Overview
Al Mutawaa is a historically significant part of Al Ain. Located right in the heart of the town, the area is defined by Al Ain Oasis, a palm-tree forest of falajs and dates. There are two museums as well as a vegetable and meat market and Al Ain’s gold souq. Sitting adjacent to the town centre, Al Mutawaa is conveniently accessed.
Where it’s located
The area is bordered by the Central District to the north and east, Al Jahli to the west and Sanaiya to the south.
Transport and parking
Parking Parking is ample around the entrance to the oasis, which is only a few minutes walk from the town centre. Near to the bus station is a purpose-built underground car park Bus Al Ain’s only bus station borders Al Mutawaa and the Central District. Local buses all travel to the area, as well as hourly services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai Taxi Taxis usually gather at the bus station, they are not hard to flag down.
Hotels
There are no hotels in the area, although the Al Massa Hotel apartments overlook it from neighbouring Al Jahli. The Rotana, also in Al Jahli is minutes away, and the Hilton is in Al Sarooj, at the south-eastern corner of the area.
Recreation
One of Al Ain FC’s three football grounds sits on the southern edge of Al Mutawaa. The Shaikh Khalifa International Stadium boasts first-class sports facilities, which includes five-a-side football pitches available for hire.
Of course, the oasis is a great way to kill a few hours with a shaded walk among the trees.
Culture
You can pretty much learn all there is to know about Al Ain’s history in the Al Mutawaa District. The date palms in Al Ain Oasis – the town’s largest oasis – are watered by an ancient falaj – which is an irrigation system. It is thanks to these man-made falajs, which channel natural spring water, that Al Ain became a settlement in the first place.
The Shaikh Zayed Palace Museum (sometimes called the Al Ain Palace Museum) is one of the most important places in the entire UAE. Built in 1910, it was the birthplace of the late His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, First President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. ShaikH Zayed lived in the palace until 1966 and it became a museum in 1998. The museum exhibits items used by the man himself, as well as boasting an art gallery.
Culture-vultures will have a field day, as there is another museum located on the eastern side of the oasis. The Al Ain National Museum is a treasure trove of archaeological artefacts dating as far back as the Bronze Age.
Shopping
Shopping is a big part of the community is Al Ain, and if you’re looking for a more traditional retail experience, rather than head to a nearby mall, then Al Mutawaa won’t disappoint. Opposite the bus station on the north-eastern side of the area is the vegetable and meat market. It’s here where you can source locally reared meat and locally produced vegetables. The farmers are all from the outskirts of Al Ain.
On the northern edge, next to the town centre, is the gold souq. Jewellers take a grat deal of pride in what they sell and you’re guaranteed to find a bargain.
Take a walk along the Al Ain Central Souq and haggle for some great deals, although watch out for counterfeit goods. The souq is opposite the main entrance to the oasis.
Dining
You won’t find any “mainstream” restaurants here, but the back streets of the neighbouring Central District are full with small cafes selling everything from falafels to pizza.
