"Dhaya Castle".. The steadfastness of history and the nobility of heritage in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, 7 March / WAM / Dhayah Fort in Ras Al Khaimah represents a living witness to the strength of the historical legacy and cultural heritage of the emirate, as this great edifice stands in the heart of the mountainous nature, telling a story of steadfastness and a long history dating back to the nineteenth century.

The castle’s unique location is in harmony with the surrounding mountains, forming a defensive and military landmark with strategic significance, making it a focal point in national memory.

Thanks to its creative architectural design and the importance of its geographical location, Dhayah Fort remains a destination that combines historical authenticity and tourist attraction, as visitors from all over the world continue to discover the depth of this landmark that speaks of a long history of steadfastness and heroism.

The castle sits on top of Dhayah Hill, which is surrounded by a group of steep mountains. It has been inhabited since at least the third millennium BC. The conical-shaped hill, located on the edge of palm plantations at the bottom of the mountains, served as a natural defensive site for the oasis. This hill has been used since prehistoric times for both housing and fortifications.

His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Tunaiji, Director General of the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah, said: Dhayah Castle in the city of Al Rams is one of the oldest historical archaeological monuments in the region, and it is a tourist destination that attracts many visitors and tourists from inside and outside the country because of the solid national and heritage value it represents that embodies the depth of history and authenticity of the place, as the number of visitors to the castle reached 18,255 visitors during the year 2025.

Al Tunaiji explained that the castle represents a symbol of steadfastness and defense and reflects the importance of the emirate’s strategic location throughout the ages, pointing out the department’s keenness to preserve this historical treasure in accordance with best practices in the field of protecting cultural heritage to connect the emerging generations to their ancient history, and in a way that contributes to the sustainability of the cultural heritage for future generations.

The Dhayah area in the city of Al Rams in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is distinguished by the view it provides of fertile plains in an area surrounded by farms. The castle consists of a small room, with a group of holes drilled in its walls for ventilation, and inside it is a ladder for observation.

This fort, located on top of the hill, is one of the few forts that still exist in the country, from which a stunning view of palm plantations, the sea, and the mountains can be seen.

The authorities responsible for the archaeological sites in Ras Al Khaimah built the current castle from stones, clay bricks and mortar on the remains of the old fort. The fort was also carefully restored in the nineties of the twentieth century, where it can now be entered through stairs that were built. On the small area of ​​​​the fort there are two towers facing each other, between them is a small courtyard surrounded by a wall.

Dhayah Fort was historically used as a short-term defensive fort during attacks on the region. It was not possible to use this fort as a strategic defense point, due to its lack of sufficient space, in addition to its lack of a water source. Therefore, a second, larger fort was built of mud bricks located at the bottom of the hill. It served as a wall that allowed those who live and work in palm plantations to take refuge in it with animals to defend themselves in times of danger.

Individual watchtowers were built in the palm plantations themselves, which helped secure and protect the area. The complementary use of the three fortifications – the fort on the top of the mountain, the wall, and the watchtower – ensured the defense of the fertile area that included Dhayah Castle, as these fortifications formed a complex defensive line for the population carrier in Dhayah.

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