Al Ain is having its moment, and rightfully so. It’s about time this peaceful, palm-dotted oasis got the spotlight it deserves. The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism has officially crowned the city the “Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026”, and the announcement dropped during the Council’s 28th session in Baghdad.

Why Al Ain?

If you’ve been, you already know the answer.

This is the UAE’s Garden City, a place where ancient forts sit calmly under dramatic mountain cliffs, where date palm oases stretch for miles, and where heritage still feels alive in the daily rhythm. It’s the kind of city that doesn’t scream for attention; it just quietly wins your heart.

That’s exactly what this recognition celebrates: Authentic culture, real heritage, and natural beauty wrapped into one genuinely unique destination.

The UAE’s tourism vision is paying off

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, called the title “a significant milestone,” and he’s right. Naming Al Ain the tourism capital isn’t random; it’s connected to years of strategic planning, investment, and a national push to make tourism a major economic driver.

This aligns perfectly with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to:

• Attract 40 million hotel guests annually
• Boost tourism’s GDP contribution to AED450 billion
• Strengthen the UAE’s identity as a global tourism powerhouse

And Al Ain plays a surprisingly big role in that story.

A city that blends authenticity with innovation

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, who heads tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, put it beautifully: Al Ain is a place where heritage meets innovation.

Think:

• UNESCO-listed oases
• Ancient archaeological sites
• Dramatic rise of Jebel Hafeet
• Natural hot springs in Green Mubazzarah
• Museums, souqs, and local traditions that still shape everyday life

And all of this sits just a short drive from Abu Dhabi.

This win also fits into a bigger UAE momentum

Tourism in the UAE has been on a serious roll. A few highlights:
• Masfout village in Ajman being named the Best Tourism Village in the World 2025
• Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism (2026–2029)
• Tourism contributing Dh257.3 billion to the economy in 2024

Looking ahead: What this means for travellers

This title puts Al Ain on the global map in a fresh way, opening doors for more tourism projects, new visitor experiences, and deeper connections with the city’s heritage.

• More curated experiences?
• More eco-friendly adventures?
• More community-led tourism projects?

Why Al Ain earned this

It’s quieter than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but that’s exactly its charm.
It’s the UAE’s soul, its heritage heartbeat, its refreshing escape.

And now, officially, the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026.

If you haven’t been in a while, maybe it’s time for a little oasis getaway.