Al Ain, Inland city in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
The city sits in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi emirate and borders Oman, with neighborhoods and gardens extending from the foothills of Jebel Hafit toward the surrounding desert. Roads connect several distinct settlements, while palm trees and irrigated fields shape much of the landscape between built-up areas.
Excavations uncovered graves with carved animal and human figures dating to around 2700 BCE, showing early settlement in the region. During the second half of the 20th century, infrastructure development and agricultural projects reshaped the area.
The city maintains rigorous building height regulations limiting structures to seven stories while preserving traditional architecture and numerous palm groves throughout its districts.
An airport serves connections to Egypt and Pakistan, while highways offer direct routes to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Roads are wide and well signposted, making it easier to find your way between the different districts.
Several experimental farms were established from 1967 onward to transform desert land into cropland for livestock and vegetable production. These projects now sit between residential areas, showing the meeting point of desert and cultivated land.
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