Al-Jahili Fort, Military fortress in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Al-Jahili Fort is a military fortress in Al Ain featuring a square main structure with defensive towers positioned at each corner and a circular watchtower adjoining the walls. A mosque sits within the compound, and the entire structure is surrounded by protective ramparts.
Sheikh Zayed I ordered construction of the inner fortress in 1890 to defend the Jahili oasis and surrounding palm plantations from threats. This strategic location allowed control over the vital water sources and agricultural lands of the region.
The building displays traditional Arabian construction with thick mudbrick walls and roofs made from palm trunks sourced from nearby groves. These building methods reflect how local residents worked with available materials to create structures suited to the desert climate.
Exhibition spaces inside display collections about British explorer Wilfred Thesiger and guide visitors through various historical displays and information panels. Guided tours are available to help visitors understand the fort's layout and historical significance more thoroughly.
An inscription at the southern entrance reads "Open the goodness in the high place where joy has settled," marking the fort's dedication at its founding. This phrase reflects how the builders viewed this place as something meaningful and special.
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