Overview
Al Ain, or “the spring” in Arabic, is fed by natural springs originating from the
surrounding rocky heights. Also known as the “Oasis City,” Al Ain is enclosed by magnificent
red sand dunes and punctuated by an impressive mountain range.
The abundance of water from the oasis allows the city to bloom, especially its numerous
parks and gardens. “Garden City of the Gulf” is another name given to Al Ain, a city
that is a favorite destination for thousands of overseas tourists.
Al Ain is approximately 160 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, and borders with the Sultanate
of Oman and its town Buraimi. Al Ain is around a two hours’ drive from Abu Dhabi or
an hour and a half from Dubai.
Al-Ain is the ancestral home and birth place of the late President and Ruler of the
Abu Dhabi Emirate, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan. Al Ain seamlessly
combines heritage with modernity with the presence of its well-preserved forts, palaces
and settlements alongside modern roads, hospitals, residential areas, schools and
academic institutions, malls, theme park, ice rink, and the largest wildlife preserve
in the Middle East.
Visitors to the city can choose from a large number of facilities and attractions,
and will find an atmosphere and culture that feel more traditionally Arabic than can
be found in the coastal cities in the UAE.
Time Zone
The UAE follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 4 hours. Daylight savings time is not
observed in the UAE.
Weather
November weather in Al Ain is pleasantly warm and comfortable, signaling the transition from scorching
summer heat to a delightful winter climate. According to historical data, it is widely regarded as one
of the best times of year for outdoor exploration.
Source "Time and Date".
Temperature:
Daytime Highs: At the beginning of the month, average daily temperatures reach 31°C (88°F) before
gradually dropping to around 28°C (82°F) by late November. Nighttime Lows: Evening temperatures drop
significantly, averaging 19°C (66°F) to 16°C (61°F).
Source: Holiday Weather
Humidity & Wind:
The relative humidity averages around 48%, providing a comfortable environment without the oppressive
stickiness of the coastal regions. A light, cooling breeze blows at an average speed of 17 kph (10.6 mph).
Weekend
Public Sector (Government & Schools): Operates on a 4.5-day workweek. The weekend officially begins on
Friday at 12:00 PM (to accommodate midday Friday prayers) and extends through the full days of Saturday
and Sunday.
Private Sector: Most corporate offices have weekends on Saturday and Sunday, private companies can set
their own schedules under labor law. This means some sectors, like retail, service, or construction,
may offer only one day off, usually on Sunday.
Working Hours
Government offices are generally open from 7am to 3pm or from 8am to 4pm Sunday to
Thursday. Some might end their working days at 5pm, if the staff take a full one hour
lunch break. Private companies normally operate between 9am and 5pm (6pm), and some
of them also work on Saturday.
