Tipped to be one of the must-see highlights on a tour of Abu Dhabi an excursion in to the Liwa desert or Liwa Oasis is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the proud heritage of the country’s Bedouin tribes. Tucked away in one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most expansive oases the Liwa Oasis occupies the northern fringes of the Empty Quarter, 220km from the heart of Abu Dhabi Island. The venue’s chief attractions are the towering ancient forts that rise up from the desert sand to cast imposing shadows on the nearby landscapes. Believed to have been built by Bedouin tribes of Bani Yas Island more than 300 years ago, these forts serve as historic relics of Abu Dhabi’s desert dwelling past and a testament to the building prowess of those that constructed these mammoth structures.
Historians state that permanent settlements in the Liwa Oasis took hold during the 16th or perhaps 17th centuries A.D. and thus believe the fortifications to have been completed by the 19th century. Constructed to preserve and protect their territories as well as the natural resource that was scarcest in the landscape, water, these forts serve as potent reminders of the challenges faced by the desert dwelling early settlers of Abu Dhabi. Renowned historian Muhammad Morsy Abdullah speaks of 10 ancient forts occupying Liwa in his 1970’s publication and these include the Umm Hosn Fort, Al Hayla Tower, which was built in the 19th century and the Al Mel Fort which is attributed to the period of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Shakhbout Bin Diyab. The Al Jabbanah fort as well as the forts dubbed Maria Al Gharbiyah, Qutuf, Dhafeer, and Muzeira’a are still visible today and encircled by farms and palm tree groves. The series of forts feature circular watchtowers and walls that reach high in to the sky that are punctured with gunshot holes. This feature speaks volumes regarding the enemy threats faced by the early inhabitants.
The 1980’s saw the Al Jabbanah, Gharbia, Al Meel, Muqib, Qutuf, Maria Al, Dhafeer and Muzeira’a forts restored by the government and surrounded by landscaped gardens and palm trees. The Umm Hosn ancient fort and Al Hayla Tower remain in original condition and is ranked among the country’s most significant ancient structures.
Travellers in search of elegant Abu Dhabi beach hotels will find no finer alternative to Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Ideally located in a picturesque position this charming Abu Dhabi resort provides luxury accommodation for holidaymakers as well as business travellers.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
