Close to the border with Oman, the date-palm oasis of Al Ain—the Garden City of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—is very literally a breath of fresh air from Dubai. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Al Ain on a small-group or private day trip from Dubai.
Group Tours
With a small group and an English-speaking guide, a typical full-day tour to Al Ain city begins with a journey across the desert landscape extending from Dubai to the Hajar Mountains on the Omani border. There’s a lot to see in Al Ain—highlights include the ancient irrigation falaj (channels) used to provide water to the date palms; Al-Jahili Fort, built in the 19th century to protect the oasis from invading forces; and Jebel Hafeet, the second-tallest mountain in the country. Some tours also include visits to the Al Ain National Museum, Sheik Zayed Palace Museum, and the quirky Camel Market, where locals have long brought their livestock to trade.
Private Tours
With so much to see in Al Ain, visitors will benefit from the flexibility and customization of a private tour to the oasis. Your own private guide can help you plan the perfect itinerary to see the sights most important to you, while you get to ask as many questions as you want.
Things to Know
A visit to Al Ain is a must for history buffs.
Visit Al Ain with the value and intimacy of a small-group tour or the customization and flexibility of a private tour guide.
Dubai tours to Al Ain can take upwards of 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.
NO
