Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort is a castle-like structure, is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and stands proud amidst the arid mountains and fertile date wadis of northern Emirate Ras Al Khaimah.

The fort forms the centre of this lush oasis and boasts spectacular views from the mountains across palm trees and verdant lands to neighbouring Oman and down to the sea.

At the base of the hill lies a slightly larger fort used by people that lived and worked in the palm gardens. They would retreat here with their animals in times of danger. Single watchtowers are peppered throughout the fertile oasis of Dhayah to ensure optimal communication.

The fort stands on a 70-metre high hill that rises grandly between the date palm gardens and the Jebel Jais mountains to form the central hub of the lush oasis. 

Over the past few centuries, the original watering system has remained unchanged, where run-offs from the mountains were collected during the infrequent rains.

At the base of the fort lies 12 large Wadi Suq tombs from between 2,000 to 1,300 BC. Four of the tombs have already been excavated to reveal impressive Southeast Arabia funerary structures. Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums intends to turn this entire area into an archaeology park.