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THE KNOWLEDGE
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OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY
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Al Ain is certainly not a French Alan! Al Ain is the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi after Abu Dhabi City. Some aliken it to smaller, greener, more cultural city. It is indeed more green and is known as "The Garden City Of The Gulf". Al Ain was looked after by late great Sheikh Zayed before he became Leader of Abu Dhabi, and up until his passing,
always had a fondness for it. It was under his instruction that the city became so green. It is surrounded by magnificent red sand dunes and overlooked by an impressive mountain range. Al Ain is located inland on the United Arab Emirates eastern border, almost making a triangle between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as
providing an inroad to the Omani border.
Also known as the oasis city, it is Abu Dhabi's second city and the greenest in the Gulf. Meaning "spring", in Arabic, the town is also the longest inhabited part of
the UAE dating back to 4th millennium BC. Al Ain, as well as Buraimi in Oman, near by, are both covered with wadi pools, and many go across the border to visit Oman, without a visa. Around the city, plains stretch out from the base of the
Hajjar mountains where shallow wells and water near the surface have permitted growth of vegetation, and so it is no surprise that it is a central point for agriculture, as well as Al Ain Spring water.
Many visit for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi for its peacefulness, and now many are starting to take note, even from overseas. There is the Al Jimi Mall as well as many souks
selling fresh produce, and Al Ain is getting a reputation for its quality honey. If you visit, you must go to
Jebel Hafeet, which is the tallest mountain in the UAE (1340 metres) and the
Jebel Hafeet mountain road has been noted as the greatest driving roads due to its bends and views. At the top of the mountain is one of the palaces of Sheikh Khalifa. There's a great spot
(the Green Mubazzarah) at the base of the mountain, with hot springs which is great place to soak your feet, and relax.
Other places worth checking out include some of the forts, oases, and the Zoo. Al Ain is one of those places that you should check out during your time in the UAE, as it really does show the contrast to life elsewhere, and is slice of culture that nature provided.
If you do visit, you could stay at the
Mecure Hotel, although there is a Hilton, Rotana and Intercon as well.
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