Visiting World Heritage sites in Oman can be a frustrating proposition. The roads to the sites are usually not signposted and once you arrive there is little or no information to explain what you are seeing. Searching for these sites on the Internet is also very frustrating, with so much outdated or inaccurate information. I was at Al-Ayn at the end of January 2015, and fortunately I found it a very easy trip for anyone with their own transportation to make. As access to the site is completely unmarked, I took notes on what to look for on the way to and from the site. Hopefully you will find this helpful.

Heading on the motorway from Bahla towards Ibri take the exit marked "Amla / Wadi Al-Ain" which is approximately 40 km from the "Bahla" motorway exit. The motorway exit from Ibri is also marked "Amla / Wadi Al-Ain" and is approximately 53 km from the center of Ibri. To get to Al-Ayn from Ibri, follow the directions below from the petrol station.

From this stop sign at the exit, make a left and then a quick right just before the petrol station. You'll stay on this road for approximately the next 26 km (to follow these directions, you may wish to zero out your trip odometer at the stop sign). Look at the short dark brown hilltops off to your left after the first few kilometers and you'll see the some of numerous burial mounds that line the road on the way to Al-Ayn. At approximately 14 km you will see the first view of Jebel Misht just as you pass the gold domed mosque on your right. At approximately 24.5 km you will see several large blue directional signs as the main road turns to the left - continue on the main road (in the direction of Sint and Sant) - DO NOT follow the right arrow for Al-Ayn. As you round the bend (at 25 km) you will first see the mounds of Al-Ayn off on a low hill to the left. At 26 km you will see a mosque on your right. Pull into the driveway and then drive to the opposite side of the road to the stone covered parking strip directly across from the mosque. The car will now be pointed in the direction to take you back to the motorway.

Once parked, walk to the end of the sidewalk (towards the speed bump) and then down into the dry river bed. You will see an opening between two walls almost directly ahead of you. Continue into this entrance, following the path (staying to your right) until you come to a concrete water channel. Walk to the end of the first section of the channel and then turn left. That path will take you out to a second dry river bed (note the white metal gate to your left as you exit the path). The entrance to Al-Ayn is clearly seen at this point.

Back at the car, again reset your trip odometer. Retracing your drive back towards the motorway you will see more tombs in the hills on both sides of the road. At 13 km (at the last speed bump) the road splits off to the right for a shortcut back to the motorway to Ibri. Stay on the main road to head back to Bahla. The petrol station is at 26 km. To get back on the motorway to Bahla, turn right just past the petrol station. In about 1/2 km turn left to go under the motorway, turning left again and drive a short distance to get to the motorway entrance ramp.

Please note that Al-Ayn is really only accessible only to the surefooted. The site is built on very steep hills and the ground is covered entirely in loose rocks.

I visited Al-Ayn twice during my visit to Oman, once in the late morning and once in the late afternoon, about an hour before sunset. I highly recommend the beautiful golden light of the late afternoon. The site is magnificent and peaceful and you are not likely to share it with many other tourists. During my two visits I only saw two other persons there. There are no services of any kind at the site.