Forts and watchtowers were primarily erected for defence purposes. Most
were built in a strategic position to guard a territory or trading post.
The major forts, which were relatively large stone constructions with
rounded or square defence towers at each corner, also acted as seats of
local government.
One of the oldest of the UAE forts is the White Fort
(Al Husn) in Abu Dhabi which has been lavishly restored. Constructed to
protect the settlement’s well in the late eighteenth century (1793),
today, two sections are clearly distinguishable – the ancient fort,
dating back to the time of Sheikh Saeed Bin Tahnoon who ruled from 1845–1855,
and a new section added in 1936 by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan, brother
of Sheikh Zayed.
In the Al Ain area a number of forts and watchtowers
were built to guard the palm groves and their precious irrigation systems
on the gravel plain at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. These include
the picturesque Al Jahili Fort built by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
(Zayed the First, 1855–1909) in 1898. Al Sharqiyya Fort and Al Muraba’a
Fort, were also built by Zayed the First and Al Muaijia Fort is located
on the outskirts of Al Ain. In Dubai the Al Fahidi Fort acted as the ruler’s
residence, an arsenal, a jail, and now a museum.
Watchtowers and forts are scattered throughout the Emirate
of Sharjah, such as the one in Al Khan as well as the old fort in Khor
Kalba.
The Emirate of Ra’s al-Khaimah is also rich home to some of the most
significant ancient forts and watchtowers in the area, most notably the
Bushaq Fort.
Other famous forts in the UAE include Bithnah
Fort in the Emirate of Fujairah and a number of forts in the Emirate of
Ajman including the old fort that now houses the museum. Umm al-Qaiwain
also has an old fort and a few watchtowers.
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