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Continuously inhabited for over 4,000 years, the Al Ain area historically comprises Tawam, Al Buraimi Oasis as well as Al Ain itself, which means the water spring. Birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the father of the nation, it is considered central to the cultural heritage of the country.
There are numerous underground water springs in the area, which explain its attractiveness as an area of settlement. Traces of its traditional past remain, including camel racing and breeding.
The ancient falaj system of irrigation is still used in some parts, distributing underground water by a network of tunnels which emerge eventually into open channels whose flow can be directed and regulated. Falaj dates back thousands of years and is used widely in Oman, the UAE, China, Iran and other countries.
Al Ain has seven oases; the largest is Al Ain Oasis, just south of the town centre and the smallest is Al Jahili oasis. The rest are Qattara, Al Mutaredh, Al Jimi, Al Muaiji and Hili.
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