Al Ain Campus: The perfect escapade in a green Wonderland

Having blossomed to over 1,000 students from more than 20 countries over the past decade, Abu Dhabi University Al Ain Campus is fast becoming the city's “think tank” -- the hub for the brightest young minds to mix and mingle. Unlike the city's buildings, there's no limit to how far the students can grow; especially with the Student Learning Center that has increased ‘A' grades by an astounding 91%! The Campus Director, Dr Ali Azad, is a three-decade veteran of academia and was Teacher of the Year in the US; not once, but twice. He is particularly keen to extend Al Ain's family-centric spirit to the campus, by giving students an “adopted family” of support and counseling for academic, financial or personal issues.  

If you think the city looks charming today, just wait until you see the expansion plans that will transform it into a tram-based cycle city, and arguably the region's greenest destination. Never mind eco-friendly, this city is people-friendly too. But underneath its cosmopolitan face lies a proudly Emirati heritage, especially since it's the birthplace of our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed; and the ancestral home of the Al Nahyan ruling dynasty.

ADU's Al Ain Campus students study hard but play even harder, with outdoor adventures galore: from desert surfing to the wildlife park, ice hockey, shooting, equestrian events and music festivals. Or why not pamper yourself with retail therapy at the mall? And if you're wondering what “shopaholics” were like years ago, visit one of the world's last remaining camel markets. If you're itching to go even more ‘old school', tour the 4,000-year-old archeological treasures and fortresses.

But what really distinguishes Al Ain's lifestyle from all other student cities? Well, that depends on who you ask: some students have described it as the “more quiet and reserved sister” of Melbourne, while others say it's like “Copenhagen's sister city with Arabic make-up”.Considering those have been voted two of the world's best cities to live in for over a decade now; that proves what Al Ain residents have known all along: this charismatic city is sitting on a gold mine of attractions. Or more accurately, given its rich greenery: it's sitting on an emerald mine.