Al Ain

Life in the Oasis

Al Ain is a small city in the middle of the UAE, on the Oman border. An oasis, it's lush with trees and flowers. The city is recognized as one of the greenest areas in Arabia. Fruit trees, attended by a gardener everyday, fill my backyard. Birds chirping is a familiar sound in the morning. We also have feral cats that pass through, no doubt keeping their eyes on the prey flying overhead.


Below are local pictures and some of the archaeological sites in the city. One of the things that struck me about being inside one of the ancient structures was the significant drop in temperature, something extremely important here in the desert. Temperatures got up to 135 last summer, so you can see why indigenous people cover from head to toe.

Hot water running off the mountain. They thought the water would be cool but got a toasty surprise. 

Al Ain Historical building

Al Ain Historical fort

Inside the fort where it is much cooler than the soaring temps out. 

Covered parking lots. Jebel Hafeet, a naked mountain, looms in the background.

Camel crossing on the way to school. We look forward to seeing the camels everyday.