Al Ain: Oasis of Abu Dhabi

Santa brought T. the book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die: A Travelers Life List." Page 413, Al-Ain, Aubu Dhabi, UAE--"This place is a favorite weekend escape for local emiratis and expats...curious to see life beyond the oil-rich capitals."

Besides the colorful camel market, nearby sites include Jebel Hafeet Mountain and Hili Archaeological Garden.

(There's a nice road that takes you right to the top of the mountain.)


(At the summit there is a big parking lot and a snack bar. This was obviously a popular destination for people enjoying the long holiday weekend.)


(There's a huge private residence...more like a palace...right on top of the mountain...your oil dollars at work!)


(Views of the valley below.)






At Hili Archaeological Garden we saw excavated ruins of a Bronze Age settlement that is over 4000 years old. A beautiful park setting with lots of landscaping, trees, and flowers.


There were lots of cats in this park--dozing on the lawn, stretched out on benches, perched on the statuary, and waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting picnickers lunch.

We also saw lots more birds around Al Ain than in Dubai. This bird, the Little Green Bee Eater, is common in parks and gardens in this area.



(Hili Tomb)
The carving on this tomb is incorporated in the logo for the Al Ain Department of Antiquities and Tourism.