Climate

The Emirates may well have the hottest weather you will ever experience, approximately 35ºC in mid-May to 45ºC+ in August/September, but unlike Abu Dhabi and Dubai on the coast, Al Ain, being inland, does not suffer from high high humidity - this makes it more bearable. Most buildings are thoroughly air conditioned (sometimes too much). The winters are cooler (at night it can get down to 12°C) and a sweater or jacket is often necessary. In early spring it can rain quite heavily so an umbrella or even a light raincoat is a necessity. On the other hand you can look forward to ideal walking and exploring weather from October to April.

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Geography

A survey map of the local Gulf region would be worth finding before you come. They do not exist locally. Stamfords in London, UK do stock them and you may know of another good map shop in your own area; try searching map sites on the internet. Al Ain shares a border with the Omani town of Buraimi. It is possible to drive a short distance up into the Omani mountains before coming to a border post. There the scenery is very dramatic, and if you have a four wheel drive (which many people purchase in Al Ain for this reason) you can travel along the wadis (dried up river beds). It is a two and a half to three hour drive through varied scenery, red sand dune desert, gravel plain reminiscent of East Africa and rugged mountains to Fujairah on the Arabian Sea. There you can snorkel and dive. You will be surprised at how beautiful and green the desert becomes after the rains. On side roads though you must beware of camels and herds of goats. The main Abu Dhabi/Dubai roads are well fenced and camels only rarely escape on to them and are pretty soon moved off. Up in the mountains at Hatta there are other possibilities for exploration and also over in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. 

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Social Life

Al Ain has facilities for almost every recreational activity except those that need the sea like yachting and scuba diving. We have a few sporting goods stores that sell name-brand products. Most popular recreational activities in the UAE include tennis, racquetball, squash, Scuba diving, swimming, water-skiing, boating, horseback riding, rugby football and soccer. Most sports like swimming, tennis, squash etc. are offered by the Hiltonia Club at the Hilton Hotel or the InterContinental Hotel Sports Club, and the Rotana Hotel also provides sports facilities.

There is an ice skating rink at Hilli Fun City on the outskirts of town if this is your sport and Al Ain has successful ice hockey teams covering for all ages. Rugby enthusiasts are catered for by the Al Ain Amblers Rugby Club and runners can join the Al Ain Hash House Harriers who have a run in a desert spot, sometimes sand, sometimes gravel, each Monday, followed by certain revelry and often a barbecue. They also arrange other social activities such as a desert dinner, a four wheel drive rally and progressive suppers. This is a family group and children are welcome, also the not so fit who would rather walk - which can be just as energetic as running.

If you like to do handicrafts, it is best to bring your own materials with you. There are many Clubs and Societies in Al Ain and a fuller list of what is available will be provided in your welcome pack. There are drama and music societies, a Caledonian Society, an Irish Society, the International Ladies Circle and the Emirates Natural History Society. There is one cinema at present the Club showing western films. New cinemas are due to open shortly at the Rotana Hotel Mall and in one of the new Malls down town.

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Shopping

A wide variety of products, often at the lowest prices to be found anywhere, await the visitor to Al Ain. Gold jewellery, electronic items, fashionable clothing, perfumes from the east and west and top brand name luggage are just some of the items available in the modern air conditioned shops. Oriental carpets and furniture along with a wide range of traditional goods from the region can be found in the specialty shops. A visit to the souqs offers the opportunity to experience the local atmosphere and to barter for special bargains.

The hotels offer the highest standard of international and Arabic cuisine or visit the down town area for a variety of low priced but excellent restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines from all over the world. For fast food take a shawarma from one of the many street side stalls or visit the international outlets such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut or Kentucky.

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Important Places in Al Ain

AL AIN MUSEUM

Situated adjacent to the Al Hosn Fort the museum has two sections. The Ethnographical Section reflects the past daily life of the people of the region. The Archaeological Section displays discoveries dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages. The museum is open Sunday to Friday. Closed on Saturdays.


INTL. AIRPORT

Al Ain International Airport, located at the northern outskirts of the city was opened in 1994. The most up to date facilities are offered to travelers, including a wide range of goods at low prices in the duty Free Shop.

HAFEET MOUNTAIN

1350 meters high, of craggy rock, the mountain is a major landmark positioned to the south of the city. A 13 kilometer long road winds its way to the summit where temperatures are significantly lower. On a clear day there are magnificent views of the city and it’s surrounds.

HOT SPRINGS

Located off the road to the Hafeet Mountain it is an amazing sight to see the lakes of water amid the arid mountain and desert setting.

ZOO AND AQUARIUM

The huge site housing the Zoo is located to the south of the town. Big cat houses, gorilla and monkey compounds, reptile house, aviaries all make viewing the large animal collection an easy experience. The zoo is also famous for its research activities particularly for it’s breeding of endangered native animals. (Closed on Saturdays and Wednesdays)

HILI FUN CITY

This theme park caters to all the family. Picnic grounds, food outlets, souvenir shops and variety shows are provided in addition to the selection of over 30 rides including modern favorites such as Roller Coaster and Carousel and the latest attraction such as Laser Dome and Gyro Tower.

ICE RINK

Located adjacent to Hili Fun City, this magnificent Olympic sized facility is open daily. In addition to skating a variety of other children’s activity games and a video arcade are provided.
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CAMEL RACING

Through out the Camel racing season (October to March) races are held regularly at the Camel Race Track located to the west of the City, just off the road to Abu Dhabi. Visitors are welcome to view the exciting races and experience the atmosphere, free of charge.

CENTRAL GARDENS

Al Ain is blessed with numerous beautifully landscaped parks. Of particular interest to visitors is the Central Public Gardens located just west of the Clocktower Roundabout in the Town Center. Set within the gardens are fascinating fountains and a large children’s adventure play area.

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