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Al Ain is a beautiful garden city in the Buraimi Oasis. Rising from Abu Dhabi's dry desert sands, it is the greenest city in Arabia and a settlement dating back to the 4th millennium BC. As the birthplace of the current ruler of Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Zayed, the town has enjoyed special treatment in recent years, and has glistening fountains, tree-lined boulevards and low-rise buildings. It is home to the country's largest museum and its biggest zoo. Visit in the milder winter months and explore ancient archaeological sites, or in summer to escape the coastal humidity.


History

The area, historically known as the Buraimi Oasis, has been continuously inhabited for more than four thousand years and Al Ain is considered central to the cultural heritage of the country. It is the birthplace of Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates.

Today the name Buraimi refers to the Omani town whose urban area merges with that of Al Ain. Until September 14, 2006, Al Ain and Buraimi enjoyed an open border and functioned as one.On September 14th, the UAE government closed the open border and required all individuals to clear immigrations both entering and leaving the UAE. Gulf nationals cross the border at the main crossing whereas, expats are required to cross at either the Hili or "Intercontinental" border crossings. There are numerous underground water springs in the area, which explain its attractiveness as an area of settlement. Traces of its traditional past remain, including camel racing and breeding. The ancient falaj system of irrigation is still in use in some areas distributing underground water by a network of tunnels emerging eventually into open channels whose flow can be directed and regulated.

Getting Around Al Ain

By plane

Technically, Al Ain has its own international airport, but the vast majority of flights arrive at Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

By bus

Easiest way to reach Al Ain is by Bus from Abu Dhabi (140 km) and Dubai (100 km). Buses depart hourly from Abu Dhabi bus station, arriving at Al Ain bus staion and it takes 2 hours ( 10 Dhs , $ 2.70). Buses are clean Air Conditioned semi luxury type. Bus stops in half way for about 10 minutes. From Dubai, there are Emirates mini buses availble from Bur Dubai taxi station. Clean semi luxury mini vans charges 20 Dhs ( $5.40 Approx) for the 90 minutes journey.