UAE has many beautiful forts and castles scattered across the whole country. They are a symbol of might and strong defense that once protected the land. While many of these cultural heritage sites are well preserved and restored, some (like Al Mazra Fort in Ras Al Khaimah) are suffering from deterioration due to time and neglect.
100 YEARS OLD
Al Mazra Fort (حصن المزرع) is historically a relatively new structure. Built in year 1901 by the Zaab tribe (more about the Zaab tribe you can read in this article), during the reign of the late Sheikh Saqr bin Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi. The presence of a large number of watchtowers and forts in this region is an evidence of a strong necessity to monitor the area as well as defend it from possible invaders.
EERIE ATMOSPHERE OF AL MAZRA FORT
Forts have always been associated with heroism and stoicism. Although their design varied widely throughout United Arab Emirates, some incorporated similar features and some, like Al Mazra Fort, in its unique construction, remain a mystery.
The ruins of Al Mazra Fort nowadays witness its former glory and cast both eerie and arresting atmosphere around it. It is like a snapshot of history frozen in time. Wandering around such historical places and imagining the life in the past always gives me goosebumps. Uncertainty can be hard to live with but it is an unavoidable part of life – people living here in the times of tribal conflicts surely had to learn how to cope with it.
FORT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT
Nowadays, the area where Al Mazra Fort stands is surrounded by highways from almost every side. However, in the past, there was nothing here but desert. Considering the fact that Al Mazra Fort was built by Al Zaab tribe, that mainly settled down by the shore in the coastal town of Jazirat Al Hamra, the fort is quite a distance away. This is an evidence of the range of land under the ruling of the Zaab tribe.
If you have 4×4 car, you can start your journey from here: 25.618295, 55.801863. You will enjoy a scenic drive through the lush desert forest. That area is commonly known as “behind Sheikh Khalifa Hospital”. After the rain the whole desert covers with a green grass carpet, therefore it is not surprising that it is a popular camping location. Not having 4×4 car, you can try to access the fort entering the desert from this side: 25.629172, 55.839550. The roads are dirt tracks but mostly possible to drive through with normal car.
LACK OF AWARENESS OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
Al Mazra Fort (25.625033, 55.829075) proudly stands in the middle of the desert, surrounded by the fence that is supposed to protect it as archeological object. The fence keeps being destroyed constantly by people who want to drive the car close to the fort. For that reason, management of heritage buildings and their conservation has become a serious struggle in the modern era. This is mostly because of lack of awareness of historical importance among the civil society, therefore, efforts should be taken to guard such places for future generations.
If you would like to see a short clip with drone footage of Al Mazra Fort, watch the video below:
REMEMBER:
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile it will attract animals. It may not only make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind but also it may make them sick.
- Have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – at the end you are saving the nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over campfire, use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
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I hope you found this article about Al Mazra Fort helpful and it gave you an idea where to head to next weekend. If you would like to visit other nature wonders in the desert, I recommend you to check: Desert Mirage or Oasis? Al Qudra Forest, Top 4 Ultimate Beginner Off-Road Desert Trails in the UAE or 5 Things You Should Know About Fossil Rock.
