Fujairah Fort

Fujairah Fort (Arabic: قلعة الفجيرة‎) is a fort in the city of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dating back to the 16th century, it is the among the oldest as well as the largest castles in the country. It is noted for playing significant roles in fighting back the wave of colonialism. Today, it is among the main tourist attractions in the city. It is probably the oldest fort in the UAE and was occupied by the Wahhabists.

Location

The fort is located about 2 km from central modern Fujairah in the old Fujairah region, on a small rocky hill which reaches 20 meters high. It is around 1 km away from the coast.

Architecture and history

The fort is a complex consisted of a castle, mosque and several old houses. It is guarded by three round watchtowers and a square watchtower. The watchtowers and main building are connected by the walls, and there is a central hall surrounded by these towers and wall. The irregular shape of the castle is due to the uneven surface of the rock it sits on. The building is built of local materials, mostly rocks, gravels, mud, hay and plasters. Radiocarbon dating has identified the date of the construction as around 1500–1550. It was then renovated during 1650–1700. The British Navy destroyed one of the towers in 1925. The fort was restored by the Administration of Antiquity and Heritage during 199782000 using the same materials it was built.

Rampart

Entrance