A peek into the past: Top 10 forts in the UAE
The UAE is one place where you can find the most incredible, modern architecture. But the country has also beautifully preserved its rich history and culture. The forts in the UAE give us a fascinating insight into days gone by. They inform us about the power centres of the country as well as allow us to also learn a great deal about the culture, the art and the architecture at the time. So, to commemorate and celebrate these amazing structures, we present a list of the top 10 forts in the UAE you can visit.
TOP FORTS IN THE UAE
Given the tribal nature of society in the past, there are many famous forts in the UAE. If you look at the list of forts in the country closely, you’d see that each of them has a different history, a purpose and a unique story to it. Seeing them in person allows us to appreciate their true beauty.
So, if your interest is piqued by history and tradition, you should check out these famous forts in the UAE.
QASR AL HOSN
Located in the capital city, Qasr Al Hosn (also known as Al Hosn Palace) has an important place in the history of the UAE. The watchtower built here in the 1790s to protect the island’s settlement was the first permanent structure in the emirate. It overlooks the sea to keep an eye on any foreign intruders.
Qasr Al Hosn has played a significant role in the politics of the day, housing meetings of great national importance. It was also home to the ruling family for a long period of time. Visitors can learn about the past, attend the annual festival held here, or simply take part in the many activities at Qasr Al Hosn.
- Location: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (2nd Street) – Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi
AL AIN PALACE
The beautiful city of Al Ain is home to the Al Ain Palace – an architectural marvel in its own right. It was built as a home to the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his family in 1937. The palace was converted into a museum at the turn of the millennium and opened to the public.
This beautiful palace celebrates the rich history and tradition of Al Ain. You can learn a great deal about the way of life of the Royals by visiting the Al Ain Palace Museum.
- Location: Al Jahili, Hessa bint Mohammed Street, Al Ain
AL FAHIDI FORT
Next up on the list of forts in the UAE is the Al Fahidi Fort. Built in the late 1780s, it served as the headquarters of the rulers.
H.H. (Late) Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum oversaw its relatively recent restoration before it was turned into a museum. So, while you live in a fast-moving modernised city, there is another side to Dubai you can enjoy and wonder how it would have been to live in that period.
Events take place year round in the Al Fahidi Historical District. Make the most of day by selecting an event day for your trip to the fort.
- Location: Al Souk Al Kabir, Dubai Creek
SHARJAH FORT
Sharjah Fort, also known as Al Hisn Museum was built to serve as the residence of the Al Qasimi family and the Head Quarters for Sharjah’s government. This historic landmark depicts the era gone by with a collection of photographs and archaeological artefacts. You can learn about military warfare of the time including the strategies employed, the kind of weapons they used and the date syrup.
This place is counted among the top historical sites in Sharjah.
- Location: Al Shuwaihen area behind Souq Al Shanasiya, Sharjah
AJMAN FORT
Ajman Fort is next among our list of forts in the UAE. Interestingly, this Fort has gone through many rebuilds. Initially constructed in the 18th century, the fort was damaged by foreign invasions. However, it was rebuilt by H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi later. Many rulers continued to live there till the 1970s and afterwards, it was taken over by the police. However, that arrangement lasted around 10 years after which it was rebuilt as the Ajman Museum.
The museum reflects its diverse purposes giving us insights which would interest all history buffs. This fort in the UAE is temporarily closed for the public, due to renovation.
- Location: Al Bustan, Ajman
AL ALI FORT
Also known as the Umm Al Quwain Fort, this structure was established in 1768 as the home for the ruling family. The founder of the Al Mualla ruling dynasty built this fort. For a long period, the ruling family resided here. However, post-1960s, it was converted into a police station. Subsequently, on the directives of H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Member of the UAE Supreme Council, it was converted into a museum.
Archaeological finds from Ed Dur and Tel Abraq are highlighted at the UAQ Museum. Another section has memorabilia depicting the history of the Royal family. Visiting this famous fort in the UAE is a fun and educational experience.
- Location: Al Lubna Road, Umm Al Quwain
DHAYAH FORT
Surrounded by palm gardens and massive mountains, the Dhayah Fort is one of the most famous forts in the UAE. It offers incredible scenic views and perfect backgrounds for pictures. Partly its popularity is down to the fact that it is seen as the last outpost of resistance against British rule. A visit here is merited to understand its military and historical significance.
- Location: Northern, Al Rams, Ras al Khaimah
FUJAIRAH FORT
Fujairah Castle or Fujairah Fort is considered to be one of the oldest landmarks in the country, dating back to the 16th century. Walking through its corridors and courtyard will take you back in time. This ancient fort has survived attacks from invaders and the rigorous test of time.
It will make you wonder about the mastery of the architects and builders at the time who excelled without the help of modern-day machinery. The castle is built 20m above sea level.
- Location: Old Fujairah Region
AL JAHILI FORT
This one is one of the largest and most famous forts in the UAE. It was restored by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage in 2007 and has really captured the imagination of local and foreign tourists.
The traditional form of Arabian architecture is highly impressive. Al Jahili Fort’s battlements and watchtowers have witnessed many attacks by invaders looking to capture this fertile region. It’s simply surreal to stand at the same spot where people fought to defend this land.
- Location: Sultan Bin Zayed Al Awwal Street, Al Mutawaa, Al Ain.
MASFOUT CASTLE
Located in the Southeast district of Ajman, Masfout Castle is a top tourist attraction. Its location at the top of a mountain makes it ideal for visitors looking to beat the summer heat.
The castle was built from local wood, mud and stone giving it a natural feel. It wasn’t particularly in good shape in the 1940s, but the late His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi took notice and requested maintenance and restoration work. Since then, the castle has been a success story.
- Location: Masfout, Ajman
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I FIND OTHER FORTS IN THE UAE?
Yes, there are some other forts in the UAE like Bithnah Fort in Fujairah and the Al Ghayl Fort in Sharjah. Whereas, UAQ has the Falaj Al Mualla Fort. Similarly, there are some incredible historical places in Dubai as well.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE UAE?
The history of the UAE is linked to the different Royal families who have governed the region. You can learn more about the region’s history with insights into the various contributions of the royal families.
AS A RESIDENT OF THE UAE, WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT ITS HISTORY?
History is such a vast subject, especially for a country like the UAE. So it’s best to start with specific areas at least initially. For instance, you can learn about the significance and history of the UAE’s flag. There are several UNESCO sites in the UAE as well that give you a unique insight into the country’s past.
This concludes our list of forts in the UAE. Given its history, the UAE has some fascinating landmarks. Visiting such places gives you a real understanding of what life in the UAE was like in the past. You will also be able to appreciate how quickly things have changed and how different life is today.
The UAE’s rich history is deeply intertwined with the vision and leadership of its founding fathers. Notably, H.H (the late) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, often referred to as the “Father of the UAE,” played a pivotal role in the nation’s unification and subsequent development. Check out H.H (the late) Sheikh Zayed famous quotes, serving as a constant reminder of the values that continue to propel the UAE’s progress.
Follow MyBayut to learn all about the history of the UAE.
