Guarding the tribes of Liwa Oasis: A look at the forts that watched over generations
RAJEEV CHERIAN (LIWA OASIS, AL DHAFRA REGION)Amid the orange-red desert plains and lush palm groves of the Liwa Oasis lies a series of historical forts and towers, keeping a timeless watch, safeguarding the surrounding settlements, and bearing witness to the lives of generations.Situated on the northern edge of the Rub' al Khali - also known as the Empty Quarter, the world's largest uninterrupted desert - about 250km south of Abu Dhabi, Liwa Oasis is the ancestral home of the revered Bani Yas tribe, the principal tribal confederation of Al Dhafra, comprising 20 clans.The region is home to many forts and watchtowers, built by the Bani Yas and Manaseer tribes to safeguard their wells, oasis, livestock and settlements. From these structures, men stood watch over the surrounding landscape. These fortified structures - made of stone, palm trunks and gypsum - also served as a place to store supplies and refuge for people during harsh times.In the 1980s, under the directives of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the forts and towers were restored to preserve the rich architectural heritage of the country. Here is a closer look at Liwa Oasis' fortresses - the monuments that embody the heritage and lives of bygone generations.
Al Dhafra Fort Before exploring the historical sites of Liwa, begin your journey at Al Dhafra Fort for an introduction to the region's history, traditions, local communities, and natural environment.Built in 2017, the fort - which also houses a museum - serves as a cultural gateway to Al Dhafra. It offers rich insights into the region's historic forts and watchtowers, while also preserving a wealth of heritage and cultural knowledge. In addition to its exhibits, the site regularly hosts community and cultural events.
Dhafeer Fort According to oral history, Dhafeer Fort was built in 1915 by the Bani Yas tribe during the rule of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa, reads an information board set up by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) at the site.'Historic routes through the Liwa Crescent passed through the settlement, 'mahadhar', of Dhafeer, which in the 1950s consisted of 12 traditional 'arish' houses made of palm fronds and beams,' it said.Similar to other defensive structures in the region, Dhafeer features a stone watchtower surrounded by a low enclosure wall where animals could be corralled in case of an attack.Fallen into ruins in the 1950s, the building was rebuilt in 1996 using mudbrick to distinguish the new construction from its earlier form.
Al Meel Al Meel Fort was constructed at the site of an earlier fort built to defend the major 'mahadhar' of Sha and its surrounding palm groves. This is one of the important settlements in the eastern part of Liwa crescent inhabited all year round, according to information displayed at the site.According to oral history recorded in 1955, the earlier fort is thought to have been built by the Bani Yas tribe during the reign of Sheikh Mohammed bin Shakhbut bin Dhiyab between 1816 and 1818.The original structure did not survive and it was rebuilt in the present form upon the directives of Sheikh Zayed in the 1980s.
Yabbana This fort marks the easternmost point of the Liwa Crescent. It was constructed to defend the eastern approaches to the important settlements - or 'mahadhar' - of Thrwanniya and Nashshash, along with their palm groves, according to the information board at the site.It is believed that the earlier fort at the site was built around the end of the 19th century. The remains of an earlier enclosure showed the fort was built of stone quarried from the immediate vicinity.The original structure did not survive, but it was rebuilt in the present form at the direction of Sheikh Zayed between 2000 and 2004.Mezaira'a FortInhabited all year round, Mezaira'a was one of the major clusters of settlements with palm groves in the central part of the Liwa Crescent, according to the DCT.As there were no actual remains, the fort was constructed in its present form in recognition of the historic significance of the place at the direction of Sheikh Zayed and with the help of the Liwa Municipality in the 1980s.
Qutuf Watchtower According to oral history, the Qutuf Watchtower was built around 1920 by the Bani Yas tribe. It guarded the southern approaches to the important group of settlements inhabited all year round in the central part of the Liwa Crescent.The original structure featured a round tower built from plastered rubble. It also featured a stoned enclosure for holding camels. The tower and courtyard were rebuilt around 1990.
Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower was part of a network of towers guarding settlements in the western part of Liwa, according to the DCT.It was built by a Baluchi mason around 1895-1905 by the order of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, who was the Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1912 and 1922, as per oral history.The original tower is shown in one of the archival photographs of Liwa taken by British explorer and author Wilfred Thesiger in the late 1940s.It featured a watchtower with two tiers of gun loops for the defenders, reads an inscription at the site.The tower was rebuilt and the current enclosure was added in the mid-1990s.
Hosn Al Dhafra Hosn Al Dhafra or Hosn Al Sirra is located close to Al Dhafra Fort. The site was seasonally inhabited between 14th-15th centuries and 18th-19th centuries, based on archaeological excavations and surveys.'The site is of unique importance as it dates to before the move of the Bani Yas tribes from Al Dhafra to the coast,' reads an inscprition at Al Dhafra Fort.
Umm Hisn Tower Built by the Manaseer tribe between 1883 and 1890, the Umm Hisn Tower served as a defence outpost guarding the western approaches to Liwa. The structure - made of limestone slabs - also features enclosures for animals.
Taraq Watch Tower Believed to be built by the end of 19th century, Taraq Tower is four metres in diametre with a full height of five metres. Taraq Tower is an intact authentic structure, according to the DCT.
Mougab Tower Built during the reign of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1922-1926), the Mougab Tower guarded Liwa from the west. Fallen into ruins in the 1950s, the tower was restored in 2005.
Among the other notable historical landmarks in Liwa Oasis are the Khannour Fort and Al Hayla Tower.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Ancient Christian cross unearthed on Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced the discovery of an ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island, marking the first major excavation on the site in more than 30 years. The find was made during a fieldwork campaign launched in January 2025 and is believed to have been used by monks for spiritual contemplation. The cross, moulded on a stucco plaque, shows stylistic similarities with objects discovered in Iraq and Kuwait, linking it to the Church of the East, which traces its origins to ancient Iraq. Ancient Christian cross found in Abu Dhabi DCT Abu Dhabi said the discovery reinforces the UAE's long-standing traditions of peace and tolerance. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'The discovery of this ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island is a powerful testament to the UAE's profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness. 'It stirs within us a deep sense of pride and honour and reminds us that peaceful coexistence is not a modern construct, but a principle woven into the very fabric of our region's history. 'The ongoing discoveries from Sir Bani Yas Island, even after 30 years of research and excavation, underscore the magnitude of our cultural legacy and the importance of our continued commitment to its preservation and understanding. 'As DCT Abu Dhabi continues to uncover these valuable stories, we reaffirm our dedication to preserving, promoting, and protecting Abu Dhabi's diverse heritage, one that we are honoured to share with the world.' History unearthed by the DCT Abu Dhabi team! An ancient cross from a 7th-8th century monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, our first major dig in 30 years. This discovery highlights the UAE's legacy of peaceful co-existence. — Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) August 19, 2025 Sir Bani Yas Island The Sir Bani Yas monastery was originally discovered in 1992 by the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS). Dating to the seventh–eighth centuries CE, it is part of a wider network of churches and monasteries across the region, with parallels found in: Umm Al Quwain Kuwait Iran Saudi Arabia Archaeologists have uncovered a church, a monastic complex and evidence of courtyard houses, interpreted as spaces where senior monks lived in retreat and seclusion. Christianity flourished in the Arabian Peninsula between the fourth and sixth centuries CE before declining; by the eighth century CE the Sir Bani Yas monastery was peacefully abandoned. Today, the church and monastery lie within a protected nature reserve, home to gazelles and hyrax, and serve as a reminder of Abu Dhabi's diverse cultural past. As part of DCT Abu Dhabi's restoration works in 2019, the monastery and church were protected with shelters and reopened to the public. The site now features upgraded facilities including directional signage and a small exhibition of artefacts from previous excavations, such as glass chalices, a cross-shaped stucco and a scorpion seal. A multi-faith church, inspired by the ancient monastery, has also been constructed adjacent to the visitor centre. Looking ahead, DCT Abu Dhabi plans to continue excavations of nearby courtyard houses, which may be integrated into a wider visitor trail connecting Sir Bani Yas Island's cultural heritage landmarks.
Filipino Times
14 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Ancient Christian cross discovered on Sir Bani Yas Island
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the discovery of a Christian cross moulded on a stucco plaque at an ancient monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, the first major excavation on the site in more than 30 years. Archaeologists believe the cross, uncovered during a fieldwork campaign launched in January 2025, was used by monks for spiritual contemplation. Its style is linked to the Church of the East, with similarities to finds in Iraq and Kuwait. DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said the discovery reflects the UAE's long history of coexistence and cultural openness. 'It reminds us that peaceful coexistence is not a modern construct, but a principle woven into the very fabric of our region's history,' he said. The monastery, dating to the 7th–8th century CE, was first identified in 1992 and is part of a wider network of Christian sites in the region, including those in Umm Al Quwain, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Excavations have since revealed a church, monastic complex, and retreat houses used by early monks. The site was restored in 2019 and has reopened to the public with shelters, new signage, and a small exhibition of artefacts such as glass chalices and cross-shaped stucco. A multi-faith church, inspired by the ancient site, has also been built adjacent to the visitor centre. Further excavation of courtyard houses near the monastery is planned, with the aim of incorporating them into a wider cultural trail on Sir Bani Yas Island.
Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
New US visa rules: Will UAE residents face delays? Embassy responds
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi has urged UAE-based visa applicants to plan ahead for possible delays in processing as new rules requiring in-person interviews for most applicants take effect from September 2. When asked about the expected rise in interview demand, a spokesperson for the embassy told Khaleej Times that consular staff are 'working diligently to ensure an efficient, smooth, and effective visa process' despite the changes. 'All visa decisions are national security decisions and we will take the time needed to get these decisions right,' the spokesperson said. When asked what the embassy had to say to families or students in the UAE preparing to travel to the US in the coming months, the spokesperson said: 'In every case, we will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the United States and that he or she has credibly established his or her eligibility for the visa sought,' the spokesperson said. Under the new policy, almost all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. Exemptions will remain only for certain temporary visitors under the B visa category and for some official government travellers. When asked whether pending applications submitted before September 2 would still be processed under the old rules, the embassy did not confirm any exemptions, instead directing applicants to embassy and consulate websites for detailed information. The same response was given when asked about a potential grace period for those who had applied earlier. When asked about urgent cases such as medical, educational or humanitarian travel, the embassy said applicants may request expedited appointments through its system, with requests considered on a case-by-case basis. 'The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview,' the spokesperson added. This change reflects a move back to pre-pandemic visa procedures, when in-person interviews were conducted and waivers were only given in very limited cases. During the Covid-19 period, waiver eligibility had been expanded to reduce the number of visitors to embassies and consulates. Now that children under 14 and adults over 79 must also attend interviews, more people will be trying to book appointment slots. With these additional applicants joining the queues, this could lead to longer wait periods for travellers across all visa categories. Applicants are advised to regularly check the websites of the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai for the latest information on required documents, procedures and available appointments. Those who need to travel urgently for medical, educational or humanitarian reasons can ask for an expedited appointment. To do so, they must first complete the DS-160 form, pay the standard visa fee and schedule the earliest available regular appointment. Only then can they use the 'emergency request' feature on their dashboard to upload documents proving the urgency of their travel. If approved, they will be given a designated emergency appointment slot and if denied, their scheduled appointment will remain unchanged. Given the expected rise of in-person interview demand and the return to stricter screening, travellers are encouraged to start the visa application process early and be prepared for more detailed evaluation under the new security-first system.
