العين
(Āl-̓Aīn - Al-Ain)
Al-Ain Palace Museum was the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the UAE, who ruled the country from 1971 (British withdrawal) up until his death in 2004, continually re-elected throughout the years.
Emirati flag. The colours of the flag is a reference to a poem written in the Middle Ages that speaks of "green Arab fields defended in black battles by the blood-red swords of Arabs, whose deeds are pure white".
Typical "barasti" (palm-leaf) house.
Al-Ain is famous for its datepalm oasis. It's a wonder just to walk around.
Except for the dates, the datepalm is also used to build houses, provide shade, food livestock, make fire, make bags, boats, brooms and fans. And many more things.
It's a few degrees warmer in the oases, which is particularly welcome in the summer.
The right season for dates is September.