population: 0.77 million

extension: 4,100 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Al Ain city and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend visiting the Al Ain National Museum. It's located in the city center and houses exhibits on the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates, including artifacts from the Bronze Age and Islamic era.

If you're interested in visiting similar museums in the area, you can also check out the Al Jahili Fort or the Qasr Al Muwaiji, both located in Al Ain and housing exhibits on local history and culture.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Al Ain city and the wider United Arab Emirates include:

1. Machboos: a rice dish with saffron, spices, and either chicken, beef or fish.
2. Shawarma: a wrap made with marinated meat (usually chicken or beef), fresh vegetables, and sauces like tahini or garlic.
3. Harees: a porridge-like dish made with wheat and meat (usually lamb), and flavored with spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
4. Luqaimat: a sweet snack made from dough that's fried and then drizzled with honey or syrup.
5. Balaleet: a sweet vermicelli pudding that's typically served for breakfast.

Other popular dishes include grilled meats like shish taouk (marinated chicken kebab) and lamb chops, as well as traditional Middle Eastern mezze dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people like to do in Al Ain city:

1. Visit the Al Ain Oasis: This large oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features over 147,000 date palms, as well as traditional falaj irrigation systems. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own.

2. Go dune bashing: The desert surrounding Al Ain is perfect for off-road adventures. Many locals enjoy going dune bashing in 4x4s, which involves driving over sand dunes at high speeds.

3. Visit the Camel Market: Located on the outskirts of Al Ain, this market is a popular spot for locals to buy and sell camels. Visitors can witness the trading process and even ride camels themselves.

4. Hiking and rock climbing: The nearby Jebel Hafeet mountain is a favorite spot for hiking and rock climbing. There are several trails of varying difficulty levels, and the views from the top are breathtaking.

5. Visit the Al Ain Zoo: This large zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can see everything from lions and tigers to giraffes and elephants.

6. Explore the Al Qattara Arts Center: This cultural center showcases the work of local artists and hosts workshops and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can learn about traditional Emirati arts and crafts and even try their hand at creating their own pieces.