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Opened in 1969, Al Ain Zoo is the United Arab Emirates’ largest zoo.
Endemic mammals such as the Arabian antelope and Arabian oryx
can be seen, as well as African gazelles, giraffes, and eland.
The big cat enclosures feature lions, tigers, pumas, black and
spotted leopards, and jaguars. There is also a monkey compound,
aviary section, and reptile house.
The zoo is famous for its research facilities, particularly the
breeding program for endangered native animals, with more than
30 percent of the species that can be seen here currently on the
endangered list.
There are plenty of family-friendly things to do, including a petting
zoo; giraffe feeding activities; camel rides; and a children’s garden,
which encourages biodiversity learning.
Inside the zoo, you’ll also find the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning
Center with exhibits focused on the Arabian Gulf’s desert
environment and ecology.

Al Ain’s camel market is an excellent chance for travelers to
experience a taste of traditional local culture. The market is on the
outskirts of town, about nine kilometers from the city center.
The market is a little stinky (unsurprisingly), but if you can handle
the smell, a visit here is a truly fascinating experience that has yet
to be trussed up for the tourists.
This is the last remaining camel market in the United Arab
Emirates, and people from across the region head here to buy and
sell. Nearly all the camel buying business happens in the morning,
so it’s best to head here early. The market opens at about 7am.
You are free to wander around at will and watch people bartering
over the camels; don’t take any notice of men who may approach
you on entering and insist that you need a guide.

The rugged contours of Jebel Hafeet (Hafeet Mountain) rise up
from the edge of Al Ain. If you’re looking for panoramic photos over
the city and surrounding desert then a trip to the summit should
be at the top of your sightseeing list.
It’s approximately 56 kilometers from central Al Ain to the summit.
At 1,240 meters, this is the second highest peak in the United Arab
Emirates (the highest is Jebel Jais in Ras Al-Khaimah) and the
highest in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The drive up here, following a winding mountain road, has plenty
of scenic viewpoints, and from the summit, the entire region is
spread out beneath you.
If you’re interested in ancient history, make sure to stop off at the
Jebel Hafeet tombs at the foot of Jebel Hafeet. Along with the Hili
Archaeological Site, the tombs here were a fundamental factor in
Al Ain being proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A tranquil respite from the hot sun, and a refreshingly natural
diversion from the city streets, Al Ain Oasis is a vast series of date
palm plantations linked by footpaths right in the heart of the city.
A small museum near the main entrance does a good job of
explaining the importance of date palms to traditional life, while
the oasis itself contains nearly 150,000 date palm trees.
The palm groves are still fed by water channels using the
traditional falaj irrigation system, which has been in use in the
United Arab Emirates for 3,000 years.
This is a great option for anyone seeking some downtime and a
relaxing stroll or bike ride amid the shady palms.
Cycles can be rented at the main entrance to explore the oasis at
your own pace. There are also tours by buggy or horse available at
the entrance.

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