Dhayah Fort was built in the 18th-century in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a protection against British invasion and was the site of a battle during the Persian Gulf campaign of 1819, when British troops captured the fort after a brief siege. After the fall of Dhayah, a treaty known as General Maritime Treaty of 1820, was signed between the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Great Britain in January 1820, with the nearby island state of Bahrain acceding to the treaty in the following February. This treaty endured until the independence of the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971.
The round defensive boundary wall of Al Dhayah Fort
The Dhayah fort offers a stunning 360-degree view of its scenic surroundings as it is on top of a hill. It is accessed only by a zigzag staircase of more than 100 steps. Climbing the staircase is a bit of a challenge but the scenic view from the fort is well worth the effort. You also get the views of the beautiful sea, majestic Hajar Mountains, a splendid oasis and the city around it.
In the summer it can get very hot so make sure to cover up against direct sunlight and apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a cap to protect your face and eyes.
The watchtower
The watchtower
There is a watchtower located just outside Al Jazirah Al Hamra. This tower was constructed about 100 years ago to protect the water wells in the village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
The Sur
The ‘Sur” fortification was constructed using mud bricks at the foot of the hill. This ‘Sur’ was used as a retreat for local people. The fort, the watchtower and the “sur’ formed the fortification of Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
Visit to Dhayah Fort
If you are a first time visitor it would be better to go with a guide for navigation, as the fort is located away from the main road of Al Rams. The area is hot, so carry plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you are visiting in summer you will be exposed to lot of direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a cap to protect your face and eyes. The visiting hours are 09:00 am to 05:00 (Sunday to Thursday).
While you are in Ras Al Khaimah, you may also want to visit Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah. Some other prominent historic places in the emirate include the haunted Al Qasimi Palace and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
The National Museum is located in one of the oldest forts in the country. The fort also served as the residence of a ruling family before it was converted into the National Museum in the 1980s. In fact, amongst the countless artifacts and historical exhibits are original treatises signed by former ruling families. The excavated artifacts show that the Ras Al Khaimah has been home to several trading civilisations since 5000 BC and has a rich history and continuous settlements for 7,000 years. From traditional weapons to fishing instruments, and ancient pottery, the museum is a great spot for anyone looking to glimpse into the emirate’s past.
Umm Al Quwain is the capital and largest city of the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates. The city is located on the peninsula of Khor Al Bidiyah.
Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest and the least populated emirate in the UAE. It covers an area of approximately 720 sq. km. which is equivalent to 1 per cent of the UAE’s area.
Umm Al Quwain economy
The local economy is largely fishing. The first poultry farm in the UAE was established in Falaj Al Mualla. It is considered a key supplier of poultry and dairy products to the local market. The construction of Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and the Free Trade Zone signifies the emirate’s plans towards expanding its commercial and investment base. It has a coastline stretching to 24 km.
Camel Racing Track
Umm Al Quwain facilities
Umm Al Quwain provides facilities for numerous recreational activities; from sailing to skydiving. Traditional activities such as dhow building and sports such as falconry and camel racing are also popular in the emirate. Camel Races around the 4km track usually happen during weekends in the winter months.
Dreamland Aqua Park
Dreamland Aqua Park
Dreamland Aqua Park, the UAE’s largest water park and resort, attracts several visitors. Established in 1997, the park is spread over 250,000 square metres and boasts more than 30 rides, slides and attractions. This space is more than a waterpark – families can also camp overnight or rent an air-conditioned cabana for a day to enjoy the park’s landscaped gardens on the coast.
Umm Al Quwain archaeological sites
There are also 65 different archaeological sites on the island, including graves, structural remains and towers.
Umm Al Quwain Fort
Umm Al Quwain Fort turned Museum (Fort Al Ali)is the oldest historical building in Umm Al Quwain and dates back to 1768 under the rule of Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla, the founder of the Al Mualla royal family. The fort began as a residence and venue for the government, but now stands as a monument to the tiny emirate’s past since opening as a museum in 2000. Visitors can see the old prison, weapon room, military room and many more domestic quarters of the property, offering a window into the design and building techniques at that time.
The ruling family of Umm Al Quwain
The ruling family descends from the Al Mualla lineage of the Al Ali tribe, which moved from Seniah Island due to scarce water and established an independent Sheikhdom in Umm Al Quwain. Umm Al Quwain is ruled by H. H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla.
Featured Image : Photo By Noor Ali – [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3727996
The Dubai way of life did not always center on oil and its profits. Dubai was originally a fishing settlement. Inhabitants lived by fishing, pearling, herding sheep and goats, and by the turn of the century was an important trading port. Trade expanded even as Dubai was under the British colony, and Dubai began to grow in merchant appeal. By the early 1900s, almost a quarter of the population was foreign.
The population in the 1930s was 20,000, and of that, 2,000 were Persians, 1,000 Baluchis, many Indians and substantial communities from Bahrain, Kuwait and the Hasa province in eastern South Arabia. In 1954, the British established a political agency there as well.
In 1971, the British withdrew and Dubai joined with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Aiman, Umm Al Quwain, Fajairah and later Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates. Oil was discovered in 1966 and by 1969 Dubai exported its first shipment of oil. The success of this venture fueled the rapid development of the area and through the insight of the late ruler provided for the general welfare of the inhabitants. Dubai worked to build up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society.
The journey continues today. The story of Dubai reads like a rags-to-riches tale, and indeed, it is hard to imagine anywhere else in the world that has developed at such a pace, in such a short time. Dubai is a magnificent expression of the Emirate’s incredible vision and a tribute to its sea-faring heritage, an uncompromising statement of success in a land that century after century has provided immense opportunity.
