Al Ain

Al-Ain is in the Buraimi Oasis, an area that straddles the border between the UAE and Oman. Its name means 'spring of water'. It is the main city in the region and a good place to cross the border into Oman to get an idea of life in that country. The border runs right through town and there are no checkpoints in town whatsoever; instead traffic leaving town on the Omani side is checked just outside the city limits. On the Omani side the town is called Al Buraimi.

The oasis is thought to be the longest continuously inhabited areas in the UAE. Excavations suggest people settled there around 4000 BC. Al-Ain is the birthplace of Shaikh Zayed, who ruled Abu Dhabi for a long time, so the city has received a fair share of the country's oil revenues. Al Buraimi on the Omani side has not received as much from that country's rulers and the difference between the two towns is quite obvious. The area around Al-Ain is very dry, making the summer heat much more bearable than in the humid coastal areas.

The Al-Ain Museum has an exhibition on what life used to be like in the area; it is very interesting to see photographs from Abu Dhabi from the 1960's and compare them with the current situation. The exhibition also includes Bedouin jewelry and clothing, weaponry, musical instruments and the interior of a Bedouin tent. Opposite the museum is the Eastern Fort. There is not much to see in the fort, but it is a good example of the traditional mud building style.

Not far from the museum and the fort you will find the livestock souk where people from all over the area buy and sell sheep, goats and other domestic animals. Camels can be bought from the camel market not far from the center of town on the Buraimi side. Also on the Al Buraimi side of town is the Buraimi Souk, where most stalls sell fruit, vegetables ands spices. The Al-Hilla Fort is immediately behind the souk. You can stroll around the fort's courtyard and you can climb its battlements for a view over the city. The nearby mineral springs at Green Mubazzarah are also well worth a visit.

There is also a zoo in Al Ain, as well as an amusement park. Wadi adventure is focused on water-based activities and near Mount Hafeet you can visit the 'Jebel Hafeet Desert Park.

About 20 km (12 miles) outside Al-Ain, in the direction of Abu Dhabi, camel races are held several times a week. Camel safaris can also be arranged in Al-Ain.

Al-Ain is about 150 km southeast of Abu Dhabi and the two cities are connected by a 3-lane highway. Accommodation is widely available, though very expensive. Restaurants and other places that sell meals can be found all over town.