Information on Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

To what extent would a ruler go to protect his farmers? Well if you are Zayed the First, you would build the Al-Jahili Fort in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

The largest fort in UAE, Al-Jahili Fort was established in 1890s surrounding the Al-Jahili Oasis aimed at keeping the Palm farmers safe. However, tribal outfit Omani Coastal scout took control over it to protect its mountain lanes and to preserve the peace among the tribals. Through the years, many travelers have noted about the Al-Jahili Fort and have mentioned its splendors and class. Noted historians and travelers have written about the fort, its ascendants and construction during the times of Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Percy Cox in 1905, recording in his tour of Al Ain, the visit to the Al-Jahili Fort region. A year later J G Lorimer too mentioned about its construction and grandeur.

Activities in Al Jahili Fort

The authorities opened the Al-Jahili Fort in 2008 for the public. Since then it has been the centre of a lot of cultural activities related to the UAE’s philosophy and heritage. A year before the grand opening, the Al-Jahili Fort was restored by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage making it the focal pooint of culture and heritage as well a large tourist attraction.

The Al-Jahili Fort today houses the permanent exhibition of Wilfred Thesiger, the brave explorer, lensman and travel writer. Thesiger had crossed this area twice in his tours. This fort also hosts a temporary exhibition gallery.

Just entering the fort you could b forgiven to believe you have entered a different world. The Al-Jahili Fort, besides a lot of love and attention from tourists and travellers has won the prestigious Terra Award for the best Earthen Architecture in the world in 2016.

Best time to visit Al-Jahili Fort:

10 AM – 11 AM.
It is noted that about 50% of tourists commence their Al Jahili Fort visit between 10 – 11 AM

Opening Hours of Al-Jahili Fort:

The opening hours of the The Al Jahili Fort are as follows:
Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Friday: 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm
Mondays closed

Location of Al-Jahili Fort:

The Al-Jahili Fort is on the southern part of Al Ain next to the Al Ain Castle Museum. It is a beautiful cosmos of water sources and agricultural land.

Entrance Fees Al-Jahili Fort:

Entry is free for the public.

Required time to explore Al-Jahili Fort:

It may take approximate 3 hrs to soak in the Fort and its surrounding beauty.

Things to Remember or Things to Do at Al-Jahili Fort

• Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage organizes numerous cultural programmes from time to time. It would be wise to study the same and join.
• Nearby places you could visit around the Al-Jahili Fort could be Al Ain National Museum, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Hili Fun City, Wadi Adventure, Arabian Saluki Centre, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.

Image Reference

• Image 1 – Lloyd De Jongh / PixaBay
• Image 2 – Zareen2753 / Wikimedia Commons