Forts of the UAE: Qasr Al Hosn, Al Jahili, Al Fahidi and more

Before modern buildings, forts were among the most prominent buildings in the UAE, and some served as a home and a defensive fort at the same time. Many still stand, and some have become museums you can visit.

Qasr Al Hosn: the oldest building in Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi city; its watchtower was built in 1790. The fort hosted the majlises of the Al Nahyan sheikhs for 250 years, and it opened as a museum in 2018 after more than 11 years of restoration.^[1][2]

Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan built Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. Work began in 1891 and was completed in 1898.^[3]

Also in Al Ain is Al Muwaiji Fort, where the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed was born.^[4]

Al Fahidi Fort: Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai was built in 1787 and opened as Dubai's official museum in 1971.^[5]

Forts across the emirates

• Ajman Fort: dates from the 18th century and now houses Ajman Museum.
• Fujairah Fort: dates from the 16th century.
• Dhayah Fort, Ras Al Khaimah: the only hilltop fort left in the UAE, dating from the 18th century.
• Hatta Fort: built in 1896 as a home and defensive fort, of mountain stone, mud brick and palm fronds, around a wide central courtyard; restored in 1995.
• Al Bithnah Fort: a restored fort on the road from Dubai to Fujairah.

A fort about two thousand years old

In Umm Al Quwain lies the archaeological site of Ed-Dur, dating from the 1st century AD. It overlooks Al Beidah lagoon and includes a square fort with round towers at its corners.^[11]