Al Ain

The ancient Qasr Al Muwaji fortress

The iconic Al Jahili Fort

Awesome al ain

For an authentic taste of Abu Dhabi’s heritage, send clients to the rustic charms of Al Ain, about a 90-minute drive from the capital

Al Jahili Fort

Built in 1891 to defend the city’s palm groves, this picturepostcard fort is now home to an exhibition about British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed the deserts of the Empty Quarter twice in the 1940s and 1950s, disguised as a Bedouin. It opened its doors to visitors in 2008 and has since acted as a focal point for historical and cultural activities. It is one of the largest forts in the UAE and was restored between 2007 and 2008. Entry to the fort is free of charge and it is open to the public daily.

Qasr Al Muwaiji

This modern museum has been built around the ruins of a century-old fortress that was home to generations of Abu Dhabi’s ruling dynasty. It recounts the history of the fortress and its famous residents, as well as the wider history and archaeology of Al Ain. Visitors can experience a variety of

R o t a n a H o t e l s a n d R e s o r t s historical and traditional experiences. The museum also offers an insight into the timeline of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family associated with Qasr Al Muwaji told via interactive activities and performances.

qasralmuwaiji.ae

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Discover Qasr Al Muwaji's museum

Al Ain Oasis

The Al Ain Oasis is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UAE open to the

Clients looking to stay in Al Ain could consider the recently re-branded Radisson Blu Al Ain (radissonhotels.com) or the five-star Al Ain Rotana, which has spacious rooms, suites and chalets plus an inviting pool and spa (rotana.com)

public. The visitors’ centre provides insight into how the region’s inhabitants began taming the desert 4,000 years ago, while a nifty new app allows visitors to navigate the shady walkways and many working date farms. The visitor centre features a series of interactive exhibits and highlights the measure being taken to preserve the delicate oasis ecosystem, which sprawls 3,000 acres and houses up to 100 different varieties of vegetation.

Al Ain Zoo

Spread over 400 hectares at the foot of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, Al Ain Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals and is the region’s

largest zoo. Guests can see plenty of amazing species including the indigenous Arabian

Al Ain Oasis is the UAE's first UNESCO site

Oryx, the big-horned Barbary sheep, rhinos,

Camping at Jebel Hafit Desert Park hippos, tigers and lions. Highlights at the zoo include feeding giraffes, a walk-through lemur enclosure and safari tours in 26-seater trucks or private SUVs through a 217-hectare landscape which more than 250 African and Arabian animals call home. Don't miss the learning centre and the numerous cafe and restaurant offerings. alainzoo.ae

Top tip

Al Ain's famous camel market is a great way to discover traditional Arab culture - watch locals arrive in pickups laden with goats and sheep, witness mock races, prized beauties and some hard Wadi Adventure Point thrill seekers haggling for future stars of the race track towards Wadi Adventure, the Middle East’s first and only manmade white-water rafting, kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding facility. The park is located at the base of Jebel Hafit and features three whitewater channels, an aerial adventure course with 18 obstacles, an airpark, a 200-metre zip line, vertical climbing wall and a high giant swing. wadiadventure.ae

Jebel Hafit

For amazing views of this fascinating region, visitors can drive, hike or cycle to the top of Jebel Hafit along a scenic, snaking road. The emirate’s highest peak has long looked over Al Ain and its ancient limestone hides fossils and tombs. At the base, the Jebel Hafit Desert Park preserves its history and biodiversity and you can overnight in a Bedouin-style tent or air-conditioned bubble tent. jebelhafitdesertpark.backhotelite.com

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To learn more about our wellness initiatives visit etihad.com/wellness

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