an open-air drive through recreated savannah landscapes, with rhinos, zebra,s and more roaming freely. It’s the closest thing to a safari within the UAE, and well worth booking in advance. There’s also a petting zoo, bird house and zipline for younger visitors.

Relax at Green Mubazzarah

At the base of Jebel Hafeet lies Green Mubazzarah, a tranquil area of lawns, hot springs, and picnic spots. It’s a favourite local hangout, especially on weekends. You’ll find small thermal pools where you can soak your feet, play areas for kids, and grassy fields for a relaxed afternoon under the trees.

Bring a mat, some snacks, and settle in for a quiet hour or two. It’s a great place to unwind after climbing the mountain or visiting the tombs.

If you aren’t sure how to explore, don’t forget to check out Guide UAE, as they have the list of best places to visit in every Emirate.