RAJEEV CHERIAN (RAS AL KHAIMAH)
Through the palm fronds overhanging the street, a fort can be seen in the distance atop a conical hill. Standing tall amid the Jebel Jais Mountains and date palm groves, Dhayah Fort, a castle-like mud structure in the north of Ras Al Khaimah is the only remaining hill fort in the UAE.
The origins of the site date back to the Late Bronze Age (1600-1300 BCE), when locals used it for settlement and fortification. The present-day twin-peaked golden mud-brick fortress was built during the 19th century and restored in the late 1990s, according to the Department of Antiquities and Museums of Ras Al Khaimah.
Dhayah Fort is an important historical monument that bore witness to the 1819 battle between British troops and local Qawasim tribes. It is also included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
From the foothills of the fort, a 239-step zigzagging path leads visitors to the fort, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region. At the top, two mud-brick structures stand at either end of the fort, which back in the day provided a strategic view of protection.
Today, the view offers a glimpse into the region's diverse geography, including limestone mountains, palm oasis, mudflats mangrove swamps, coastal waters and offshore sand banks. These diverse landscape offers insights into Ras Al Khaimah's traditional way of life over the past 5,000 years.
During the climb, visitors may also spot curious mountain goats roaming along the slopes. As the climb progresses, interesting aspects of the region's history and environment are displayed at regular intervals through displays by the department, making the visit both informative and engaging.
The Bay of Dhayah represents a condensed version of Musandam's characteristic environment, reads an inscription at the site. Throughout the millennia, the region's distinctive geography has enabled its inhabitants to engage in various forms of cultivation.
Apart from its lush palm oases and abundant bird life, the Dhayah plain is also home to natural acacia trees. Their fragrant, furry flower clusters attract numerous insects in early summer. Following the annual winter rains, seasonal undergrowth of flowering plants and shrubs provides nourishment for various insects and butterflies.
The bay of Dhayah is also home to archaeological and historical structures, including tombs, fortifications, shell middens and settlements from ancient times.
At the base of the fort lies 12 large Wadi Suq tombs dating from between 2,000 to 1,300 BCE. These megalithic structures were used for burials over hundreds of years. Four of the tombs have already been excavated to reveal impressive Southeast Arabia funerary structures, according to the department.
On the descent, the sweeping 180 degree panorama of a diverse landscpae , seen from the historical landmark's vantage point continues to linger, a view worth the climb.