Al Ain Guide

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi's oasis city, is a place that welcomes and shares all that it has with visitors, inviting them to discover experiences at their own pace.

Explore this guide

Welcome to Al Ain

Culture & Heritage

Adventure & Family Experiences

Wellness & wellbeing

Dining

Shopping

Hotels

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Abu Dhabi Meeting Planners' Guide

Getting around Useful information

Welcome to Al Ain

Translating to 'The Spring', this oasis city offers visitors a range of archaeological sites, historic buildings and cultural attractions. Just a short drive from Abu Dhabi City, the Cultural Sites of Al Ain are the UAE’s only UNESCOdesignated heritage sites - including Al Ain Oasis, Bida bint Saud, Jebel Hafit, and Hili Archaeological Park.

Culture & Heritage

Al Qattara Arts Centre

Offers studios for art classes and an onsite gallery displaying artworks by Emirati and UAEbased artists

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Al Ain Palace Museum

The former home of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, and an important historical site

Qasr Al Muwaiji

One of the largest forts in the UAE, built in the 1890s

Al Jahili Fort

Hili Archaeological Park

Combining both a public garden and an impressive archaeological site featuring Bronze Age and Iron Age remains Discover more

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa

This historic home has been restored and turned into a vibrant community centre

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Qaryat Al Torath Heritage Village

Adventure and Family Experiences

Al Ain Zoo

The largest and most acclaimed zoo in the region, home to over 4,000 animals

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Jebel Hafit Desert Park

An immersive experience of rich history and incredible landscapes at the foot of Abu Dhabi's tallest peak

Hili Fun City

This beloved family entertainment destination was the Arabian Gulf region’s first theme park

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Al Ain Sportplex

Home to motorsports, cricket, soccer, paintball and more, as well as Arabia’s largest go-karting track

Wellness & Wellbeing

Al Ain Oasis

A tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system

Tranquil resort set amidst the Arabian oasis on the outskirts of Al Ain city

Telal Resort Al Ain

Green Mubazzarah

A green expanse at the foot of Jebel Hafit which is a popular spot for picnics and family outings

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Dining

Souq Al Zafarana, Al Ain +971 3 766 5200

Instagram @alfanarrestaurant

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Steak

Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium +971 50 603 6007

Instagram @Steakchef.ae

Zayed Bin Sultan Street, 137th Street., Al Masagi, Alain +971 3 703 1067

Instagram @Zestuae

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Desert

Remah - Abu Dhabi +971 3 702 0000

Instagram @telalresortalain

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Zayed Ibn Sultan Street, 137th Street, Al Masagi, Al Ain +971 3 703 1079

Instagram @tradervics.abudhabi

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Soldaire

Al Jimi Mall +971 3 766 2800

Instagram @Thesolidaire

ZOI Café

Hamdan Bin Zayed the First Street, Al Jimi, Al Ameriya, Al Ain

+971 50 395 5594

Instagram @zoiuae

Rain Café

Hamdan Bin Zayed the First Street, Al Jimi +971 50 687 1212

Instagram @Rainabudhabi

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La Petite Café

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Tiwayya

+971 50 689 4844

Instagram @Lapetite.coffee

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Sigma Café

Al Towayya, Al Ain

+971 54 529 2219

Instagram @Sigma.ae

Hamdan Bin Mohammad Street, Al Dahma - Ghafat Al Shwaihi

+971 5 452 92219

Instagram @surge.ae

Manzil

Location: 130th Street - Al Khibeesi

Contact number: +971568544445

Instagram @manzil.uae

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Shopping

Souq Al Qattara

Souq Al Qattara is situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Al Ain, Dating back to the mid-20th century and founded by the late Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the palm-lined road linking Al Ain’s Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases, the historic hidden gem has been renovated and welcomes residents and visiting travellers to discover and explore.

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Al Jimi Mall

The first shopping mall to open in Al Ain, the Al Jimi Mall building was originally built as a vegetable and meat market in the early 80s. It now offers hundreds of shopping options, including supermarket Carrefour, fashion and home store Centrepoint, furniture shop Home Centre and children’s play area, Fun City.

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Souq Al Bawadi & Souq

Two outdoor markets, Souq Al Bawadi and Souq Al Qaws, are attached to the huge Bawadi Mall in Al Ain. Souq Al Qaws features practical shops set amidst unique architecture, with over 40 service outlets including banks, money exchanges and travel agents. Souq Al Bawadi has more of a heritage feel, with over 50 shops selling traditional items and souvenirs.

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Al Ain Souq

Also known as the Central or Old Souq, the Al Ain Souq is a great place to explore, soak up the local atmosphere and practice your bargaining skills. This more traditional market isn’t as modern as those in the main city, but this only adds to its character.

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Bawadi Mall Foah Mall

The largest mall in Al Ain, Bawadi Mall has over 400 shops representing both international and regional brands, as well as a range of high-street and designer labels, a food court and casual dining outlets. Family entertainment includes a ski village, rollercoaster, an eight-screen cinema and a bowling alley.

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Al Ain Mall

Home to over 175 stores selling everything from greeting cards to gold, this mall’s anchor stores include Grand Stores, a wellknown department store; Home Centre, selling furniture; and Paris Gallery, selling perfumes, cosmetics, sunglasses, handbags and jewellery.

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This entertainment and shopping centre is home to fashion, accessories, books, toys, homeware and restaurants, a kids’ entertainment area and a 12-multiplexscreen theatre.

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Hili Mall

Home to more than 150 shops and a premium selection of men’s, women’s and children’s fashion, apparel and accessories, electronics, household goods, home décor and furnishings, coffee shops, restaurants, family entertainment and a food court, there’s something here for everyone.

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Hotels

Guests visiting Al Ain to explore ancient history, seek adventure or relax in its pristine natural reserves can expect top-notch accommodations catering to every need.

Telal Resort Al Ain Danat Al Ain Resort

Telal Resort is set amidst an Arabian oasis on the outskirts of Al Ain city, in the vast landscape of Remah Desert, which have once home to the nomadic Bedouin tribes of the Emirates. This boutique resort consists of ten accommodations at Zaman Lawal Heritage Village, effortlessly combining luxury and Emirati architecture.

Remah, Al Ain

56.6 km from the city centre

+971 3 702 0000

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Danat Al Ain Resort is a unique destination that features 160 spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the hotel garden and swimming pools, 36 spacious and comfortable suites, as well as 19 furnished villas with private access.

Al Salam Street, Al Ain, UAE

4.9 km from the city centre

+971 3 704 6000

Al Ain Rotana Mercure Grand Jebel Hafit

Al Ain Rotana is a five-star hotel situated in the heart of Al Ain, offering the best of international service standards combined with Arabian luxury. With 242 elegant rooms, suites, studio, villas and chalets, this hotel promises unmatched comfort for its guests. Equipped with six restaurants, bars, and cafés, including Trader Vic's, each offers its own unique ambience while serving an array of culinary treats that will surely satisfy your appetite.

Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Jahili, Al Ain

2.2 km from the city centre

+971 3 754 5111

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A unique resort located 3,000 feet up the Jebel Hafit mountain, the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel features 124 rooms and suites with spectacular views. The hotel offers ultimate comfort and tranquillity in a quiet mountain setting with great views –a great option for vacationing families and couples.

Jebel Hafit, Al Ain

25.8 km from the city centre

+971 3 704 6888

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Ayla Hotel

Conveniently located inside the luxurious Bawadi Mall, the Ayla Hotel is a favourite of both business visitors and tourists visiting Al Ain. The hotel and mall are located only five minutes from the town centre on Mezyad Road. Guests staying at the property can gear-up for a day of shopping or soak up some culture while visiting the neighbouring camel market.

Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Awwal Street, Al Ain

3.2 km from city center

+971 3 761 0111

Aloft Al Ain

Aloft Al Ain is a stylish retreat in the heart of Al Ain city. Travellers looking for a lively atmosphere and upbeat design will find it an ideal place to stay. Stepping out of the hotel, visitors can savour the leisurely pace of life in the traditional Emirati city and take in the beauty of charming markets, ancient forts and natural wonders.

Al Al Ain Square, Al Tuiwayya, Al Ain

7.5 km from city center

+971 3 713 8888

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort

Set in exotic landscaped gardens, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain offers calm and respite in the heart of the oasis city. Offering three inviting swimming pools, and an abundance of wellness and family experiences, a world of leisure awaits. Originally built for a royal wedding in 1969, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort has long been the resort of choice for events in the Emirates.

Al Sarouj District, Al Ain

3.4 km from city center

+971 3 768 6666

Alberni Jebel Hafeet Hotel & Resort

lberni Jabal Hafeet Hotel Al Ain provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Featuring a kids’ club, this property also provides guests with a restaurant, a water park and a children’s play area. The accommodation features room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests.

Jebel Hafit, Al Ain

26 km from city center

+971 3 716 0222

Green Mubazzarah Chalets

This green expanse at the foot of Jebel Hafit is a spectacle that showcases the rich natural reserves of Al Ain. A popular hotspot for picnics and family outings, the Green Mubazzarah is packed with families out enjoying the sun, adventurers trekking up the mountain and campers who spend the night in tents at the base.

Green Mubazzarah, Al Zahker Road,, Al Ain

18 km from city center

+971 3 713 0300

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Ayla Bawadi Hotel

Conveniently attached to the luxurious Bawadi Mall, the Ayla Bawadi Hotel is the perfect solution for both business guests and tourists, offering shopping, culture and blissful relaxation.

Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Bawadi Mall

Area, Mayzad, Al Ain

3.4 km from city center

+971 3 703 0111

Hili Rayhaan by Rotana

A stylish five-star hotel located in Al Ain’s popular Hili district, just 15 minutes from the city centre. Ideal for business or leisure travellers, the property provides direct access to Hili Mall, while the city’s worldfamous archaeological sites and tourism attractions are close by.

Baniyas Street 117, Al Ain

7.5 km from city center

+971 3 705 3333

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Al Massa Hotel Apartments 1

Located 10 minutes from both Al Ain International Airport and downtown Al Ain, the hotel apartments feature a large kitchen fitted with stove, fridge and washing machine. Guests can also request for laundry and dry cleaning services at the front desk.

Al Jahili, Al Ain

26 km from city center

+971 3 755 5254

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All Seasons Hotel

This 4-star hotel near the city centre is your home away from home in al ain, the ideal place for travelers seeking the perfect getaway for a new level of rest and relaxation.

Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Muwaij'i, Shareat Al Muwaiji, Al Ain

18 km from city center

+971 3 755 0220

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Al Bada Resort

Since 2007, Al-Bada Hotel & Resort has been providing exceptional hospitality services. Located in the heart of the desert, the property has expanded its services to include luxurious amenities and a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy.

Al Nahel Road, Bida Bint Saud, Al Ain

7.5 km from city center

+971 3 765 0039

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Al Ain Convention Centre

This purpose-built venue offers 20,000 square metres of event space (both indoor and outdoor) and is ideal for all kinds of business conferences, exhibitions, tourist conventions, weddings or other special events.

Meetings: Up to 2,800 guests

Mazyed Al Kharir, Al Ain

+971 3 763 7686

Danat Al Ain Resort

Its location, minutes away from the town centre, makes it an apt choice for meetings and events, with state-of-the-art spaces, set against the backdrop of the Jebel Hafit Mountain.

Meetings: 700+ In theatre 9 meeting rooms

Nyadat Street, Al Ain

+971 3 704 6000

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain

Originally built for a royal wedding in 1969, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain has long been the venue of choice for events in the UAE capital. The hotel boasts a selection of grand ballrooms and meeting spaces to make every event a success.

Sarooj District

+971 3 768 6666

Meetings: Up to 500 guests Discover more

Al Ain Rotana

Visit Al Ain Rotana and you will find a wide variety of services combining international standards with the culture of Arabia. Situated in the heart of Al Ain and just a few minutes away from the famed sites of the city.

Meetings: Up to 1,000 guests

Zayed Bin Sultan Street

+971 3 754 5111

Ayla Hotel

Ayla offers an unforgettable experience of outstanding facilities and impeccable service of our banquet halls. Bawadi Ballroom can easily adapt to all your arrangements. From small meetings to large conventions, our experienced team will make your event flawless.

Meetings: Up to 600 guests

Al Ain

+971 3 705 1111

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Alberni Jebel Hafeet Hotel & Resort

lberni Jabal Hafeet Hotel Al Ain provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Featuring a kids’ club, this property also provides guests with a restaurant, a water park and a children’s play area. The accommodation features room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests.

Jebel Hafit, Al Ain

26 km from city center

+971 3 716 0222

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Ayla Grand Hotel Hili Rayhaan by Rotana

The spacious Pearl Ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests and converts into break-out meeting rooms too for all types of business and social events, tailor-made to match any requirement.

Near Al Ain Mall, Othman Bin Affan Street, Central District, Al Ain

+971 3 705 1111

Hili Rayhaan by Rotana is recognised as one of Al Ain’s premier venues for staging seminars, meetings, exhibitions and gatherings. The hotel’s wide range of facilities, services and indoor and outdoor spaces make it an ideal venue for your next business or social event.

Bani Yas Street, 117th Street, Al Ain

+971 3 705 3333

Abu Dhabi Meeting Planners' Guide

The Abu Dhabi Meeting Planners' Guide - highlights the new and exciting tourism developments in the emirate, as well as the plethora of offerings catering to business events and incentive groups.

This free and downloadable guide is intended to ease the research process for event planners and narrow the search for the ideal destination for your upcoming events.

Getting around

Abu Dhabi Taxis

Flashes of silver and yellow at every turn, Abu Dhabi’s fleet of taxis keep the city moving

Public buses

An incredibly inexpensive way to traverse the city, as well as the wider emirate – just use the Hafilat Smart Card.

Useful information

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Planning the journey

Curate your journey using DARB, the official source of information for public transport.

Currency

The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs), which is divided into 100 fils and is pegged against the US dollar (US $ 1 = AED 3.6725).

Credit cards, debit cards and mobile payment services are widely accepted.

Visas

An Abu Dhabi visit visa is free of charge upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport for citizens of dozens of countries (for the full list, see the Visit Abu Dhabi website), and for GCC citizens, a visa is not required to enter the UAE.

Citizens of all other countries will need to apply for an Abu Dhabi tourist visa, transit visa or visit visa prior to their trip.

Apply for a visa with hotels

Some five, four and three-star hotels can apply for visas on behalf of guests who have booked a stay with them. Make sure you check with your preferred hotel if they offer this service. While the airline, travel agency and hotel can apply for your visa, please make sure you give yourself enough time for it to be approved, and note that they do not take responsibility if the visa is declined.

Dress Code

Al Ain is a destination with almost year-round sunshine, little rainfall and near-perfect winter temperatures. Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer may be needed for the winter months. Although the attitude towards clothing style is fairly liberal throughout the UAE, a healthy amount of respect for local customs doesn't go amiss, especially when shopping or sightseeing.

Language

Al Ain is a multicultural city, with residents speaking a vast variety of world languages. The UAE’s official language is Arabic but English is also widely spoken and understood.