Mezyad Fort, Military fort near Jebel Hafeet, United Arab Emirates.
Mezyad Fort is a fortification at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet with three symmetrical watchtowers surrounding a central courtyard and numerous interior rooms. The layout demonstrates the clear organizational design typical of such defensive structures from this era.
The fort dates to the 19th century under Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and later served as a base for the Trucial Oman Scouts during the 1950s. This shift shows how the site's military function evolved as regional control passed to different groups.
The fort represents traditional regional defensive architecture and reflects the building methods once used across the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors can observe the characteristic structures that reveal how people once organized their defenses and daily life in this area.
Visiting requires permission from the local guardian, and the site remains closed to the public on Fridays. It is advisable to arrange access beforehand with the appropriate authorities.
The fort occupies a strategic position on the UAE-Oman border and once monitored ancient trade routes connecting to Dhank, Ibri, and Nizwa. This location made it a key checkpoint for goods moving between different regions.
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