Al Ain was once a vital oasis on the caravan route from the UAE to Oman. The history of the 'Oasis City,' the emirate's heritage heartland and one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements, can be explored through visits to the Al Ain forts (one of which has now been transformed into an arts centre), the Al Ain National Museum and a trip to the prehistoric tombs at Hili Fort -known to be over 4,000 years old.
Other attractions include the Al Ain oasis, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, the camel market -one of the last few remaining, Wadi Adventure, a man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surfing playground in the shadow of Jebel Hafeet, and the world's most advanced go-karting facilities, for a taste of the fast track. For family fun, try the newly renovated Hili Fun-City, the Gulf's oldest theme park, which now offers one of the cheapest days out around, with entry no more than AED 40 (US$ 11).