The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is also among its major economic regions. The defining industries here are oil & natural gas, construction, and financial services. And another major contributor to the $250 billion economies of the emirate is tourism.
Beautiful beaches? Yes. Shining deserts? Yes. Loads of adventure sports opportunities in both land & water? Yes. Unlimited shopping & gaming opportunities? Yes, that too. With so many attractions, it’s no wonder that several million tourists flock to Abu Dhabi every year.
The government of the emirate is also working tirelessly to make tourism grow and implement measures that will increase the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a tourist destination. It is also taking steps to make tourists more aware of traditional Arab culture and the glorious history of the region. And one place where you can get a glimpse of the emirate’s past is the Al Jahili Fort.
About Al Jahili Fort
The Al Jahili Fort is among the largest in the country. It was built towards the close of the 19th century. The man behind it was Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First, a member of the ruling family. The fort served as a center of power and also a summer residence of the royal family. The fort is located in Al Ain that has a cooler climate compared to the humid coastal areas. So, the summers were well spent here.
Over the years, extensive renovations have been undertaken at the fort. Several extensions have been made to incorporate items of interest for visitors. A visit to the grandiose fort will make your UAE trip memorable in more ways than one.
Things to Do / See
It’s a trip back in time as you enter the Al Jahili Fort. The beautiful watchtowers, standing tall over the fort, beckon you. It is a representation of centuries-old Arabian culture and heritage. It also showcases the legacy of the ruling Al Nahyan family and the glorious city of Al Ain.
You would get to see old artifacts that are as beautiful as they are durable. These were items of use and also decoration in the bygone centuries. Old weapons, cannons, etc. – used for defending the fort – stand in their full glory.
Take a walk along the top of the fort’s boundary walls. Wonderful sights of the countryside would greet you. The four towers reflect the military tradition of Arab forts. These towers are now the national symbol of the UAE.
There’s a museum inside that showcases many old artifacts and other items from middle-aged Arabia. You would get valuable insights into the rich heritage of these lands.
How to Reach
Al Jahili lies around 158 km from downtown Abu Dhabi. You can hire a self-driven car or take a rented car. It would take you around one and a half hours to reach.
Map
Best Time to Visit
Keeping the oppressive UAE summers in mind, it would be best if you could schedule your visit between November and March.
Open Hours
- Daily 10 AM – 6 PM
- Fridays 2 PM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
There is no entry to visit the Al Jahili Fort.
