- Home
-
Guide
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates π¦πͺ
#851
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Al Ain is a city located in the eastern region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, near the border with Oman. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 766,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of around 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 AED β 0.27 USD; banking services widely available including Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, β‘ Type G sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Etisalat and Du, offering competitive prepaid plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Keenly accepted, with options for international services available. |
π Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments and rentals through platforms like Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, with many places allowing contactless payment. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local estate agencies provide good short-term rental options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Al Ain Heritage Inn provide affordable lodging. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Al Ain Oasis area offers proximity to attractions like Al Jahili Fort. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al Ain Downtown is recommended for its blend of cafes, coworking spaces, and amenities. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Hive; a popular spot with flexible memberships and good networking opportunities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Kawaii Cafe; offers a great atmosphere for remote work. |
πΌ Networking Events | Bi-monthly meetups organized by UAE Expats Community on Meetup.com. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Al Ain International Class of 2023 Facebook Group; a great way to connect and engage with the local expat community. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem; widely used and available for rides. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | There are no widespread rentals, but some areas allow for bike sharing. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Al Mamzar Beach Park is about a 1.5-hour drive away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Etihad Airways; main carrier connecting to various destinations. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Emirates; offers extensive international routes. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Sheikh Zayed Road provides excellent access to other cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | There are bus services for inter-city travel, with no train station in Al Ain. |
π Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets can be purchased directly; no monthly pass available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are available to Abu Dhabi and Dubai but limited. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Al Ain Hospital; a major healthcare facility providing comprehensive services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Yoga & Wellness Center; offering classes and wellness programs. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Al Ain; a well-equipped gym with a range of classes. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromat facilities are available, with services like Washmen offering pickup and delivery. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Talabat; popular for food deliveries across the city. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Shawarma; a widespread favorite and must-try in Al Ain. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Raw Place; offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Al-Ameer Sweets; known for traditional Middle Eastern desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Al Ain Mall provides affordable shopping options. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ae; widely used for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Aswaaq delivers groceries across the region. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Hilton Al Ain Bar; popular among expats. |
π» Local Brewery | There are no local breweries due to UAE regulations. |
π· Wine Bars | Al Ain Resort offers wine services due to the local laws. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls at the Al Ain Market offer local eats. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Lebanese, Indian, and Chinese restaurants are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort; key historical sites worth visiting. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Al Ain National Museum showcases local history. |
π° Historical Sites | Qasr Al Muwaiji; a heritage site and home to the UAE's founder. |
π Religious Sites | Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum offers insight into the region's heritage. |
π Annual Events | Al Ain Cultural Festival occurs yearly featuring local traditions. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Al Ain Heritage District highlights traditional Emirati culture. |
π Theater Venues | Al Ain Cultural Center; hosts various performances and events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Al Ain Camel Market; unique shopping experience. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local music festivals occur seasonally at various venues. |
π¨ Street Art | Limited urban art; however, some local events feature artists. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Arabian Cooking School offers classes on traditional Emirati cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Bait Al Khair showcases local art and craft. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Many historic forts dot the landscape; each with unique significance. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The city embraces its history and traditions through various cultural initiatives. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Jebel Hafeet Mountain; great for hiking and outdoor activities. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort; home to numerous species and educational programs. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Road; safe paths built for recreational use. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Jebel Hafeet offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Al Ain Oasis; an excellent spot for observing local bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Al Ain Wildlife Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Plenty of mobile and computer repair shops throughout the city. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Al Ain University offers facilities for table tennis. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Al Ain Language Center provides classes in various languages. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Al Ain Public Library is a good place for studying and research. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Abu Dhabi Cultural Center offers various community programs. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes are present, with a focus on popular video games. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are not available in Al Ain due to UAE laws. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 12,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = AED 600,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 8,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = AED 430,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 11,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 75 mΒ² = AED 825,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 8,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 75 mΒ² = AED 607,500) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 9,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 100 mΒ² = AED 980,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 6,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 100 mΒ² = AED 650,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 0% for businesses operating in Free Zones. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% in the UAE. |
π¦ Tax System | No income tax on individuals; only corporate tax applies under specific conditions. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 5% standard VAT applicable. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No, CFC rules do not apply in the UAE. |
π Property Tax | No annual property tax, only registration fees. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 4% on property sales; paid at the time of registration. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from a tax-free environment on personal income. |