Dhayah Fort
قلعة ضاية
The UAE's only hilltop fortress, an 18th-century mudbrick fort on a small hill overlooking palm groves, mangroves and the bay.
Dhayah Fort was built in the late 18th century and was the last stronghold to fall when British forces attacked Ras Al Khaimah in 1819. From the foot of the hill, the climb of about 240 steep steps takes roughly 10 minutes. The fort itself is quite small, but the summit offers a 360-degree view, with date palm groves below and the bay and Hajar Mountains in the distance. It is free to visit and unstaffed. Avoid going during the scorching summer days. Climbing in the late afternoon in winter to watch the sunset is recommended. The fort is about 20 km north of the city center.
Opening hours
All day (open-air)
Nearby sights
- Suwaidi Pearls
- Shimal Archaeological Site & Sheba's Palace
- Jais Flight
- Jais Sledder
- Al Qawasim Corniche
- Jebel Jais
- National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Falayah Fort