Al-Ain Oasis
Al-Ain Oasis is the largest oasis in the city of Al Ain in the eastern part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. It is located in Al-Mutawa'a District in central Al-Ain, and east of Al-Jahili District. The border between Al-Ain City and the Omani town of Al Buraimi is to the northwest.
The Al Ain Oasis is the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was listed into the World Heritage Site in 2011. It is located in the centre of the Al Ain city and covers a total area of 3,000-acres. In this oasis you can find different types of date orchards. Currently, there are 147,000 palm trees and more than 100 different species of plants.
The oasis has eight gates, however visitors usually enter through the West Gate. This gate is the main entrance where visitors can access the information and also hire bikes for sightseeing. This oasis is worth a visit if you want to learn about the different plant species from the UAE. The oasis is one of the best attractions in Al Ain city for locals and tourists. It’s also a fun place for kids, where they can learn more about nature and the local species of palms and other fruits.
Different attractions and things to do at Al Ain Oasis.
One of the attractions of Al Ain Oasis is the quiet and wide paths lined with endless array of palm trees. It can take about 1.5 hours or more to walk around the oasis and explore its various parts.
Explore the oasis on a bike
The best way to explore the vast oasis is to rent a bike from the main gate. Different types of bikes and pedal carts are available for rent. You can inquire about hourly rent at the main entrance.
The ancient falaj irrigation system
Visitors can explore the two main falaj systems serving the oasis, Al Aini and Dawood. These systems irrigate two different parts of the oasis. The water for this irrigation system is collected from the Hajar Mountains and Jabal Hafeet. 3000 years later, the ancient Falaj Irrigation Channel is still used to irrigate the trees of this oasis. Irrigation system is efficient to keep the garden fresh throughout the year.
Eco-Centre
The Eco Center provides information on the history of the Al Ain Oasis, as well as educational games to explain how the oasis was created. The building is eco-friendly and sustainable. It integrates traditional and innovative technologies and integrates its biodiversity seamlessly into the landscape.
The miniature oasis
The miniature oasis is a small representation of the fertile land of the desert. It features models and miniatures of existing historic buildings and shows how the Falaj Irrigation System works. Kids can also make their own models using their imagination using farm clay.
Eastern Fort
The Eastern Fort is one of the most popular attractions at the Al Ain Oasis. The Eastern Fort, also called Sultan Fort, was constructed in 1910 by Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed the former ruler of Abu Dhabi. Located on the eastern edge of the oasis. The fort was once the central part of the Hara of Al Ain or the Haret al Hisn City. The historical Eastern Fort is one of the main buildings associated with the ruling Al Nahyan family and their rising influence in the 19th Century.
Identify different fruit trees
There are many small gardens with fruit trees and plants. Fruit trees like mangoes, figs, pomegranates, bananas, lemons and olives can be found here. Sugarcane crops are also planted in Al Ain Oasis.
The Oasiscape tour: The tour is one of the best ways to explore the oasis and learn more about the desert landscape and the importance of the desert oasis. One of the most distinctive features of the tour is the interactive installations called "Techno Palm". Electronic versions of palms, which act as an information guide.
Location: Al Tuhaf St, Central District, Al Ain.
Visiting Hours: The Al Ain Oasis opening hours are 08:00 am to 05:00 pm daily. Restaurants, Cafes & Shops: Daily 8 am - 9 pm.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to Al Ain Oasis. Visitors can enter the place free of charge.
How to Reach
The oasis is located in Al Mutawa’a District, at the Hessa bint Mohammad Street in Al Ain’s Central District. It’s located close to the Al Ain Palace Museum.
The Al Ain Oasis is almost 159 kilometres away from Abu Dhabi. If you’re driving your own car it will take approximately 1 hour 38 minutes to reach Al Ain Oasis from Abu Dhabi via the Al Ain Road/E22. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, however, the charges are quite high considering a long journey.
Then the best option is to take your own car or take the RTA bus from Dubai to Al Ain. One of the affordable options is to take the RTA Bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai to Al Ain Central Bus Station. It will take approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes.