Al Ain

Al Ain is the capital of education in the Emirates. The founder of the state Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was born in Al Ain and he created the University of the UAE and much more institutions for education. 

Some of the highlights are the National Museum, a visit to the oasis, the amusement park "Hili Fun City“, a lot of parks and finally a visit to the Jebel Hafeet, one of the highest mountains in the UAE (not the highest one, this one is in Ras al Khaimah)

The Jebel Hafeet is 1.700 m high and located not far away from Al Ain. You can reach the summit easily on a very good paved street (two lanes on the way up, one way down). You should drive carefully, otherwise your passengers may have a problem and will get sick.
From the summit you have a nice overview on the oasis of Al Ain and over Oman, because the Jebel Hafeet is located directly along the border to Oman. Another advantage here is that it is usually at least 5 degrees centigrade cooler then on the bottom of the mountain. Especially in the summertime a big relief.

That was also very obvious to the managers of the French hotel chain Mercure. They created a nice 5-star-hotel nearly on top of Jebel Hafeet. Especially the pool and the view along the desert and the oasis is excellent.