Dhayah Fort.. an important heritage and cultural landmark in Ras Al Khaimah

 Dhayah Fort, which was built in the sixteenth century, is one of the most important historical castles and important heritage and cultural monuments in Ras Al Khaimah in particular and the UAE in general. The tall mountains in the area form a heritage painting.

Dhayah Castle, which is considered the only castle still standing on top of a plateau, consists of a small room that includes a group of openings dug in its walls for ventilation, and inside it is an observation ladder. It was built from the same components available in the local environment, i.e. from mountain rocks, while the roof was built from fronds. It is surrounded by a wall characterized by a flat surface of rocks and pebbles, and inside it are two towers made of bricks and mud.

Ahmed Obaid Al Tunaiji, Director General of the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah, said that the department, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, has restored a number of castles, forts and sites. archaeological sites to open the way for tourists and those interested to see this diverse cultural heritage, such as the historic Dhayah Fort and others.

He added that with the succession of times and the exposure of parts of the castle to collapse, the Department of Antiquities and Museums, in cooperation with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, carried out a project to restore and develop this historical landmark, which was opened to the public last year as one of the most important tourist, heritage and historical sites in the country.

He pointed out that many tourists from inside and outside the country visit the castle to learn about its history, wander around it, and enjoy the natural scenes that surround it, and its distinctive view of the fertile plains, palm groves, and the charming embrace between the sky and the tall mountain peaks. It is a story of steadfastness in which the castle has remained throughout the ages. A sign of pride on the faces, guardian of the land and palm groves, overlooking the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The Director General of the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah confirmed that the "campaign for the most beautiful winter in the world" launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, "may God protect him", in its third session under the slogan "Our Inheritance" comes to stand out. This year, the elements of heritage and national identity, and the system of authentic Emirati values ​​inherited, rooted in the formation of the local community, which parents carried from their grandfathers, and inherited by children and subsequent generations, in an automatic pattern characterized by sustainability, and the full support of various state institutions.

He explained that the campaign sheds light on a number of historical, archaeological and tourist sites in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah to narrate to tourists an ancient historical journey, praising the efforts and cooperation between the authorities in the country that aim to stimulate domestic tourism and enhance the country's global reputation as a diverse destination rich in tourist attractions.

It is worth noting that the UAE announced in 2020 the inclusion of four archaeological sites in Ras Al Khaimah, namely Julfar, the commercial city, the pearl trade city in Al Jazeera Al Hamra, and Shiml, including the cultural landscape of the “Daya” region, on the preliminary list of World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization. And culture "UNESCO", as this achievement reflects the civilizational and cultural value of the archaeological sites in Ras Al Khaimah, as it represents a meeting point for human civilizations through successive ages.

This step is also in line with the country's efforts to highlight the tangible and intangible heritage elements on the international scene and register them on UNESCO lists, which contributes to marketing them to the world, preserving and restoring them according to the international standards of UNESCO.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news