Things To Do

Al Qattara Arts Centre is a place for artists and art enthusiasts to explore and engage in different creative disciplines.

The centre was established in 2011 as a venue where artistic practice can be studied, practised and developed. The centre’s gallery displays art by Emirati and UAE-based artists. The Dry Studio is a classroom for music and handicrafts, while the Wet Studio offers drawing and painting classes. There is also a Pottery Studio and a Calligraphy Studio.

Al Qattara Arts Centre was a redevelopment of the former Bin Ati Al Darmaki House, a traditional mudbrick tower and residence. The centre was designed in the regional architectural style and blends in with its surroundings, which include modern heritage buildings. Archeological findings are on permanent display in the Qattara Archaeological Basement.

Opening Hours : 09:00 – 20:00

Entry Fees : No

Dating back to over 4000 years ago, the city of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates is home to many oases and is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation has also recognised the significance of Al Ain’s oases as a repository of genetic resources, biodiversity and Emirati cultural heritage.

A central element of the UNESCO Cultural Sites of Al Ain, Al Ain Oasis is fed by a traditional falaj irrigation system and is located in the middle of the city. Al Ain Oasis preserves a culture and a way of life going back thousands of years. It covers 136 hectares and is the largest oasis in Al Ain. Farmers tend to more than 147,000 date palms, consisting of more than 100 varieties, as well as fodder crops and fruit trees such as mango, orange, banana, fig and jujube (known locally as sidr). Individual plots are separated by historic boundary walls.

Opening Hours : 09:00 – 17:30

Entry Fees : No

One of the largest forts in the UAE, Al Jahili reflects the importance of Al Ain to Abu Dhabi’s ruling family and the nation’s history.

Al Jahili Fort, one of the largest forts in the United Arab Emirates, was built in the late 19th century by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First (r. 1855-1909), both as a symbol of power and as a royal summer residence. The original fort consisted of a square fortified enclosure and a distinctive four-storey circular tower.

Opening Hours : 09:00 – 19:00

Entry Fees : No

Qasr Al Muwaiji Located at the western approach to Al Ain city, Qasr Al Muwaiji has played an important role in the history of the United Arab Emirates and represents a fine example of early 20th century mudbrick architecture.

Qasr Al Muwaiji was built in the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Zayed the First (r. 1855–1909) and his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Later it became the home and administrative base for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, when in 1946 he became the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region.

His eldest son, the late H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was born at Qasr Al Muwaiji two years later and spent much of his youth there, learning from his father.

Opening Hours : 09:00 – 19:00

Entry Fees : No

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa is a historic house within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain. The house includes a permanent exhibition celebrating the nation’s social and architectural transition to modernity during the 1950s and 1960s. It is also a community centre with a diverse programme of activities and events. The building has been repurposed and is home to the Al Ain Theatre Group, the RFLCT Creative Arts Centre and a Notes Cafe with its own bakery.

Opening Hours : 09:00 – 19:00

Entry Fees : AED 10 + VAT Per Person