The Al Ain oasis also provides a striking contrast to the surrounding desert with its lush gardens and date palm groves. Many Abu Dhabi residents have holiday homes here, as it is a popular weekend destination for families from the capital city. There are a number of interesting attractions in Al Ain, such as: the Al Ain National Museum, the Al Ain Palace, several forts and watchtowers, and the Hili archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages. Other attractions include the oasis, which is located in the centre, as well as other oases in the vicinity of Al Ain, providing wonderful, cool retreats from the sweltering summer heat. A zoo, an amusement park, city parks and a heritage village round out the places to see on your visit here. Ain Al Faydah: this resort town is located near Jebel Hafeet Mountain. Visitors can swim in one of the pools, boat on the lake or enjoy a picnic in the lovely gardens. The resort’s accommodation options include individual chalets as well a rest house. Ain Palace Museum: is situated at the western edge of the Al Ain oasis, on Sunaya road. The building housing the museum was originally a palace that belonged to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, at the time when he was appointed as the Ruler's Representative for the Eastern Region. The oldest section of the palace dates to 1937 and subsequently additional buildings were added when the late Sheikh Zayed lived here. Fort: a number of forts and watchtowers are scattered throughout Al Ain, many of which have been restored. Built for defensive purposes, they also served as centres of local government – and date from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Al Ain Oasis: a vast, shady area in the centre of Al Ain comprising a date plantation which is sub-divided into small farms. There’s access for farm vehicles and pedestrians, and two small mosques are tucked into the palm groves. The oasis is a major draw for visitors to Al Ain, and is well worth a visit. You’ll see a mud-brick tower and a number of other out-buildings. The site shows evidence of it being occupied at 2000BC, after which time the inhabitants moved to other sites in the region, such as Qattarah and Rumeilah. Jabel Hafeet: rising approximately 4,500ft above Al Ain is this landmark mountain. This is the UAE’s highest mountain: its peak can be reached by car, along a 6-mile winding road. You’ll have excellent views of the city and the surrounding area from the top, particularly at sunset. | 
