Al Ain

The UAE's only World Heritage city, with date-palm oases and falaj irrigation, Jebel Hafeet and Al Jahili Fort.

Al Ain lies in the east of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, facing Buraimi in Oman across the border, about 160 km from Abu Dhabi city and 130 km from Dubai. It is the UAE's fourth-largest city and the birthplace of the country's founding president, Sheikh Zayed, and is known as the "Garden City" for its abundant greenery. In 2011, Al Ain's oases, the Hili archaeological sites, the tombs at the foot of Jebel Hafeet and Bidaa Bint Saud were inscribed as the World Heritage Site "Cultural Sites of Al Ain"—the UAE's only World Heritage Site. The main sights are in the city centre: Al Ain Oasis has some 147,000 date palms and falaj channels still in use today, and nearby are the Al Ain Palace Museum, the National Museum, Al Murabba Fort and Al Jahili Fort. In the north of the city are Hili Archaeological Park, Hili Fun City and the Qattara Arts Centre; about 30 km south is Jebel Hafeet, the UAE's second-highest peak, where a winding road leads to a summit viewpoint and at its foot lie the Green Mubazzarah hot springs and Wadi Adventure water park. The climate is hot and dry: Oct–Apr, with daytime temperatures of 20–30°C, is the best time to visit, while May–Sep often exceeds 45°C, so plan outdoor activities for early morning and evening. Getting there: intercity buses from Abu Dhabi or Dubai take about 2 hours, though driving is more convenient; sights in town are spread out, so you'll need a taxi or rental car. To cross into Buraimi in Oman, you must use an official border crossing and obtain a visa. Plan on 2 days: one for the oasis, museums and forts, and one for sunset on Jebel Hafeet, the hot springs and the camel market; families can add half a day at the zoo. Note: dress modestly when visiting mosques and traditional sites, and dining is restricted during the day in Ramadan.

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