Garden in the desert

The lush greenery of the Garden City of Al Ain was a welcome sight.

I had driven from Ras Al Khaimah past the rugged desert terrain, and sand dunes, and struggled through a blinding sand storm.

It was a feast for the eyes already reeling from the discomfort of the red sand flying through the rear side window of my hired vehicle that had accidentally been left ajar at a meal stop.

Al Ain, which has a population of around 615,000, is in a class of its own.

The city has a lot of affluent residents with the highest spending power in the Gulf Region. It is the third largest after Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Located some 150 kolmetres east of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is a relaxed city cradled by the jagged Hajar Mountains and located close to Buraimi on the border with Oman.

The fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates with a modern skyline, Al Ain boasts of modern infrastructure and skyscrapers and is also historically known as one of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements.

Its Bronze Age relics still exist at the Hill Archaeological Park. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is a nice, modern clean and well-kept city noted for its large oasis, mosques and some old historic buildings.

There is one roundabout in the city. It is well-kept and filled with flowers, palm trees and water fountains. The whole city looks very beautiful considering that it is decked with flowers trees and greenery which give it a well-earned accolade of Garden City in the Desert. Many foreign tourists visit Al Ain. It is a favourite destination for Emiratis who own holiday homes there.

It is also the birthplace of the nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the President of the UAE.

There is a lot to see in and around Al Ain. The city boasts over 70 parks. The historic Al Jahili Fort ranks among popular attractions.

It was built in 1891 to defend Al Ain and protect its precious palm groves. The fort is home to a permanent exhibition of the works of the famous British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger and his crossing of the Rub Al Khali — The Empty Quarter — in the 1940s and 50s.

Al Qattara Fort, which was redeveloped recently, houses an interesting arts centre and gallery with hundreds of modern exhibits.

One interesting place to visit is the Al Ain Palace Museum which has a large collection of rare material about the ruling Al Nayhan family.

The Al Ain National Museum, which opened its doors in 1998, is housed in the former home of late UAE founding father which was once a political and social hub.

The 105-year old building was creatively restored and houses a large collection of the family’s rare mementoes.

Visitors can also tour the private rooms and gardens that were once occupied by the Father of the Nation.

At the Al Ain National Museum, you are invited to explore various aspects of the culture and life in UAE.

Al Ain Oasis is the biggest in the region with thousands of date palms. It is a wonderful place to explore with its cool and shady walkways and 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation channels weaving their way from the boreholes between the palm trees.

True to its name, a walk through this tranquil Oasis gives you a therapeutic feeling. This place is spotlessly clean.

Al Ain is also well-known for its lively, bustling Camel Souk (market) that attracts thousands of local breeders and buyers. Traders and shepherds from the Al Rashaidah tribes tell potential buyers about their animals and haggle for  the best deals.

Enjoy a weekend morning out at the camel races either at the Al Maqam or Al Wathba Camel Race Track and cheer on the camels as they compete.

This is a spectacular sport and can be your trip’s most memorable highlight.

Visit the historical Jebel Hafeet, a unique 1,240 metre-high mountain, for stunning views of the city. The drive up the ten-kilometres of a hilly road with hairpin bends can be nerve wracking but worthwhile when you reach the top. You can see the eagles flying below.

Some visitors prefer to cycle to the top of the emirate’s highest peak though it is a real challenge.

Families will enjoy a fun day out at the Al Ain Zoo which houses 4,000 animals. Hili Fun City, the Gulf’s oldest theme park, is another nice place for families and especially children.

Al Ain is also at the heart of water sports facilities.

Head off to Wadi Adventure, the region’s only man-made white-water rafting, kayaking and surfing facility at the foothill of Jebel Hafeet.

The park has a three-metre man-made surf wave — the world’s largest — and its 1100-metre long kayaking channel network is reputed to be the world’s longest.

Arabian touch is not forgotten in Al Ain.

The Arabian Nights Village, nestled among the stunning dunes, harnesses the soul and essence of old Arabia. Enjoy the mythical and timeless beauty of the desert life amid the towering dunes.

Al Ain is also known for its shopping malls. Visit the beautiful 2.5 million square feet Al Ain Mall, a prominent shopping and leisure destination. There are over 350 top brand international stores in which children can have fun. They have various entertainment spots including a full-size skating rink with real ice.