Al Ain Tourist Attractions
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Al Ain is the largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Known as "The Garden City of the Gulf". Al Ain is surrounded by red sand dunes and overlooked by an impressive mountain range.The city of Al Ain offers old traditions such as the last remaining camel market while allowing visitors to experience present day Arabia. Families can enjoy a visit to the Al Ain Zoo, home to one of the largest animal collections in the world or an Olympic sized ice rink. Hili Fun City and Garden is the largest theme park in the Gulf Region and a popular family attraction.Archeological discoveries indicate the first settlement of Al Ain dates back to 3,000 BC. Hili Archeological Park features restored tombs.For travelers looking for adventure, a driving tour of Hafeet Mountain road or four-wheel drive through the desert is a must. Dune buggy rides, caving or hang gliding are also available for the really adventurous.
Hili Fun City
Hili Fun City is the largest and most popular theme park in the Gulf Region. Hili Fun City features over forty rides and attractions including a looping roller coaster, the Dynamic Motion Theater, the high flying sky flyer and a host of other rides and slides.An annual festival, which celebrates the culture and history of the UAE is held at Hili Fun City in Al Ain. International variety shows are presented in a carnival atmosphere attracting thousands of visitors from around the region.Picnic facilities, food outlets, souvenir shops and variety shows are provided in addition to the selection of rides including modern favorites and the latest attractions such as Laser Dome and Gyro Tower. Adjacent to Hili Fun City is the Al Ain Ice Rink; an Olympic sized facility offering skating and numerous children's games.
Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium
Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium opened in 1969 and has since expanded into one of the largest collections of both common and rare animals. Arabian antelope and deer comprise a large area of the zoo. A variety of African antelope, such as oryx , eland , gazzelle and lechwe can be found in the tree shaded paddocks, which offer excellent breeding conditions.The big cathouse features lions, tigers, pumas, black and spotted leopards, and jaguars. Gorilla and monkey compounds, a reptile house and aviaries are other highlights of the Al Ain Zoo.The zoo is also famous for its research facilities, in particular the ongoing breeding program for endangered native animals.
Al Ain National Museum
The Al Ain National Museum is located adjacent to the Al Hosn Palace.The Ethnographical Section of the Al Ain National Museum reflects the daily life of the people of the region. Highlights include reconstructed traditional majilis and exhibits offering a glimpse into traditional life. Garments, household items and utensils, as well as gold and silver jewelry reflect the local customs and traditions. The Grand Hili tomb with its rock engravings has been reconstructed.The Archaeological Section displays discoveries dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages including gold pendants and an important coin collection.
Camel Racing
Camel Racing is an ancient sport that generally takes place on informal desert tracks although some official tracks have also been set aside for this purpose. A large ten kilometer track on the Al Ain road hosts races regularly.Visitors are provided with the opportunity to view the exciting races and experience the atmosphere of traditionally clad locals in tune with their surroundings.Certain slender breeds such as the white or golden 'Anafi' and the brown or black 'Boushari' are more suitable for racing. Camel training begins at the age of six months, while entrance for official races is permitted at the age of three years.
Central Public Gardens
Al Ain is known as the "garden city" with its remarkable greenery amidst the dry desert surroundings. The plant life is mainly due to a massive forestation program rather than indigenous landscape but it still means shade and plant life.Al Ain has many beautiful parks, the Central Public Gardens is of particular note. Among the attractions in Central Public Gardens is an impressive fountain with changing shapes, lighting displays and a large adventure playground for children.The garden is a major attraction of Al Ain, located west of the Clock Tower Roundabout, in the center of the town.
Al Ain Palace Museum
Al Ain Palace Museum is the former palace of Sheikh Zayed, who eventually became the President of the UAE. The interior has been restored to reflect the palace as it was when the Sheikh was living there. It is also the birthplace of the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
