05The story

Architecture

Forts, towers and wind catchers

Before the glass towers, forts were the tallest buildings on the coast and in the oases. Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi was built in 1761 and is now a museum, its white walls and round tower standing in the middle of the modern city. Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai was built of coral stone and mortar in phases from 1787 and is the city's oldest surviving building. In Al Ain, Al Jahili Fort was built in 1877 to guard the oasis and is among the largest forts in the region. In Ras Al Khaimah, Dhayah Fort stands on a rocky hill, and Fujairah has a restored fort at the edge of the city. Traditional architecture also includes wind towers, which crown old houses in the Al Fahidi district and in Jazirat Al Hamra. Look at the materials: coral stone on the coast, mud in the oases, and white plaster that reflects the sun. Visit the forts in the morning, when the light on the walls is soft and the heat lighter, and check opening hours before you go.

1761

Qasr Al Hosn

1787

Al Fahidi Fort

1877

Al Jahili Fort