DHAYAH STRONG

This military site, the centrepiece of the defensive system of the once rich and flourishing region, was part of a larger network of observation or guard towers in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah formerly known as Julfar. Set against the mountains on a promontory, the fort was able to command the often-attacked coastal plain of al-Rams. Since the 3rd millennium BC, this fertile plain was a major asset for agriculture. The foundations date from the 16th century, probably from the time of the Portuguese, while the present fort dates from the 19th century. On 22 December 1819, it fell under the incessant bombardment and repeated assaults by the British, who were sent from Bombay and had been conducting the siege of RAK for 5 days: the final straw for the irredentism of the Qawassims. During those days, the population of the city and the oasis, about 800 people including 400 women and children fleeing from the perfidious, had taken refuge without water nor conveniences behind their surrounding walls, under the protection of 177 soldiers and the authority of Sheikh Hassan bin Ali of Rams. The only hilltop fortress in the Emirates, well restored in 2001, Dhayat offers a panoramic view of the palm grove and the coast once you climb to the top. No special equipment is needed, just a pair of sports shoes. Below you will see a second fort, and also the guest house of Ali al-Mansouri, the king of palm, where you can buy some water and dates on the way down.