Here is a list of fun things to do in Al Ain, or within driveable distance.
Many of these things have an article about them on this site β so put a word/phrase that interests you into the Search box on the Navigation Bar above.
In Al Ain…
Sports…
- rugby
- football/soccer
- ice hockey
- Paintballing
- baseball
- karate
- go karts
- walking (Al Ain Natural History Group)
- camping (you can get an inexpensive tent and camp in the desert near the Al Ain International Airport, or go further afield)
Healthy body…
- yoga
- Pilates
Music-related…
- instrument lessons
- singing lessons
- Choral Group (Sunday nights at the Al Ain English School Hall)
- music concerts
Cinemas…
- Bawadi Mall
- Al Ain Mall
- Rotana Hotel
- French Cultural Centre (a English subtitled popular French film at 7.30pm every other Thursday: free entry)
- Al Foah Mall
Places…
- Various forts and museums
- Hili Fun City
- Al Ain Wildlife Park
- Parks like Jahli Park (with great climbing frames)
- Al Ain Paradise Hanging Gardens
Large arcades with dodgems etc…
- Bawadi Mall (also has a small rollercoaster)
- Al Ain Mall
- Al Jimi Mall
Yearly events…
- Al Ain Air Show
- WOMAD Festival (World Of Music, Arts and Dance)
Abu Dhabi (90 minutes away by car)…
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque (third largest mosque in the worldο»Ώ)
- Hilton Hotel (superb beach / pools / water slide)
- Ferrari World (enormous theme park)
Dubai (90 minutes away by car)…
Beaches…
- Jumeirah Beach (low cost)
- public beach (free)
Dubai Mall…
- Kidzania (small ‘town’ where children try out different jobs and earn money: leave them for 2-3 hours while you shop for a fixed fee: just amazing)
- Sega Zone (stay for hours and play video games and ride the roller coaster etc for a fixed fee, then with tokens)
- Aquarium Tour
- 22-screen cinema
Dubai Creek…
- Dolphinarium (excellent dolphin show with top notch highwire acts)
- Science-type museum (like Eureka in Halifax England) (correct name to follow!!)
Water parks…
- Atlantis Hotel: Aquaventure (awesome water park)
- Wild Wadi water park (smaller and more crammed with people, but the same price)
Umm Al Quwain (90-120 minutes away by car)…
- Dreamland Aqua Park (cheaper than Aquaventure or Wild Wadi, and fewer adrenalin rides, but a fun day out)
Fujairah (3.5 hours away by car)…
- Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Hotel (the best hotel we’ve ever been to, so we’ve been 11 times, supreme service. Wonderful kid’s club. Fab water sports.)
- Sandy Beach Resort
- Miramar Hotel
- Rotana Hotel
…and a few other hotels
Oman…
- Crowne Plaza Hotel, just before you reach Sohar: 65 mins from the Hilton Hotel, Al Ain
- Muscat (2 hours from Sohar)
- about 500 forts, plus wadis galore: see an Off Road Guide from a local bookshop for maps and descriptions
In summary: I think you’ll find that there’s a lot to do in Al Ain.
Now, if any of the above interest you, enter a keyword into the search box on the menu bar at the top of the screen to see if I’ve put any more info about that subject or place in an article β in many cases there’s lots of words and photos too.
Do post a comment below or email me if you can improve this list! Or ask me a question!
I work at Zayed Central Library and am new to Al Ain. I’ve been looking for a Pilates Reformer. Can you please tell me what gym has this? My email address is attached.
Thanks
Sherri
Hi Sherri, I don’t know what a ‘Reformer’ is. I suggest you ring Thuy, a very lovely lady, and well-regarded Pilates instructor, on 050 321 8677. Chris
This is my reponse to Sherri. I don’t see where I can directly reply to her comment, so Chris, you have to help me pass this message.
Hi Sherri,
This is Thuy (twee). I am the Pilates specialist that Chris mentioned above. (Thank you Chris!) I am in the process of ordering a Pilates Reformer with Tower and an EXO Chair as well. They are from Balance Body, top quality in the market. I just have a bit of problem with the shipping. Hopefully, things will clear up soon and the reformer can be on its way to Al Ain. If you can send me an email (to: fit.pilates@yahoo.com) or a text message (to: 050-321 8677), I will inform you when the reformer will arrive. You can be the first client to test it out π
In the mean time, if you’d like to keep up with your practice without the reformer but much more challenging with a variety of props (small ball, stability ball, magic circle, thera band and foam roller), you are welcome to try my group class. We are having a Pilates Boot Camp every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm. There are a couple of slots left for this group.
I look forward to practicing Pilates with you, Sherri.
Thank you Chris. So you know, the ‘Reformer’ is a wonderful piece of Pilates equipment. The one I am ordering is a true piece of art, hand crafted and made in USA. Its frame is made of solid Strata Rock Maple and its hardware is all top quality. The total weight of this machine is 188lbs.
Warm regards,
Thuy
Chris is a wonderful brother of mine and I am proud of that.
Great site Chris keep up with the hard work!
Thanks Anthony! I’m glad you like the site! Catch you soon, Chris
Dear Chris,
I have recently bought a 4×4 car and looking for a 4×4 group so I can try out my car. I would prefer groups that go out with their families. Any leads?…
Thanks
Hi Ashraf,
The group that I know of which is very popular is UAE Offroaders.
I have written an article about it here: http://www.alainenthusiast.com/weekend-fun/uae-offroaders/
Chris
hello..
how are you..?my name is kareem..i’m 25 years old,well i’m searching for a place to play football ,, i mean a place where offers a training program..actually im a football player in A.C milan academy about 5 years ago..
can u help me??
Hi Kareem,
I’m not aware of any football training for your age group. Contact Dr Abdel Nourel Din via ahn31 at hotmail dot com as he runs the football coaching for younger people at the Rugby Club.
Chris
Hello,
It would be a great pleasure for me if you could give more details about camping near Al ain Airport. Map would be great…Thx
Hia Chris, Long time no speak. Was looking at your website while in Singapore for a holiday. Do drop me a mail, would be nice to hear from you. Rust all is well.
Love to you all
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
It was good to see you again this Christmas. We hope you do come and visit us in Al Ain soon. π
Chris
Hi Chris
I am Aysha and I am local . I found your website very useful for the people who live in Alain .
Keep the hard work
Thanks Aysha! π
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your effort!
Your posts are very useful π
Thank you, Yousef! π
Chris