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Getting to Al Buraimi is comfortable and convenient from any part of the country. So the travelers will have to reach Oman first. Al Ain is the main town in the Buraimi Oasis with its sister town, Buraimi, in Oman. You can actually visit Oman from here without the hassle of obtaining a visa. The Oasis is the oldest inhabited town in the UAE with its settlements dating back to the 4th millennium BC. The current ruler of the UAE, Shaikh Zayed was born here and he has lavished funds on Al Ain. The dry heat of the oasis is a welcome change from the humidity elsewhere in summer.
There are a lot of interesting objects on display at the Al Ain Museum and the Eastern fort – Bedouin jewellery, weaponry, musical instruments and the inside of a Bedouin tent. The Buraimi souk is a huge fruit and vegetable market with the Al Hilla Fort in the background. Prowl around the Al Khandaq Fort, check out its courtyard and climb its battlements. The livestock souk and the camel market are well patronised by the residents, but don’t tell us we didn’t warn you of the clinging stench of dung! On Friday mornings in winter, take a trip 20km from Al Ain to see the camel racing contests. Camel Safaris can also be arranged ranging from one-hour trips to an overnight adventure in the desert where you can spend the night in a Bedouin tent. Al Ain is a beautiful 2-hour tree lined drive from Abu Dhabi, accessible by buses and service taxis. Dubai is 2 hours away from Al Ain – a service taxi will take you there.
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