The United Arab Emirates is home to a rich history and culture, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. One aspect of this history that stands out is the numerous forts that dot the landscape of the UAE. These forts in UAE were built to protect against invasion and were often the center of local government and administration. Many of these forts have been well-preserved and are now open to the public as museums, offering a glimpse into the country’s past and the daily life of the people who lived there. From the iconic Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi to the historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, the forts in the UAE are a must-see for any history enthusiast.

Explore the Forts in the UAE

Here is the list of must visit forts in the UAE.

Qasr Al Hosn Fort Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Hosn is a fort located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The fort is considered one of the most important historical landmarks in the country and is open to the public as a museum. Qasr Al Hosn was built in the late 18th century and served as the residence of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi until 1966. The fort was then converted into a museum, showcasing the history and culture of the region.

The fort is made up of two main buildings, the palace and the palace annex. The palace, also known as the White Fort, is the original structure dating back to 1793 and is considered one of the oldest buildings in Abu Dhabi. The palace annex, also known as the Red Fort, was built in the 1930s and served as a royal palace for the ruling family. The palace annex is now open to the public and houses exhibitions and events.

Visitors to Qasr Al Hosn fort can learn about the history of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, and get a glimpse into the daily life of the people who lived there. The palace annex exhibits artifacts and photographs that depict the history and development of Abu Dhabi city. The palace annex also features a traditional majlis, a traditional Arabic living room, where visitors can learn about the customs and traditions of the local people. Overall, Qasr Al Hosn is a must-see fort in the UAE for history enthusiasts, providing a glimpse into the past of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history, culture and architecture of the region. The fort is open all year round, and guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the history and significance of this iconic landmark.

Khor Fakkan Fort Sharjah

Khor Fakkan Fort is a historic fort located in the emirate of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. The fort was built in the late 19th century to protect the city of Khor Fakkan from invaders. The fort served as a military base for the ruling family of Sharjah and was also used as a residence for the governor of the city.

The fort was constructed with traditional local materials such as coral and gypsum, and it has been well preserved over the years. The fort features a square shape with four towers at each corner and a central courtyard. The fort also has several rooms and halls that were used for different purposes such as storage, living quarters and a mosque.

Today, the Khor Fakkan Fort serves as a museum and cultural center, showcasing the history and culture of the region. Visitors can learn about the history of the fort and the city of Khor Fakkan, and also get an idea of how people lived in the past. The fort is open all year round, and guided tours are available for visitors. It also hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Ras Al Khaimah Fort

Ras Al Khaimah Fort, also known as “Al Hisn” is a historic fort located in the city of Ras Al Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates. The fort was built in the 18th century and served as the residence of the ruling family and the center of government for the region. The fort was also a strategic military point, used to protect the city from invasions.

The fort is made up of a series of buildings and walls, and it has been well preserved over the years. The fort features traditional Islamic architectural styles, with a central courtyard and several rooms and halls. Visitors can explore the fort’s many halls, including the main hall, which was used for official meetings and ceremonies, and the palace, which was the residence of the ruling family.

Al Jahili fort

Al Jahili fort is the oldest standing structures in the United Arab Emirates, made almost entirely of sand. Taken over by the U.A.E army starting in 1973, it is still standing today and is tended to by a local family that lives inside.

Hatta Fort

The Hatta Fort is located in the village of Hatta, which is perched on the rocky mountains of the UAE near Dubai. The city has a storied history and is also famous for its architecture with many buildings displaying aspects of Omani and Indian influences. The fort was built as a military checkpoint to help control trade that moved through the area. It was originally three stories tall, but over time successive earthquakes have damaged it significantly. This has left it degraded and leaning to one side. Though not typically open to tourists, if you contact one of the local tour operators they may be able to arrange a visit.

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