Abu Dhabi has established itself on the international tourism map within a short period of time. And the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, under the leadership of Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, is expected to spend $120 billion (Dh441 billion) on projects in the next five years.
A notable success story is the garden city of Al Ain, which is home to 328,000 people. Situated just 148km east of the capital, it is an hour's drive from there.
Watched over by the mighty mountain of Jebel Hafeet, the city has the capacity to inspire, excite, surprise and, of course, entertain residents and visitors alike.
Historical wealth
Settled over four millennia ago, it is today a modern city with its own international airport, five-star hotels and resorts and huge private villas. The city has successfully become an alternative tourist destination to the bustling metropolis of Dubai.
The Al Ain Economic Development and Tourism Promotion Authority, now part of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, has started a cooperative effort to promote and protect the historical and cultural wealth of the city.
Al Ain is well known for its impressive forts and heritage structures that include archaeological sites, an oasis and fountains, which are decorated with thousands of flowers and plants.
It is also admired for the amazing hot springs at the foot of Jebel Hafeet in the Green Mubazzarah — ideal for camping and sand duning.
As revealed by its name, the area looks more festive with that lush mountain, non-natural waterfalls and cliffs that can be seen on a mini-train ride.
Green Mubazzarah, a village with people of different nationalities, is easily accessible. The place provides every important facility — from accommodation in rest houses to dining in eateries that also serve sheeshas.
The park offers leisure and recreational activities that include desert safaris, sand-skiing, rope climbing, camping and hiking on scenic trails. Bowling, snooker and billiard centres are also part of the activities provided.
And the most important public service — mobile toilets — are set up not far from one another.
Hot springs: These are the most distinct and substantial feature of the landscape that has an aesthetic appeal. Mineral deposits from the waters of these springs have formed terraces on their way out. The presence of blue-green algae lends the watercourse its brilliant colours.
Chalets and sheds: Green Mubazzarah offers visitors one- and two-bedroom chalets at the northern base of Jebel Hafeet. They charge from Dh300 for one-bedroom and from Dh650 a day for a two-bedroom chalet.
The chalets need to be booked a week in advance during the off season and a month ahead in the high season. There are sheds provided for free, but it is a good idea to bring your own tent.
And for those who like to stay warm, to escape the cold winter, the tourist landscape has its own indoor, gratis baths. These come with a swimming pool and one or more bathrooms, equipped with hot-and-cold running water.
Boating lake: One can make a picnic more exciting by hiring a motorboat at the boating lake, which is beside Green Mubazzarah. Nature lovers can enjoy scenic walks along the lake, too.
Jebel Hafeet mountain: Overlooking the Al Ain city, Jebel Hafeet is the highest mountain in the country. Its summit rises 1,340m above the sea level and is reached by a dangerous drive on a winding 14-km road with emergency parking and resting areas available at intervals.
Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet, a five star property is a mountain-oasis resort. It is close to the summit and offers a choice of accommodation with 124 rooms.
On the drive up one can also see the grand Royal Palace.
The summit of Jebel Hafeet is an open ground with ornamental red-brickwork paving.
Even today, only low-rise apartments and villas are permitted in the city so that everybody is able to view Jebel Hafeet and its foothills.
Layla Haroon is a UAE-based freelance writer
