Al Ain Oasis is already one of the most peaceful spots in the emirate, a UNESCO-listed maze of 147,000 date palms and 3,000-year-old falaj water channels. For a few weekends in early 2024, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi added a market to the mix. Souq Al Wahat ran on Saturdays and Sundays from 17 February to 10 March, from 3pm to 10pm, and turned the palm-shaded lanes into a proper weekend hangout.
What was on
Every weekend brought live music, street artists, children’s games, workshops, pony rides and a pop-up cinema, alongside heritage performances such as Al Ayyala, Tagrooda and traditional drumming.
A different culture every weekend
Each weekend had its own theme, with music, dance and food to match. Emirati traditions opened the market, followed by Indian culture (24-25 February), African culture (2-3 March) and American culture (9-10 March).
Shopping and food
More than 25 stalls showcased local artisans, from fashion and homeware to jewellery and organic produce, and 16 live cooking stations covered everything from Emirati classics to international street food. Think of it as a curated craft market rather than a mall bazaar, and bring cash for the smaller stalls.
Tickets
Entry was AED 5 for adults and free for children under 12, paid on site. Pop-ups like this come and go with DCT Abu Dhabi’s seasonal calendar, so watch for a return in the cooler months.
Visiting Al Ain Oasis the rest of the year
Market or no market, the oasis is worth the 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi. The 1,200-hectare palm grove is free to enter, the paths are flat and paved, and the Eco-Centre near the main entrance explains how the falaj irrigation system works. It sits right next to the Al Ain Museum, so you can easily pair the two.
Al Ain Oasis – UNESCO-listed palm grove, Al Mutawaa, central Al Ain, next to the Al Ain Museum. Open daily 9am to 7pm, free entry. Contact: +971 3 711 8251.
WOW Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: Rent a buggy or bike at the entrance rather than walking the whole grove. The lanes all look alike, the oasis is huge and you will cover three times as much ground before the heat or the kids give out.
Making a day of it? Add an afternoon at Al Ain Zoo, a 20-minute drive south.
More on this: Al Ain Zoo Joins WAZA: What the Global Membership Means for Visitors | Al Ain Zoo at IUCN Congress: Sand Cats, Gazelles and Elephants
