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.