UAE’s most famous forts and prominence in UAE history

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has dozens of historical forts that are still standing as eyewitnesses to the greatness of the Emirati society, the cohesion of its people, and the richness of its cultural heritage. Forts in the UAE take different shapes such as circular, conical and square, and have been distinguished by the diversity of materials used in their construction, depending on the environment in which they were built.

AL JAHILI FORT: Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest forts in the UAE and a testament to the skillful military architecture in the UAE. It was built by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (Zayed the First) between 1891 and 1898, near Al Jahili Oasis. The Fort was ever since used as a centre for launching major development projects such as Falaj (water channels) network and the garrison houses, used to defend the city and the palm farms. The fort also served as the official residence of Al Nahyan family, even after the death of Sheikh Zayed the First in 1909.

Al Jahili Fort was re-opened in 2008 as a museum and a venue for cultural and heritage shows, after a implementation of a long restoration programme. The fort now houses a visitor information centre, a permanent exhibition devoted to Wilfred Thesiger, also known as Mubarak bin London, the intrepid explorer; travel writer and photographer, who crossed the Empty Quarter twice in the 1940s, and lived in Al Ain as a guest of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In 2010, Al Jahili fort received the International Architecture Award by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

AL FAHIDI FORT: Located at the southern end of the Dubai Creek, the Al Fahidi Fort was built in 1787 and served as the headquarters for the ruler of the emirate. It was restored during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. In 1971, the year when the UAE was founded, Al Fahidi Fort was officially inaugurated as the Dubai Museum and began showcasing the history and heritage of the emirate of Dubai.

The development and expansion of the Fort continued, and in 1995, the second section of the museum located under the fort was opened, which contains exhibits and collections from the period before the discovery of oil as well as antiquities that were found in Dubai’s archaeological sites.

DIBBA AL HISN FORT: Built by the Portuguese in 1624, the Dibba Al Hisn Fort stands tall in all its glory and fame. Being the most popular tourist attraction in the town, the fort is an interesting sightseeing destination to learn about the wars of the foregone days. Besides the fort, Dibba Al Hisn is famed for its agricultural and fish souks, which are ever buzzing in activity. The town looks over to a picturesque marina, decorated with boats and yachts

MASFOUT FORT: Perched on a mountaintop, the 19th-century Masfout Castle was once the first line of defence against bandits heading to neighbouring Oman. Built with stones, mud and local timber, Masfout Castle consists of two rooms and a gate. The tower-shaped castle was restored in the late 1940s at the behest of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The castle is located on the northern edge of Masfout, 120km southeast of Ajman.

FALAJ AL MUALLA: Falaj Al Mualla Fort lies in the town of the same name, in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain. The town is an oasis town and its name translate as “water channel (falaj) of (Al) Mualla”. The Falaj Al Mualla Fort was built in the first part of the 19th century by Sheikh Abdullah I bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, who reigned from 1816 till 1853.

It served to protect the oasis, together with 3 watch towers. The fort was restored in 2009 and now it’s a small museum. The fort has a square ground plan with 2 round towers on opposite corners and 2 rectangular towers on the other 2 corners.

DHAYAH FORT: Dhayah Fort is a historic site in Ras Al Khaimah located amid mountains and palm gardens. This 18th-century fort is popular for being the last outpost of resistance against the British army in 1819. Apart from its historic and military significance, the fort is also famed for offering stunning 360-degree views of its scenic surroundings.

FUJAIRAH FORT: Built in 1670, Fujairah Fort was badly damaged by a British attack in the early 20th century. Considered the oldest fort in the United Arab Emirates, it has served previously as both a defensive building and a home for the ruling family. And for many centuries, it was the only stone building along the Fujairah coast. The fort has three major sections, several halls, one square tower, and two round towers. In recent years, it has been fully restored to its former glory.