The fort is an important historic monument linked to the history and political succession of the Al Nahyan Rulers in Al Ain. It was built under the rule of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (Zayed the Great) and, after his death, its ownership moved to Sheikh Mohamad bin Khalifa, father of HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamad Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region. HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, the President of the UAE, was born there.