Historical Al Ain

Unlike the rest of the emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has two major cities: Abu Dhabi (our nations capital) and Al Ain. Far away from the coastal waters of the gulf, Al Ain is a border town straddling Oman. Popular for its designation as a "visa run" destination, Al Ain also boasts the impressive Jebel Hafeet and the lesser known Al Mubazzarah Historical Dam. Al Ain is popular as a summer destination for locals because of its cooler climate in the summer and in keeping with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed it is wonderfully lush with greenery. On top of Jebel Hafeet is the Mercure Hotel where one can enjoy a meal out on the terrace restaurant overlooking the valley and desert below. Be sure to dress warmly, depending on when you go, as the temperature can be quite cool. The road which snakes up Jebel Hafeet is well maintained and has look out points along the way. Al Ain also has some old forts and museums which one can visit but be aware that on Friday they are only open from 15h00 to 17h00. The forts themselves are quite sparse as the below fort map will illustrate.

A rather sparse fort inside the city

Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain

looking into Al Jahili Fort

wall of the fort

Outside of the city on the way to Jebel Hafeet is the Al Mubazzarah Historical Dam which is located by a vacation village of small houses at the foot of Jebel Hafeet. There is a small sign explaining the historical significance of the site and is a good place to stretch your legs and let the kids explore around a bit it you have been in the car too long.

cliff face by the dam

on top of the dam

The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel  is a great, albeit only, option for the top of Jebel Hafeet destination. Having lunch at the terrace restaurant over looking the valley and desert below was a lovely end to the trip. The service as well as the food was excellent.

driving up Jebel Hafeet

driving up Jebel Hafeet

at the Mercure restaurant

Al Ain is easy to visit from Dubai as you only need to follow the E66 (Dubai - Al Ain Road). From Abu Dhabi simply follow the E22 (the aptly named Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Road). Once in Al Ain there are plenty of signs directing you to different historic sites and the like.

* as per the norm this post is not sponsored