Al Ain

Planning a trip to Al Ain means heading to the unique "Garden City" of the United Arab Emirates, located in a picturesque oasis on the border with Oman. Unlike the futuristic metropolises on the coast, this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates with its authentic atmosphere, historic forts, and lush palm groves. Getting here is effortless: the city enjoys excellent transport accessibility and is connected to the outside world by direct flights, as well as a network of high-quality roads and bus routes from neighboring emirates.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own international airport, Al Ain (AAN), which welcomes flights from various airlines and is conveniently located relative to the city centre. This is an excellent option for those who wish to avoid extra transfers and immerse themselves in the oasis atmosphere immediately.

Many travelers also choose to fly into major neighboring hubs followed by an overland journey. The nearest major node is the airport in Dubai (DXB), located approximately 118 km away, providing a vast selection of international flights. Alternatively, one can consider airports in Fujairah or the Omani city of Sohar, which are also within a 100–120 km radius.

Currently, the city of Al Ain does not have an operating railway station for passenger transport, so getting here exclusively by train is not yet possible. The national railway network (Etihad Rail) is under active development but is currently focused primarily on freight transport.

Tourists preferring combined routes are recommended to travel to major transport hubs, such as Dubai or Fujairah, and then transfer to a comfortable bus or taxi. Despite the lack of trains, high-quality highways more than compensate for this gap in transport infrastructure.

Bus travel is a popular and budget-friendly way to reach the "Green Heart" of the UAE. Regular services connect the city with the metropolis of Dubai: covering the distance of 150 km takes about 3.7 hours, allowing passengers to comfortably watch the changing landscapes outside the window. This is one of the most sought-after routes among tourists.

For travelers heading from the east coast, the route from Fujairah is convenient, lasting approximately 5.1 hours. There is also a possibility to arrive from the Omani city of Sohar, however, this journey will take over 6 hours, which should be considered when planning travel time.

Traveling by car is perhaps the most comfortable and fastest option, as roads in the Emirates are distinguished by superb quality. A trip from Dubai will take just about 1.4 hours (132 km), turning the drive into a pleasant journey along a modern highway through the desert. This is the ideal choice for those who value independence and speed.

If you are driving from the Oman side, the path from the city of Sohar will take approximately 1.5 hours (127 km). The road from Fujairah is also quite picturesque and quick — about 1.7 hours on the road. Taxis in the UAE operate by meter, and intercity trips can be quite costly, so many tourists prefer to rent a car.

To ensure your trip to this historic oasis is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth considering local cultural and climatic features in advance. Here are some practical recommendations for trip preparation.

1. Clothing and Dress Code. Al Ain is more conservative than Dubai. It is recommended to wear clothing made of natural fabrics that covers shoulders and knees, especially when visiting public places and historical sites. Don't forget a hat for protection against the sun.
2. Transport. The city is quite spread out, so it is best to rent a car or use taxis (Careem or Uber apps) for getting around. Walking is only pleasant inside oases or parks.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Dirham (AED). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for small shops in the markets (souks) will be useful.
4. Health and Climate. The sun here is very intense. Always use high SPF sunscreen and drink plenty of bottled water to avoid dehydration, even in winter.
5. Communication. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the tourism and service sectors. Signage is often bilingual.
6. Local Etiquette. Show respect for local traditions. Avoid public displays of affection and do not enter mosques during prayer times if you are not Muslim.
7. What to Avoid. It is strictly not recommended to photograph local residents (especially women) and government buildings without permission. This can lead to serious problems.
8. Extra Tip. Be sure to visit the Camel Market early in the morning — it is a unique spectacle that is hard to find in other modern cities of the country.

Observing these simple rules will help you show respect for the country's culture and enjoy the hospitality of one of the greenest and most tranquil cities on the Arabian Peninsula.