Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE's largest fortifications, built in the 1890s on orders of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as a symbol of power and royal summer residence for the Al Nahyan family. Located in Al Ain approximately an hour and a half from Abu Dhabi, the fort features a striking square design measuring 35 meters in length with towering 8-meter-high walls and three circular watchtowers providing breathtaking panoramic views. Constructed from sun-dried mud brick and restored in 1985 and again between 2007 and 2008, the fort now functions as a cultural center housing temporary exhibitions and a permanent display devoted to explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger. Open to the public with free admission, Al Jahili symbolizes traditional Emirati architecture and cultural heritage, with designated visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days.
