| Abu
Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates
making up the United Arab Emirates and constitutes
nearly 80% of the nation's total land area
including nearly 200 islands. The cities of
Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, are the two largest
in the emirates. While Abu Dhabi is a vibrant
and captivating city with an impressive skyline,
parks and gardens, luxury hotels, palatial
villas and mansions, wide boulevards and beaches,
Al Ain, the Garden City of the UAE, has an
abundance of greenery with well-maintained
parks and gardens. The oasis city, 148 kms
from Abu Dhabi, also has a history dating
back to 4 millennium BC.
For
an average tourist, this is one of the safest
tourist destinations in the world with some
of the best facilities. Activities range
from shopping in the upmarket shops to haggling
in the souk (market), travelling in an air
conditioned limousine to riding a camel
in the desert, dining in five-star luxury
to sampling Bedouin hospitality under the
night sky.
The
City of Al Ain is situated in the Eastern
Region of Abu Dhabi. It is blessed with
substantial groundwater resources which
feed into numerous artesian wells and is
now one of the greenest areas in Arabia.
This is also a cultural and educational
center and site of the UAEs first
university, the UAE University, which includes
among its many faculties, a vibrant medical
school. Internal transport is facilitated
by a superb road network and Al Ain is connected
to the outside world through Al Ain International
Airport.
Abu
Dhabi Attractions
White Fort - One of
the landmarks of Abu Dhabi, The Al Hosn
Palace, commonly known as the White Fort,
dates back over 200 years. Home of the former
ruling family it is the oldest building
in Abu Dhabi. The Palace is also home to
the Cultural Foundation where many interesting
exhibits of traditional artefacts and photographs
are displayed. The courtyard and tile work
over the main gate are particularly beautiful.
Heritage
Village - The village is situated in
the middle of Abu Dhabi and is a living
exhibition of the lifestyle and traditions
of Bedouin and other culture's.
Hili
Gardens - Impressive ancient tombs,
some more than 4000 years old, is of interest
here.
Liwa
Oasis - About a five hour drive from
the city of Abu Dhabi is Liwa, one of the
largest oasis in Arabia and a gateway to
Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter. The place
makes a refreshing change with freshwater
pools and date plantations. It is also home
to the Bedu people, known for their hospitality.
Jabel
Hafit - Close to Al Ain, is this craggy
mountain rising steeply from the surrounding
desert. An area noted for its flora and
fauna (it is one of the last remaining habitats
of the rare Arabian tahr), the mountain
can be accessed by excellent roads which
wind its way right upto the summit, providing
a panaromic view of the Empty Quarter. Also
of interest are the numerous caves, sites
of archaeological excavations, and Ain Al
Fayda, a top health resort located over
a natural hot spring.
Al
Ain Museum - Location within the confines
of Al Jahili fort, the nation's largest
museum is divided into ethnological and
historical sections. Interesting displays
include Bedouin artifacts, archaeological
excavations of 2700 BC, 500 BC stone instruments
and relics dug up from Fossil Valley.
Al
Ain Zoo and Aquarium - The 1969 zoo
houses an extremely large and varied collection
of wildlife from all over the world. The
zoo is also well know for its display of
Arabia's indigenous wildlife which includes
the spectacular Arabian oryx.
Qattarah
Oasis - This small, beautiful sylvan
oasis studded with date palms and fruit
orchards and located on the edge of Al Ain
is noted for its archaeological sites. Some
of the ancient relics found here, including
beautiful gold jewellery, have been displayed
today in the Al Ain museum.
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