Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort was just as beautiful and inspiring as everyone has said. It was built in 1891 out of mud and straw and is the birthplace of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It was built to defend the city of Al Ain and to protect their palm groves and oasis. A cool fact - the name of the city Al Ain is translated from Arabic meaning "The Spring". No wonder I am drawn to this place.

Al Ain was also a vital oasis for traders and travelers en-route via caravan from the shores of Abu Dhabi to Oman.

A great quiet place to explore and let the kids run around. Grace loved the bedrooms with their wooden doors and enclaves for candles. Audrey and Sullivan preferred the roof top lookouts. I loved the hall ways with the Arabic-motif windows.

Outside the fort there was an amazing portable museum showcasing the last 200 or so years of life in the UAE. Really interesting. It exhibited snippets of traditional music, housing, burial chambers, weapons, tools, costumes etc. It was crazy to see video footage of the Tower and mosque at Maqta Bridge in Abu Dhabi as the only solid structures on the island about 60 years ago. I'll have to take a picture of that Tower. I think it also served as a sort of lighthouse.

Anyhow - we had a very educational day. Enjoy the photos!

The kids climbing up to the look-out.

The main tower and look-outs.
The fort where everyone lived. There were about 8 bed rooms.

Hazel and Grace outside one of the windows in the courtyard.

The main entrance to the living quarters.

The side entrance. It has beautifully carved Arabic inscription from the Quran above the door.