Dubai to Al Ain: Private day trip

The area around Al Ain has been settled for at least 8,000 years, thanks in large part to its oasis. A verdant gem on the border of the world’s largest continuous sand desert, it’s said Sheikh Zayed, the father of the UAE, was born under a tree here. Today, the Al Ain Oasis UNESCO World Heritage site where visitors can wander through a 1,200-hectare date-palm forest, which is still fed with the same 3,000-year-old irrigation techniques. The Al Ain Zoo is a great place for animal lovers, and has an added cultural significance because it was founded by Sheikh Zayed to protect endemic wildlife. Culture-lovers will also want to visit the 19th century Al Jahili Fort, which is now a museum with an exceptional exhibition of photographs from the 40s. For truly unique experience, head to the last camel souk in the UAE (near IKEA), to see a timeless tradition live on.