Al Ain City Tour from Dubai: Oasis, Camel Market & Jebel Hafeet

Summary

Explore Al Ain’s Heritage Sites and Local Markets

You’ll wander ancient museums, sip tea by an oasis, meet camels up close, and climb Jebel Hafeet for sweeping views—all in one relaxed day trip from Dubai.

What’s the experience like?

Sunlight hit the red rocks of Jebel Hafeet as we rolled into Al Ain—this place feels different from Dubai right away. There’s a slow pace here, and you catch it even before you step out of the van. Our guide, Ahmed, pointed out the date palms lining the roads; he joked that locals can tell the season just by looking at their color. The air smelled faintly sweet, almost earthy, especially near the oasis where water trickled quietly under shaded walkways.

The Al Ain National Museum was first on our list. It’s not huge, but if you like old coins and pottery, you’ll want to linger. I spent a while peering at ancient tools—some looked like they’d just been dug up yesterday. Ahmed shared stories about the region’s history going back to 3000 BC. He even mentioned that UNESCO put Al Ain on its World Heritage List for good reason. We wandered through the cool halls, then stepped outside to find a street vendor selling cardamom tea—couldn’t resist grabbing a cup.

The camel market was next. Honestly, it’s loud and lively—camels grumbling, traders haggling in Arabic and Hindi. You can get close enough to see their long lashes and hear them snort (watch your shoes though). We watched a quick deal go down; it felt like something out of another era. Later, we drove up Jebel Hafeet for those wide views over Oman’s border—the wind up there is strong enough to mess your hair up good.

By midday, we cooled off at Green Mubazzarah’s hot springs—locals were picnicking under trees, kids running barefoot on the grass. The last stop was Al Ain Oasis: walking under those tall palms with filtered sunlight above is something I won’t forget soon. If you’re into quiet moments or just want to see another side of the UAE beyond skyscrapers, this tour gives you plenty of both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Al Ain's History and Nature

• Visit Al Ain National Museum

Top questions

Is entry to Al Ain Zoo included?

No, zoo tickets aren’t included but you’ll have time to visit if you wish.

Are meals provided during the tour?

No meals are included but there are stops where you can buy snacks or lunch.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes! Families often join—just keep an eye on little ones at busy spots like the camel market.

What should I wear for this trip?

Light clothing is best—it gets warm by midday. Comfy shoes help for walking around sites.

What’s included

This tour covers transport from Dubai (pick-up and drop-off), guided visits to Al Ain National Museum (closed Mondays), Sheik Zayed Palace Museum (closed Mondays), Al Ain Oasis, Green Mubazzarah hot springs area, Jebel Hafeet mountain drive, and time at the camel & livestock market. Entry fees for attractions like Al Ain Zoo aren’t included—bring some cash if you plan to visit inside.