What to do in Al Ain - Latest News

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...

Looking for something fun, family-friendly, and culturally rich to do this winter? Al Ain Dates Festival 2026 is where you want to be. This event is all about celebrating the deep cultural significance of dates in Emirati life. You can discover all this at ADNEC Centre in Al Ain from January 31 to February 8. Dates hold a special place in the UAE culture. At this event, you’ll get to explore some of the best varieties and even watch live competitions. If you’re into rare experiences, you'll enjoy the date auctions where you can bid on the best of 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 has landed in Al Ain, and if you don’t want to miss all the activities, head to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium before January 15, 2026. Once inside, Winter Oasis opens up into a lively winter-style space where you can wander around, stop where something catches your eye, or move between activities without a plan. The winter setting is part of what makes the visit enjoyable. Igloo and chalets are spread around the venue, giving the whole place a winter wonderland look and offering spots to pause, sit down, and take a break between activities. As for activities, there's plenty...

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...