Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Fort, Al-Ain, Military fortress in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
The fort consists of three cylindrical towers rising to about 12 meters, each with two levels containing ventilation openings and arrow slits for defense. The structure demonstrates a practical military design where each tower functioned independently.
Built in 1907, the fort served as a defensive structure and residence for the ruling family during periods of regional tension. It marks a time when the area needed to protect its borders.
The construction used palm trunks and local limestone mortar, showing how builders worked with materials at hand in the region. This craft reveals the knowledge of local builders who adapted their techniques to what nature provided.
You can explore the towers and interior spaces to understand how the structure was built and how it was defended. It is best to visit during the cooler parts of the day, especially in the warmer months.
Inside the fort, the first national museum of the United Arab Emirates was later established, which became an important step in building the modern nation. This transformation shows how places evolve and gain new meaning over time.
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