What to do in Al Ain - Latest News

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...

The spirit of competition, global talent, and pure football excitement is coming back to Al Ain. The Al Ain International Cup 2025 will be hosted at the iconic Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium from November 13 to 18, bringing together four world-class national teams for six days of pure football intensity. This tournament is not just another friendly series, it’s a high-level competition featuring four A-level national teams, all of whom are already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. That means world-class talent, real competition, and matches that truly matter. The Teams Competing This Year This year’s edition showcases four...

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...

This Saturday, November 8, ADNOC Al Ain Half Marathon is taking over the streets of the city. That means some roads will be closed temporarily. Plan ahead as key routes like Mohammed Bin Zayed The First St, Shakhbout Bin Sultan St, and Sultan Bin Zayed The First St will be blocked off for the event. The main race of ADNOC Al Ain Half Marathon begins at 6 AM. The above mentioned roads will close at 2 PM and reopen by 10 AM once the event concludes. For anyone planning to drive around the city on Saturday morning, be sure to...

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...

Manar Abu Dhabi has expanded beyond the capital for the first time, bringing its public light art exhibition to two of the Al Ain's most beautiful oases. The free light art exhibition at Al Jimi and Al Qattara opened on November 1 and has turned the peaceful, palm-filled spaces into glowing art destinations. The exhibition follows the theme 'The Light Compass'. As you walk through the gardens and old houses, you’ll find seven light artworks set among the trees and historic walls Al Qattara features three fascinating light art installations 'Translation Stream' (2023) and 'Pulse Canopy' (2025) by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer...

Peak desert experience is coming to Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain on November 15, and it’s the perfect outdoor adventure for anyone who loves spending time in nature. Whether you're an avid hiker, a fan of mountain biking, or just looking to relax with some yoga, there’s something for everyone. The Peak desert experience combines eco-tourism with a chance to reconnect with Abu Dhabi's stunning landscapes. Run by Pura Eco Retreats, this adventure is all about immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area while learning about its history and biodiversity. This unique event promises a day...

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...

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are about to experience a new level of convenience with the launch of AI-powered smart parking systems across various residential and retail destinations. The new partnership between Aldar Estates and Parkonic aims to revolutionize how we park and move around these cities, making it easier, faster, and more sustainable. The new system is designed to boost mobility, providing parking that features cashless transactions, AI-driven accuracy, and smooth entry and exit. This means you can expect less congestion, quicker vehicle flow, and less time spent looking for a spot. Plus, it supports the infrastructure needed for...

Al Ain Museum is scheduled to reopen on October 24, 2025, after a significant renovation. The museum now combines its original structure with updated galleries, offering a new perspective on the region's history while preserving its traditional charm. Originally founded in 1969 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this is the first museum in the UAE. Inside, visitors can explore ancient artefacts and recent archaeological finds, including the impressive aflaj irrigation system that helped shape desert life. The museum also offers workshops, interactive activities, and temporary exhibitions to keep the experience fresh and engaging. View this post on Instagram...