What to do in Al Ain

There’s something about November that makes it perfect for books, stories, and literary gatherings. And this year, Al Ain Book Festival 2025 is bringing that spirit to life with a week-long celebration from November 24 to 30. Taking place at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, the festival will once again fill the city with ideas, creativity, and conversation. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it continues to shine a light on Emirati authors and rising local talent. The goal is to keep the...

Winter in Al Qattara offers something truly special for families looking to dive into the heart of Emirati traditions. Head over to Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain for an authentic experience that celebrates local craftsmanship, food, and performance. It will be available until March 29, so you've got plenty of time to explore. The market is packed with local artisans displaying their handmade goods, giving you the chance to pick up unique souvenirs and learn about traditional crafts. If you’re feeling creative, you can also join in on one of the art workshops, where you can try your hand...

Winter activities in the UAE are so diverse that it feels like you’d need an extra month to experience them all. If you’re looking for a genuine taste of Emirati culture, check out Al Ain Heritage Festival. From January 31 to February 9, this event gives visitors a chance to truly connect with the history of the UAE. Head to ADNEC Centre in Al Ain and dive deep into the country’s heritage. Expect to explore everything from art and crafts to traditional food and music. Here’s what you can look forward to: Date Festival is a great spot to explore...

Apple has just opened its fifth official location in the UAE. The new store can be found in Al Ain at Al Jimi Mall. Though it's the brand's first location in the emirate, it offers a variety of the latest products and accessories, including MacBook Pro powered by the M4 chip, iPad Pro with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3. You can take advantage of personalized shopping sessions with the brand's specialists, who can help you find the perfect device for your needs. There are also flexible monthly payment plans, and you can trade in...

Al Ain has just been named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026. This prestigious title highlights the UAE’s growing influence on the global tourism scene. The city has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, and this recognition only solidifies its position as a top destination in the region. The announcement came during the 28th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, held in Baghdad (Iraq). This is a huge milestone for Al Ain, a city that is full of history and unique experiences. From its ancient forts to stunning oases, it has a lot to offer...

If you're a fan of jiu-jitsu and grappling, then Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) is the event to be at! On November 14, the 11th edition of this thrilling championship will take place at ADNEC Centre in Al Ain, bringing the best athletes from around the world for a high-energy competition. ADXC has quickly become one of the most exciting platforms for combat sports fans. It’s gone global, with editions held in major cities like Moscow, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and Balneario Camboriu in Brazil. Over the past few years, the championship has attracted some of the biggest names in...

If you enjoy long lunches or leisurely breakfasts with a stylish twist, there’s good news — tashas, the South African café known for its refined comfort food and relaxed vibe, is opening new branches in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. This expansion is part of a larger growth strategy announced by Natasha Sideris, founder and CEO of Tashas Group. Over the next 18 months, 16 new venues are expected to open across the Middle East and South Africa, with plans for 75 additional sites in the pipeline.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Al Ain’s indoor fitness season is back. The second edition of Al Ain Summer Sports (AASS) officially opened this weekend at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, bringing a packed programme of sports, tournaments, and training under one air-conditioned roof. Running daily until August 18, AASS is organised by ADNEC Group and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, offering a cool and convenient way to stay active through the summer months.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ADNEC Centre Al Ain (@adnecalain) The indoor venue features 15 sports courts and fitness zones designed for both individual and...

If smoky grills, campfire glow, and mountain air sound like your kind of weekend, then mark your calendar. Meats & Mountains open-fire food festival is back in Al Ain for two dates in 2025. Outdoor adventure and great food are waiting for you on November 29 and December 20 at Jebel Hafit Desert Park. The park will fill up with the smell of wood smoke and sizzling BBQ as local chefs fire up their grills. Expect generous portions and unlimited BBQ made from high-quality cuts by Meat House Gourmet Butcher. There are also plenty of food and drink stations scattered...

Spartan Race is making its return to the UAE on October 11-12, 2025, and this time the course is unlike anything seen before. The upcoming Spartan Trifecta Weekend is set to take place inside Al Ain Zoo, blending obstacle racing with wild scenery for a two-day event that’s open to beginners, seasoned athletes, and families. This edition marks the first time a Spartan event to be hosted inside a zoo, which means competitors will be navigating a course that runs through animal exhibits, garden landscapes, and natural trails. There’s even a chance of spotting zebras or giraffes while climbing ropes...