It forms the southeastern part of the United Arab Emirates.

[4] Its main settlement is the eponymous city of Al Ain, located on the country's border with Oman, about 160 km (99 miles) from the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirate and country.

[8] The city of Al-Ain, part of a historical region which also includes the adjacent Omani town of Al-Buraimi,[9] is noted for its forts, oases, aflāj (underground water channels), and archaeological sites such as those of Hili and Rumailah.

Sites outside the city include Jebel Hafeet[10][11][12] and Al-A'ankah Fort.

[13] Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had been the Ruler's Representative in this region, before becoming the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates.