About Al Ain & Abu Dhabi

Al Ain

Al Ain is the principal town in Al-Buraymi oasis and belongs to the south-eastern Abu Dhabi Emirate. Established at the foot of the Jebel Hafit mountain, the highest in U.A.E, Al Ain is known to be at least 3000 years old and the home of the world's oldest irrigation channel. Al Ain, meaning the "Spring" but nicknamed "Garden City" has earned international recognition for its environmental efforts and received the Nation in Bloom award in 1998 honouring the yearly Al Ain Flower Show.

In 2003, Al Ain signed a protocol with the UNESCO to protect and enhance its cultural heritage and maybe one day inscribe it in the World's Heritage list.

In addition to many museums, the city of Al Ain offers more than 65 gardens and parks, an animal market, a zoo , several ancient forts and archaeological sites to visit. It has a hot but pleasant climate with low rainfall.

The town is located 160 kilometers from Abu Dhabi City and 135 from Dubai. It counts 300,000 inhabitants. Al Ain is an harmonious blend of Past and Modernity, served with lots of respect for the environment and topped with true Arabian ambience. A delightful Holiday treat!

For information and photos of Al Ain City, please visit www.alain.ae

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has always been a special place. But until recently, the emirate remained an undiscovered jewel on the international travel map. Today, more and more overseas visitors are discovering this unique and captivating destination.

Abu Dhabi offers all the attractions of a top class international resort... plus a taste of something extra. It combines year-round sunshine and superb facilities for leisure and recreation with the spice and mystique of an Arabian adventure.

Steeped in the ancient culture and heritage of Arabia, the strong desert hospitality traditons live on in the genuine warmth and friendliness that welcomes visitors to Al Ain and this show.

Abu Dhabi offers visitors of all ages great days out. Here you can visit ancient forts and palaces, some now renovated and serving as visitor attractions or stroll the cobbled alleyways of the Al Ain Oasis marvelling at the original Al Falaj irrigation system and the dense date palm groves. You can take in the national museum to get an insight into this Oasis City and its ancient past. A short drive out of town and you'll find the Al Ain Camel Market - the last remaining in the UAE - and be entranced by the hustle and bustle and the haggling of traders as they look for the best livestock deal. Take a trip up Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi's highest peak and take in the stunning views of the desert and city. Play a round of golf on the 18-hole, all-grass course at the Palm Sports Resort, or take the kids to the newly renovated Hili Fun City where the rides thrill and the family can have some of the best fun around at an extremely affordable price.

You can also shop in Abu Dhabi no matter what your taste. From local souks to ultra-modern shopping malls with the latest brands, the Oasis City has retail all sewn up.