Al Ain literally means "the spring" and was named the Garden City because of its greenery. The history of Al-Ain goes back to 3000 years BC. It is a rapidly developing city that has many attraction sites including Al-Ain National Museum, Al-Ain Palace Museum, many restored forts and the Hili Archaeological Park site which dates back to the Bronze Age. Jabel Hafeet is one of its landmarks and stands 1,340 meters above sea level and dominates the surrounding areas. Mineral springs are very popular to visit at the mountain base.
The weather is pleasant from October to May with temperatures averaging 28ط¢آ°C, although evenings in January and February can require the use of a sweater or jacket.
The local currency is the UAE Dirham. The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar at the rate of AED 3.67. Dollars are widely accepted in souks and shops. Other exchange rates (subject to change): GBP: 4.48 AED and EURO: 3.90 AED.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, local banks and hotels. Banks are open to the public from Saturday to Thursday, between 0800 to 1500 hours. Banks are closed on Fridays and public holidays.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are generally accepted in hotels and larger stores but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
The electricity is 220/230 volts at 50 cycles and most sockets are according to British standards. Although adaptors are usually available in hotels, you may want to purchase one before you arrive.
The local time in Al Ain is GMT + 4 hours.
UAE is clear of all epidemic diseases and is largely mosquito-free. No specific vaccinations are required to enter the country, however if you are traveling from a known epidemic area, it is advised that you check for any special requirements prior to travel.
You can reach Al Ain City through two main airports:
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Abu Dhabi Airport: |
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Dubai Airport: |