Explore Al Ain on an unforgettable day trip from Dubai

Discover Al Ain – A Cultural Day Trip from Dubai to the Garden City of the UAE

After approximately 1.5 hours of driving from Dubai, you will reach Al Ain, the second-largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and one of the most historic and culturally rich destinations in the UAE.

Your journey begins at the Al Jahili Fort, one of the largest and most important forts in the United Arab Emirates. Built in the 1890s by order of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (Zayed the First), it once served as a royal residence for the ruling Al Nahyan family.

Just a few minutes away awaits another highlight: the Qasr Al Ain (Al Ain Palace Museum) – the former presidential palace and residence of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, until 1966. Today, the palace has been transformed into a museum, offering fascinating insights into traditional Bedouin life, Emirati architecture, and the transformation of the nation after the discovery of oil.

The tour continues to the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning over 1,200 hectares. With more than 147,000 date palms, the oasis is a living example of ancient sustainability. Here, you will explore the traditional Falaj irrigation system, which has been used for over 4,000 years and still nourishes the lush plantations today.

Located at the edge of the oasis is the Al Ain National Museum, the oldest museum in the UAE. Divided into three sections – Archaeology, Ethnography, and Gifts – it showcases Bedouin jewelry, weapons, traditional majlis settings, and everyday life in the early Emirates.

After lunch near the Al Ain Camel Market, you will visit the famous Al Ain Camel Market – the largest camel market in the UAE. Here, you can observe local traders negotiating prices, get up close to camels of different breeds, and witness an authentic slice of Emirati culture.

With unforgettable impressions of heritage, history, and desert traditions, you will then return comfortably to Dubai.