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
MICE
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, and include Al Ain Oasis, Bida bint Saud, Jebel Hafit, and Hili Archaeological Park.
Everything within reach
Culture & Heritage
Al Ain Camel Market
Al Jahili Fort
Al Qattara Arts Centre
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa
Hili Archaeological Park
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Al Qattara Arts Centre
Offers studios for art classes and an onsite gallery displaying artworks by Emirati and UAE-based artists
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Qasr Al Muwaiji
A historic fort providing deeper insight into the UAE's past
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One of the largest forts in the UAE, built in the 1890s
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Combining both a public garden and an impressive archaeological site featuring Bronze Age and Iron Age remains
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa
This historic home has been restored and turned into a vibrant community centre
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Adventure and Family Experiences
Al Ain Adventure
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club
Al Ain Sportplex
Al Ain Zoo
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
Hili Fun City
Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Nujum Camp
RV Park
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
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This beloved family entertainment destination was the Arabian Gulf region’s first theme park Discover more
Al Ain Sportplex
Home to motorsports, cricket, soccer, paintball and more, as well as Arabia’s largest go-karting track
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RV Park
Al Ain’s dedicated RV Park offers large spaces to accommodate camping carts of all sizes, in proximity to a range of recreational and tourist activities.
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Delve deep into Emirati history and tradition at this luxury camp in a picturesque desert setting. Discover more Nujum Camp
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
The home of Al Ain FC is part of a wider development that includes residential, commercial and entertainment areas, as well as a luxury hotel and sports facilities.
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Wellness & Wellbeing
Al Ain Oasis
Green Mubazzarah
Salt Cave
Telal Resort Al Ain
A tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system
A luxe resort set amidst the serene Arabian oasis on the outskirts of Al Ain city
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A green expanse at the foot of Jebel Hafit which is a popular spot for picnics and family outings
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The UAE’s largest man-made cave contains 16 tons of salt and offers natural treatments – including salt therapy – to soothe up to 18 different ailments.
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Dining
EMIRATI CUISINE
MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
Al Fanar Restaurant Habib Beirut Lebanese Cuisine
Souq Al Zafarana, Al Ain +971 3 766 5200
Instagram @alfanarrestaurant
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INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
Zest International Restaurant
Zayed Bin Sultan Street, 137th Street, Al Masagi, Al Ain
+971 3 703 1067
Instagram @Zestuae
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Table Otto
Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain
+971 3 766 2386
Instagram @tableotto.ae
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Mbazzarah Al Khadra, Al Ain +971 50 522 3285
Instagram @habibbeirut.alain
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Manzil Lounge
130th Street, Al Khibeesi, Al Ain +971 56 854 4445
Instagram @manzil.uae
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Desert Gate
Remah, Al Ain
+971 3 702 0000
Instagram @telalresortalain
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Al Jimi Mall, Ground Floor, Al Ain +971 600 542 525
Instagram @nandosuae
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Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Sarouj, Al Ain +971 3 768 6666
Instagram @radissonblualain
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CUISINE
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain Square, Al Ain +971 800 76226
Instagram @pizzadirocco
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Al Ain Mall, 1st Floor, Al Ain +971 3 733 0003
Instagram @woodhouse_ae
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Othman Bin Affan street, Ayla Grand Hotel, Al Ain +971 3 705 1111
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Wood House Restaurant Nara Restaurant Numero Uno
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Ain +971 3 754 9048
Instagram @numerouno.ae
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Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain +971 3 768 6050
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AlSultan Turkish Restaurant MADO
Instagram @mado.abudhabi
CUISINE
Min Zaman Restaurant
Zayed Bin Sultan Street, 137th Street, Al Masagi, Al Ain +971 3 703 1071
Instagram @alainrotana
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FRENCH - POLYNESIAN
Zayed Ibn Sultan Street, 137th Street, Al Masagi, Al Ain +971 3 703 1079
Instagram @tradervics.abudhabi
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Al Ameriya, Al Jimi, Al Ain +971 3 754 2376
Instagram @alsultanrest.ae
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Solidaire Restaurant
Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain +971 3 766 2800
Instagram @Thesolidaire
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INDIAN CUISINE
Central District, Al Ain
+971 3 734 3764
Instagram @simplyindian.ae
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India Palace Restaurant
Central District, Al Ain
+971 3 766 6545
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Simply Indian Gazebo
Level 1, Bawadi Mall,
Zayed Bin Sultan street, Al Ain
+971 3 733 4589
Instagram @gazeborestaurant
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G Floor, Hili Mall, Al Ain +971 800 2768
Instagram @biryanipotme
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Biryani Pot Gazebo
Ground floor, Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain +971 3 734 9920
Instagram @gazeborestaurant
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Ground Floor, Bawadi Mall, Zayed Bin Sultan street, Al Ain +971 3 784 0500
Instagram @coriander.me
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PERSIAN CUISINE
Shahryar Restaurant
Ground Floor, Al Ain Mall, Al Ain +971 3 737 0077
Instagram @shahryar.restaurant
Discover more CAFES AND BAKERIES
Ethr Café
Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain +971 50 545 6180
Instagram @Ethr.ae closes in summer and opens in winter.
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Qahwa 03
AlTiwayya, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain +971 3 722 7269
Instagram @qahwa03
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L’eto Café
Al Ain Mall, Ground Floor, Al Ain +971 3 785 5392
Instagram @Letocaffe.ae
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Khalifa Street, Al Muwaiji Area, Al Ain +971 3 721 0772
Instagram @flourandfloret
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TEN 11 Coffee Boutique
68 Al Abnous Street, Al Jimi, Al Ameriya, Al Ain +971 3 753 2299
Instagram @Ten11cafeuae
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La Petite Café
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Tiwayya, Al Ain +971 50 689 4844
Instagram @Lapetite.coffee
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Telegraph Cafe
Shiab Al Ashkhar, Al Ain +971 3 785 6666
Instagram @telegraphcafe
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ZOI Café
Hamdan Bin Zayed the First Street, Al Jimi, Al Ameriya, Al Ain +971 50 395 5594
Instagram @zoiuae
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Sigma Café
Al Tiwayya, Al Ain +971 54 529 2219
Instagram @Sigma.ae
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Notes Cafe
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa
Zayed bin Sultan street, Al Mu’tarid, Al Ain +971 3 753 1517
Instagram @notescafe.ae
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Bayn Coffee
Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain +971 3 762 1894
Instagram @bayncoffee
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Le Pré
130th Street, Al Khibeesi, Al Ain +971 50 216 6624
Instagram @lepre.ae
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Como Lounge Esproses Cafe
Al Qata Street, Al Khibeesi, Al Ain +971 50 229 9293
Instagram @como.lounge
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Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Tiwayya, Al Ain +971 50 113 9114
Instagram @esproses.ae
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Shopping
Whether you’re after the biggest fashion labels or traditional Arabian souvenirs, Al Ain has something for every type of shopper.
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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Al Ain Central Market
Two outdoor markets, Souk Al Qaws is best known for its range of high-quality carpets on sale and also features a range of practical shops. While Al Ain Central Market has more of a heritage feel, with a bustling livestock section, and 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 Al 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
Al Ain offers amazing hotels, luxurious resorts and unique experiences that make for the most memorable getaways.
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.
Al Ain Rotana
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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Ayla Grand 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.
Near Al Ain Mall, Ottoman bin Affan Street, Central District, Al Ain.
3.2 km from the city centre
+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 the city centre
+971 3 716 0222
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Danat Al Ain Resort
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
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Four Points by Sheraton
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 the city centre
+971 3 705 3333
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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 the city centre
+971 3 765 0039
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Telal Resort Al Ain
Telal Resort is set amidst an Arabian oasis on the outskirts of Al Ain city, in the vast landscape of Remah Desert, 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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All Seasons Hotel
This 4-star hotel near the city centre is your home away from home in Al Ain, the ideal place for travellers 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 the city centre
+971 3 746 0300
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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 Ain Square, Al Tiwayya, Al Ain
7.5 km from the city centre
+971 3 713 8888
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Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet
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 impressive 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 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 the city centre
+971 3 703 0111
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Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain
Set in exotic landscaped gardens, the this tranquil escape offers calm and respite in the heart of the oasis city. With 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 the city centre
+971 3 768 6666
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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 laundry and dry cleaning services at the front desk.
Al Jahili, Al Ain
26 km from the city centre
+971 3 755 5254
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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 the city centre
+971 3 713 0300
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ADNEC Centre Al Ain
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 11,000 guests
Unrivalled floor space area of 20,000 sqm
Mazyed Al Kharir, Al Ain
+971 3 763 7686
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Danat Al Ain Resort
Located minutes from the town centre, against the backdrop of Jebel Hafit, this resort’s state-of-the-art spaces make it an apt choice for meetings and events.
Meetings: 1000+ in theatre 9 meeting rooms 216 rooms
Central District, Al Salamat Street, Al Ain
+971 3 704 6000
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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.
Meetings: Up to 500 guests 8 meeting facilities
Al Sarouj, Al Ain
+971 3 768 6666
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Al Ain Rotana
With renowned dining venues, each offering culinary treats from around the world, and a selection of meeting spaces, Al Ain Rotana is the ultimate choice for seminars, conferences and weddings in the city.
Meetings: Up to 1,000 guests 5 meeting facilities 242 rooms
Al Jahili, Zayed bin Sultan Street, Al Ain
+971 3 754 5111
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Ayla Hotel
Ayla Hotel offers an unforgettable experience of outstanding facilities and impeccable service, with its Bawadi Ballroom easily adaptable to all your arrangements. From small meetings to large conventions, the experienced team will ensure your event is flawless.
Meetings: Up to 600 guests 5 meeting facilities 153 rooms
Khalifa Bin Bin Zayed Al Awwal Street, Al Ain +971 3 761 0111
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Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain
Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain 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.
Meetings: Up to 140 guests 7 meeting facilities 251 rooms
Bani Yas Street, 117th Street, Al Ain +971 3 705 3333
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Ayla Grand Hotel
The spacious Pearl Ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests and converts into break-out meeting rooms for all types of business and social events, tailor-made to match any requirement.
Meetings: Up to 200 guests 2 meeting facilities 220 rooms
Near Al Ain Mall, Othman Bin Affan Street, Central District, Al Ain
+971 3 705 1111
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Getting around
Flashes of silver and yellow at every turn, Abu Dhabi’s fleet of taxis keep the city moving Abu Dhabi Taxis
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Public buses
An incredibly inexpensive way to traverse the city, as well as the wider emirate – just use the Hafilat Smart Card.
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Al Ain Shuttle Bus
Getting around Al Ain is easier than ever with the new Shuttle Bus service. This hassle-free transportation option offers comfortable seating, air-conditioning, wheelchair accessibility, and Wi-Fi access.
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Useful information
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Curate your journey using DARB, the official source of information for public transport.
Planning the journey 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.
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