Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort lies on top of a hill northeast of the city of Ar Rams, in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

The site of Dhayah Fort actually holds 2 mud brick forts; one small fort on top of the hill and a larger one below it. Although it is the upper fort that receives all the visitors.

The Dhayah site has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. It was an ideal site; a high conical hill next to an oasis, close to the sea, at the foot of the Hajar mountain range. There would have been a settlement at the foot of the hill, which I think may have been walled.

The upper fort was not built for long sieges as it's rather small and lacks a cistern. In times of danger, the inhabitants of the settlement would have sought shelter in the lower fort, while armed men would have taken their positions in both forts to fight off the attacker.

The lower fort has a square ground plan with 2 tower remnants at the eastern corners; a round and a rectangular one.

The upper fort follows the outline of the hilltop and is equipped with 2 somewhat elliptical towers. This present fort dates back to the beginning of the 19th century when it was built, most probably, using the remnants of its predecessor. The top of the hill was surrounded by stone walls and the inside filled with gravel to create a platform. The 2 towers and a perimeter wall were built on that platform. Several semi-permanent buildings were erected in the small courtyard.

Dhayah Fort, the upper one, was the last point of resistance against the British attack from 1819. The British troops had to haul the heaviest cannon from their ship to be able to attack the fort. After a few shots were fired at the fort, the defenders surrendered.

The upper fort was restored in 2001. The lower fort is slowly crumbling away.

At present both the forts are freely accessible. A great site with beautiful views. Recommended.

Gallery

The upper fort

The lower fort