Wadi Hayl, place in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Wadi Hayl is a seasonal streambed flowing through a mountain valley in Fujairah that features calm walking paths along weathered rocks and natural springs. The site includes Al Hayl Fort built on a 40 meter high ridge with a watchtower overlooking the valley, a traditional stone village with narrow streets, and a dam that holds water during rainy periods.
Al Hayl Fort was built in 1932 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamdan Al Sharqi and served as his main residence for over twenty years while also providing defense against intruders. The location contains evidence of human settlement from the Umm Al Nar period and holds Iron Age rock carvings showing how long people have inhabited this valley.
The fort is typically open to visitors from around 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening with information signs explaining the site's history. The paths are easy to walk but require comfortable shoes, plenty of water, and a visit during cooler months or times of day to avoid the intense summer heat.
Before roads were built, traveling from Al Hayl to Fujairah by donkey took about three hours across difficult terrain. Tobacco farming was a major focus of the region's traditional agriculture and provided an important income for local people for decades.
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