The sometimes neglected second city of the Emirate, Al Ain is regarded by many as a kind of sleepy back garden to the capital. But there’s more to Al Ain that that.

1. The atmosphere. People who live in Al Ain rave about the feel of the place – it’s a substantial city but seems more like a small town. Sure, people still drive crazily, but the smaller population means there’s little traffic. The vibe is slower and easier to manage.

2. The climate. Thanks to its location an hour and a half inland, Al Ain is never quite as hot as Abu Dhabi on the coast. Even better, the reasonable rents mean more people live in villas with giant gardens and get to enjoy the lovely weather.

3. The greenery. It’s no wonder Sheikh Zayed loved going to his birthplace so often when he was alive. Unlike the strictly manicured foliage of the capital, the trees and shrubs of Al Ain seem to grow wild. It’s also a real farming community, where some of the produce you’ll find in the grocery store is grown.

4. The zoo. Set to take off in leaps and bounds, the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort has long been a great haven to check out some unusual animals – especially now. Go see the rare white lions visiting from South Africa, and stay to investigate the new communities coming online in the coming months near the zoo.

5. Jebel Hafeet. Had enough of high-rise buildings? Here’s a high-rise bit of landscape. This jutting mini-mountain affords an amazing view of the surrounding desert all the way into Oman. With no sound but the howling wind to distract you, it’s a perfect spot to contemplate. Need a bit of civilisation? The Mercure Hotel, perched right on the side of the hill, gives you all the luxury you need for a spot of lunch (or brunch) or an overnight stay.

This is Al Ain from an Abu Dhabi resident’s point of view, admittedly. What do you think about the city? Let us know – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it