Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The hike
From Al Ain Bus Station, cross to the eastern edge of Al Ain Oasis (واحة العين) and follow the paved lanes west into the palm groves. The lanes run between mud-brick walls under date palms, with narrow falaj channels, the traditional gravity-fed irrigation of the region, beside them. Keep on across the oasis to its western side, near the Al Ain Oasis museum, then walk back the same way.
It is 4.4 km there and back and almost flat (6 m of ascent); allow about an hour and ten minutes. The grade is Easy: paved lanes throughout. The oasis is part of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.
The palms give shade, but the lanes between them are hot: go early in the cooler months and carry water. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. The oasis has gates and visiting hours of its own that we could not confirm from an official page, so check them before you set out.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Al Ain Oasis is part of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011
- The oasis is watered by falaj channels, the traditional gravity-fed irrigation system of the region, and shaded by date palms
Getting there
Start: Al Ain Bus Station. 24.21919, 55.77157
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Al Ain: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.