Mezyad Fort
The border fort under the mountain — restored, beautiful, deserted
The gateway sands — where Al Ain's desert points toward the Empty Quarter
South of Hafeet the land empties fast: Mezyad's fort and border post mark the last outpost before dune ranges begin their long build toward the Rub' Al Khali. This is Al Ain's expedition-flavoured desert — bigger horizons, deeper silence, the mountain shrinking in the mirror.
Casual visitors take the fort, the tomb fields and a ridge sunset; the prepared point their 4x4s west, where the sands run essentially unbroken to Liwa. Either way it's the emirate's frontier mood, free of charge.
The border fort under the mountain — restored, beautiful, deserted
5,000-year-old tombs at the mountain's foot — older than the pyramids, and empty of tourists
Back to all Al Ain spots — landmarks, beaches, desert, hidden gems and more.