In pictures: Story of a fort

Trucial Oman States, Abu Dhabi. A woman collects water outside the fort. In the background are wind towers. Ronald Codrai / TCA Abu Dhabi

Falconers and guards inside Qasr Al Hosn, 1962. Sheikh Shakhbut would receive visitors in his majlis after the asr prayer. Guy Gravette.

Arab guard on duty at palace of Shiek Shakhbut bin Sultan. Ralph Crane / Time Life Pictures / Getty Images

Members of the London Chamber of Commerce are entertained in 1963 by Sheikh Shakhbut, who sits at the head of the table on the left. Ralph Crane / Time Life Pictures / Getty Images

The stables at Qasr Al Hosn were of great importance in the everyday life of the men living in the palace. A rare photo of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa with his sons on their horses in the early 1900s. Royal Geographical Society

A Chevrolet Camaro outside the walls of Qasr Al Hosn in 1974. Jack Burlot

The oldest tower and the gap between the old and new fort following the renovations circa 1950. Ronald Codrai / TCA Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan, right, leaves Qasr al Hosn after the opening session of the Ruling National Council in 1977. Al Ittihad

A view from inside Qasr Al Hosn toward the northeast tower, built by Sheikh Shakhbut in the early 1940S. Sir R Hay / Royal Geographical Society

Roderic Owen, centre, in the upstairs majlis at Qasr al Hosn with Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, far left, and Sheikh Shakhbut al Nahyan, second right. The other men are unidentified. Literary Estate of Roderic Owen

Susan Hillyard, husband Tim and an oil industry delegation close to Qasr Al Hosn. Literary Estate of Roderic Owen

Camels pass through the sands of Abu Dhabi near Qasr al Hosn, circa 1960. Professor John Wilkinson/ TCA Abu Dhabi

An official reception at Qasr al Hosn in 1962, hosted by Sheikh Shakhbut for oil industry executives.

Qasr al Hosn in the weeks leading up to the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The Abu Dhabi flag is visible on a staff within the fortress. Bruno Barbey / Magnum Photos

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