Al-Jahili Fort, Military fortress in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
The fort contains a square fortress with defensive towers at each corner, a circular watchtower, enclosing walls, and a mosque.
Sheikh Zayed I commissioned the construction of the inner fortress in 1890 to protect the Jahili oasis and the surrounding palm plantations.
The fort exhibits traditional Arabian architectural methods with thick walls built from local mudbrick and palm trunk roofs following regional building techniques.
The site includes exhibition spaces featuring collections about British explorer Wilfred Thesiger and offers guided tours through historical displays.
An inscription at the southern entrance reads 'Open the goodness in the high place where joy has settled,' marking the fort's foundation.
Inception: 1890
Official opening: 2008
GPS coordinates: 24.21610,55.75266
Latest update: May 12, 2025 08:25
The United Arab Emirates feature an architectural landscape where modern structures coexist with historical remnants. In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa rises to 828 meters and is the tallest skyscraper in the world, while the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah demonstrates the country’s coastal engineering skills. In Abu Dhabi, the five Etihad Towers line the waterfront, and the Qasr Al Hosn, built in the 18th century, is the capital’s oldest stone building. These modern achievements sit on land that also preserves ancient traces, such as the tombs of Jebel Hafeet carved into the rock more than 5,000 years ago. Cultural and religious buildings round out this overview. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque covers over 22,000 square meters and invites visitors to explore its architecture and prayer halls. The Louvre Abu Dhabi displays international collections beneath a metal dome designed by Jean Nouvel, creating distinctive light effects inside. In Ajman, the local museum is housed in a restored 18th-century fortress, while the Dubai Opera takes the shape of a dhow, a traditional regional boat. These sites offer varied perspectives on the architectural development of the Emirates and merit thorough exploration.
The United Arab Emirates feature contemporary architectural achievements and monuments that reflect their heritage. Over a few decades, the country has developed infrastructures attracting millions of visitors: glass and steel towers redefining city skylines, international museums showcasing collections from various eras, custom-made islands spread across the Persian Gulf. Alongside these recent constructions, stone forts and mosques serve as reminders of the region's history and traditions.
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
4.9 km
Al Ain Oasis
1.7 km
Al Ain Zoo
5 km
Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site
72.2 km
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
763 m
Al Ain National Museum
2.1 km
Hili Archaeological Park
9.6 km
Qasr Al Muwaiji
2.8 km
Hatta Heritage Village
74.4 km
Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)
17.4 km
Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium
1.7 km
Bidaa Bint Saud
18.9 km
Love Lake, Dubai
77.7 km
Sheikha Salama mosque
1.6 km
Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium
5.8 km
Qattara Oasis
5.4 km
Rumailah, UAE
6.8 km
Al Qudra Lake
78.6 km
Mezyad Fort
23.2 km
Al-Murabba Fort
2.3 km
Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Fort, Al-Ain
2.2 km
Hatta Fort
77.6 km
Wadi Adventure
13.5 km
Jebel Hafit Desert Park
17.4 km
Awhala Fort
95.1 km
Jebel Hafeet beehive tombs
6.6 km
Port of Sohar
92.7 km
Alain Classic Cars Museum
14.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes