The UAE’s biggest and oldest fort now pays homage to a lost era.

NEAR THE COAST OF FUJAIRAH lies the oldest and largest castle in the United Arab Emirates. Constructed during the 16th-century, this fort is best remembered for the significant role it played in resisting colonial expansion.

The fort covers an area of 610 square meters and was mainly constructed using local materials such as rock, gravel, and mortar. The rest of the structure is supported by mangrove poles and its roof is composed of palm fronds and trunks.

From 1808 to 1810, the fort was occupied by Wahabbists. More than a century later, the British navy destroyed three of the fort’s towers in 1925, resulting in the structure’s subsequent abandonment. The castle remained untouched until 1997, until the Fujairah Administration of Antiquity made it their mission to restore the site to its former glory. The restoration process lasted three years and opened to visitors once again in 2000.

Today, the Fujairah Fort offers visitors a glimpse into an ancient past filled with challenging obstacles, while also providing spectacular views of the city.