Just an hour and a half drive from Abu Dhabi through rolling sand dunes along a tree-lined freeway takes you to the oasis city of Al Ain (Arabic: 'The Eye').
Al Ain is the UAE's largest inland city, and the second city of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. It is surrounded by magnificent red sand dunes and overlooked by an impressive mountain range. Al Ain is located on the United Arab Emirates eastern border with Oman, and is at a focal point for journeys from all over the region by excellent roads. A holiday destination for the UAE shiekhs for many years, Al Ain enjoys its own microclimate bringing welcome relief from the humidity of the coast.
The oases have brought people to this area for thousands of years, and there is a rich history as evidenced by the many archaeological excavations. There are numerous restored and ruined forts and settlements to be seen throughout the area. Today, the abundance of water from the oases allows the city to bloom in its numerous parks and gardens. It is often known as the 'Garden City of the Gulf' and brings welcome respite from the desert all around.
source:
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