Al Ain Day Trip from Abu Dhabi with Lunch

Leave your central Abu Dhabi in the morning by air-conditioned coach, and travel through the desert toward Al Ain, located near the UAE-Oman border.

Often dubbed the ‘Garden City,’ this picturesque town is one of the UAE’s oldest and lies at the foot of the craggy Hajar Mountains. During your journey, hear about Al Ain’s past, and how the discovery of ancient tools and burial mounds nearby has revealed that people settled here as far back as in Bronze Age times.

Pass the lush gardens and tree-lined avenues on the outskirts as you head for Al Ain National Museum. Go inside and enjoy a tour of the historical exhibits and some of the Bronze Age relics displayed nearby. 

Drive to the intriguing Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, home of the UAE’s late founder, His Highness Sheikh Zayed. Step inside to ogle the beautiful interiors, art gallery, meeting rooms and gardens.

Then, visit three top Al Ain attractions — the camel racing circuit and the livestock market and food market — for a peek into the daily rituals and dealings of its citizens. 

See the ‘falaj’ channels dug to transport water around the date palms, and hear how this simple system has been used to irrigate crops for thousands of years.

Drive the winding roads up the high slopes of Jebel Hafeet, the 4,098-foot (1,249-meter) mountain that towers over Al Ain. Stop here to drink in the bird’s-eye views over the city and the surrounding peaks.

Then, head back down to the hot springs in the foothills. Soak up the gorgeous scenery and perhaps cool your toes in the springs. Then, relax over lunch at a local hotel. Dig into buffet dishes such as grilled meat and fish, and enjoy drinks at your own expense.

Your experience finishes with a drop-off back at your Abu Dhabi hotel.