Al Ain

Al Ain is the garden city of United Arab Emirates. This oasis town is next to, and virtually merged with, the Omani town of Buraimi. The "Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)" have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

By bus
The easiest way to reach Al Ain is by bus from Abu Dhabi (140 km) and Dubai (100 km). Buses depart hourly from Abu Dhabi bus station and the Dubai bus station, respectively. Arriving at Al Ain bus station. It takes 2 hr (30 dirham from Abu Dhabi, 30dirham from Dubai). Buses are clean with air conditioning and stop halfway for 10 min.

From Dubai the bus station to go to Al Ain is the "Al Ghubaiba Bus Station".

From Dubai, there are mini buses available from Bur Dubai taxi station. Clean semi luxury mini vans charges 20 dirham for the 90-min journey.

Get around
Taxis are very easy to find and cheap (in the older, brown taxis, 10. dirham plus 1.00/km; silver taxis are more expensive, but have better air conditioning and, usually, English-speaking drivers). Women traveling alone should sit in the back and not make conversation with the cabbies, as drivers may misinterpret friendliness.

There is also a local bus service.

See
Al Ain has several sites that would be of interest to tourists:



Do
There is also a large zoo and safari park in Al Ain that is quite popular with visiting tourists.

Buy


Al Ain has three shopping malls:



Al Ain also has various shopping areas, the Town Centre Area (Main Street, Khalifa Street, and Oud At Touba Street). Vendors sell everything from cheaply-made toys and souvenirs to spices, Arabian incense and gold.



Eat
Al Ain is host to a wide range of palates and ethnicities when it comes to cuisine. Lebanese/Arabic food is usually cheapest; hotel restaurants usually the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's and Hardees, but there is little for most people to eat at those places. Some of the best and cheapest food in the city can be found at its many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low, and quality excellent. Chinese food is at its best in the many Chinese restaurants. Residents find Al Ain's selection to be more than adequate.

Most restaurants and cafes deliver to anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable and rarely costs extra.

Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Al Ain a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer.

Most of the good restaurants are concentrated on Khalifa Street.

The main street in Mauteredh (Mathraz, according to some) has a large number of cafeterias serving Lebanese to Indian food.

Drink
Alcohol is available in the main hotel restaurants. However, it is advised to drink in moderation as in common with the rest of the UAE; it is illegal to be intoxicated in public places.

Go next

 * You can cross the border to Oman.