Qasr Al Hosn is the most celebrated of Abu Dhabi’s forts, but the emirate’s defensive ring once extended deep into the Western Region.
This is probably Dhafeer Fort in the Liwa, taken by the French photographer Alain Saint-Hilaire in 1969. I say probably, because the fort has undergone heavy restoration since then, and the keep is now square rather than round.
Forts were mostly built in the early 19th century and served several purposes. Built from bricks of mud and straw, they protected water supplies and provided a strong foundation around which communities could thrive.
At least 10 forts still survive in the region, with plans for their continuing restoration to use the UAE’s heritage as a tourist attraction, as laid out under Plan Al Gharbia 2030. In this way, they can continue to serve their country.
* James Langton
