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Historic Landmarks

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Al Dhafra Fort

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Al Dhafra Fort is the gateway to Al Dhafra, the largest region in Abu Dhabi, which encompasses some of the emirate’s most significant forts and cultural sites
Built in 2017, Al Dhafra Fort embodies Abu Dhabi’s fortification architecture and sits in proximity to the historical site of Hosn Al Sirra, approximately 30 km east of Madinat Zayed
Al Dhafra forts and defensive buildings are an essential part of the regional tangible heritage. The historic buildings erected from the 19th century, or earlier for some of them, form acoherent defensive belt defending the water access and the tribes against their enemies. These landmarks share common architectural features and are visible testimonies of the tribal lifestyle at that time that are worth to be preserved
The Al Dhafra Fort itself is thus a living monument and memorial to the history of Al Dhafra and the defensive architecture of the region
Visitors to the fort are invited to tour the exhibition space that tells the story of Al Dhafra, the customs and way of life the desert nature of the land gave rise to and the values its people still hold to this very day.
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Tribal Confederation of Al Dhafra

The social system of the Al Dhafra region in past centuries. Life here revolved around the family and the tribe. The harsh climatic conditions and the difficulties of daily living strengthened tribal bonds, fostering a sense of cohesion, alliance, and unity of lineage. These ties often extended to intermarriage within the tribe. A key aspect of this tribal system was the establishment of the Bani Yas Coalition, composed of over fifteen Arab clans. This tribal confederation was led by Al Bu Falah, which includes the AL Nahyan family, the rulers of Abu Dhabi, and Al Bu Falasha, which includes the AL Maktoum family, the rulers of Dubai.


Values and Social Customs

The unique intangible culture of Al Dhafra has been shaped by the severe local environment that for centuries has forced people to seek ways to survive and prosper even in the most daring conditions.
Such values as hospitality, honors, and loyalty are defining for each inhabitant of Al Dhafra, firmly inscribed in the context of his tribe of origin and large extended family



The customs passed down through generations are still valid in the contemporary Al Dhafra society, both in small oases settlements and modern airconditioned megapolises. A set of social rituals related to different events and periods in the life of a person are performed even today, preserving the precious connection with the maternal land that was instrumental in the elaboration of this intangible heritage.

Did You Know?

Al Dhafra, a region of the Arabian Peninsulaformed 525 million years ago, sits atoptectonic plates that continue to shapecontinents today.
Around 100 million years ago, Al Dhafra wassubmerged beneath the ocean before it roseto the surface over the next 25 million years.

Location Details

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Al Dhafra region

Opening Hours

Daily : 10 am – 6 pm
Fridays : 9 am – 1 pm
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