Dibba Fort

Dibba Al-Hisn Fort, located on the Al Sharjah peninsula at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, once guarded sea routes and was a centre of settlement as early as the pre-Islamic period. Battles took place here under the Abbasids, and in the 17th century the Portuguese built walls and a fort to control trade, only to abandon the stronghold soon afterwards under a peace treaty. Its square plan, massive walls, towers and crenellated watchtower overlooking the Gulf of Oman reflect traditional Arab military architecture. Today the fort houses a museum displaying household objects, weapons, photographs and documents, while guided tours, including walking tours, offer an immersive introduction to Dibba’s history and culture.

Dibba Al-Hisn Fort was built from coral stone quarried from the seabed of the Persian Gulf. Its walls are coated in light-brown plaster, and its doors are made of teak. The ceilings are supported by mangrove trunks and stripped palm branches, reinforcing the fort’s authenticity and its connection to the region’s natural environment.