Recognized by UNESCO: 2011

Best Time to Visit: November-March

Al Ain has been a welcome respite for travelers for roughly 4,000 years. Surrounded by the Rub Al Khali, the world's largest continuous sand desert, the city is an oasis known for its towering date palms, lush greenery, and laid-back lifestyle. The air is thick with the scent of mango, orange, banana, and figs. The ancient falaj system transports water from the mountains down to the farmlands and into the city. Visitors will find Al Ain offers a leisurely change of pace when compared to the cosmopolitan energy of Abu Dhabi or Dubai. 

Good to Know: Buses depart for Al Ain from Dubai every hour. The journey takes about two hours. Once you’re there, you’ll need a taxi to get around the city. Alternatively, for more mobility, you can rent a car in Dubai and drive out.