In a seminar held during its fourth cultural season,
The National Library and Archives explored the historical significance and contemporary relevance of Abu Dhabi’s castles and forts.

The National Library and Archives organized a seminar on castles and forts in Abu Dhabi. It emphasized that these structures were historically emblematic of power and influence, serving as strongholds and residences for rulers, and standing as testaments to their accomplishments. They have played a crucial role in the history of various peoples and regions, with their enduring monuments reflecting a rich heritage and illustrious past.
Participants noted that the castles, forts, and watchtowers have become defining historical features of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole, necessitated by the geographical landscape and historical contexts for their defensive purposes.

The event included insights from Dr. Mohamed Fateh Zaghal, a researcher and author of “Memory of Clay: Evidence from the Architectural and Military Heritage in Al Ain,” Mr. Mubarak Khalifa, a researcher at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, and Dr. Asma Saeed Al Maamari from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Hosnia Al Ali, an Education Advisor at the National Library and Archives.

Participants highlighted that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recognized as the architect of the UAE’s renaissance, played a pivotal role in the construction, restoration, and preservation of numerous castles, forts, and watchtowers.
This seminar came within the National Library and Archives’ fourth cultural season themed “For a more cohesive society”. It underscored that Al Ain is home to the highest number of castles and forts. It focused on the shared characteristics of these structures, including their locations, construction materials, the architectural design of the fortifications, the building of watch towers beyond national borders, and the prevalence of these structures in elevated regions, etc.
The seminar shed light on the castles and forts located in Al Ain, beginning with Al Jahili Fort, followed by Sheikh Sultan Fort, Al Anka Fort, Mazyad Fort, Al Murabba Fort, Al Mureijib Fort, Al Muwaiji, and concluding with the Al Ain Palace Museum. This museum, established in 1937 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, served as his residence in the city centre.
The seminar featured a presentation on the various castles and forts where police forces operated within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It provided detailed digital data and information regarding Mazyad Fort and Al Ain Palace, which once served as the residence of the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain before being transformed into a museum in 2001. It also highlighted Qasr Al Hosn, recognized as the oldest historical structure in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, it shed light on Al Murabba Fort which was constructed in Al Ain in 1949 under the directive of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and later became the headquarters for the Coast Forces Command and was named Zayed Murabba. The seminar also referred to Al Maqta Fort and Tower.
The seminar also acknowledged the castles, forts, and watchtowers of the Al Dhafra region, including Mezera Fort, one of the notable castles in the city of Liwa, as well as Al Dhafra Fort, Al Namil Fort, and others. It underscored the significance of historical discoveries related to castles and forts, revealing the existence of over 15 forts in Liwa. It was supported by numerous photographs and historical documents that validated the information presented, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the watchtowers and forts in terms of history, politics, and architecture. Many of these structures have played a crucial role in the history of the UAE, with remnants that continue to connect them to the past.
It is important to note that the National Library and Archives has taken an active interest in documenting the castles, forts, and watchtowers across the country. In this regard, it has published several notable works, including “Forts and Castles in the United Arab Emirates,” “Castles and Towers in the Al Dhafra Region,” and “Al Dhafra Fort,” among others.