Al Jahili Fort
Al-Jahili Fort is a 19th century fort in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The fort was built in 1891 in Al-Jahili Oasis by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan for the protection of date palm farmers. In 1955, it served as a base for the Trucial Oman Scouts. Since 1971, it is a tourist attraction in Al Ain.
History
The fort was established in 1891 around Al-Jahili Oasis for the protection of palm farmers. In 1955, it was used as a base for Trucial Oman Levies, which were later renamed to Trucial Oman Scouts in 1956. The fort was used to distribute first aid, basic medicine and items such as disinfectants to remote villages around Al Ain through camel patrols. A military band was formed in 1957 at the fort.Percy Cox, in his tour to Al Ain in 1905, reportedly visited the Al Jahili region. In 1906, J. G. Lorimer mentioned that the fort was constructed under the rule of Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
The fort was restored by the Department of Antiquity and Museums in Al Ain during the mid-1980s. It was later restored again by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage in 2007–2008, during which several elements of infrastructure were put in place, including a visitors' office, gift shops, cafe, and wider public square for exhibitions and cultural activities. The fort is planned to be rehabilitated in the future for a bigger role in the tourism industry and social activity in the region of Al Ain.