OVERVIEW:
Al Hayl Castle is located in Wadi Hayl, west of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Built-in 1932 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamdan Al Sharqi, the fort built his residence for the next two decades. Comprised of fortified courtyards and a parallel guard tower with views east and west of Ward Hayl, Al Hayl Fort overlooks the old town of Al Hayl, whose many buildings have now been renovated. The village was abandoned in the late 1970s following the resettlement of residents in this new village at the bottom of the river, the river of the year, and protected by Al Hayl Dam. The village was traditionally settled by members of the Kunud tribe (In 1908, Lorimer described the city, which he called ‘Hail’ as found ‘within the hills behind Fujairah’ and consisting of ‘ten houses of Jalajilah and Kunud’), with evidence that the area has been occupied since the time of Umm. Al Nar, with Umm Al Nar tombs and Iron Age petroglyphs both, found in the area. Many of them have been threatened with further construction in the area.
CONSTRUCTION:
In 1932, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamdan Al Sharqi built a fortress, a mosque, a jailer, and a watchtower. The house was built by the Bin Shamal family, builders working in Kalba and Fujairah, and a builder named Bin Shambi. These buildings are all made of gabbro/dolerite stones mixed with soft mud and faced with cement. Inside, gypsum concrete was used. The timbers for the buildings were mangroves with solid wood. Al Hayl’s watchtower was originally built as a residence for Sheikh Abdullah’s younger brother, Suhail, who later moved into a house in Ward Forfar. Al Hayl Fort is often called a summer house, but it was the residence of Abdullah bin Hamdan Al Sharqi until he moved to a house built in Mirbah in 1958.
While Fujairah is one of the smallest emirates in the UAE, it is less popular, due to its lucrative wealth and activities. From beaches to historic sites, museums and parks, Fujairah makes it a perfect place to escape over the weekend. Speaking of heritage sites, one of the hidden treasures in Fujairah is Al Hayl Castle, located in Ward Al Hayl in the Hajar mountains. Listed on the final list of things to do in Fujairah, Al Hayl Castle is a wonderful heritage site during your trip to the emirate. MyBayut takes you to this unique gem, the things to look for, and the important details you need to know.
ABOUT:
Al Hayl Castle or Al Hayl Palace was built about 1830 and belonged to the ruling Fujairah family. Today, however, this historic site is owned by the Department of Archeology and Heritage. Made of brick and mortar, Al Hayl Castle is an excellent example of the ancient Arabian architecture of the time. The site is built on a solid site, a residence, and a mountain fortress, known as Al Hayl Fort.
WHAT TO YOU SEE:
When you visit Al Hayl Castle in Fujairah, you will get a glimpse into the daily life of the ancient inhabitants. The royal residence has a meeting room called majlis, storage areas, bedrooms, and a kitchen, which guests can explore. Don’t forget to visit the conference room attached to the tower at the compound! The majlis has beautiful decorative niches, and in the past, it would have adorned rich carpets, lamps, photographs, and monuments. Apart from the compound, you will find another informal and open majlis, where guests are drinking coffee.
Apart from the residential compound, there are a few steps leading to Al Hayl Fort in Fujairah. The fort is located on a small hill, overlooking the palace and Al Hayl Village. A spectacular view of the overflowing valley full of palm trees behind the rugged mountains, makes it worth a climb! While Al Hayl Fort Fujairah is not very large, visitors can check out a few of the castle rooms and if they feel like it, climb the wooden mountains to the top so that the bird’s eye can see the valley!
TIMING:
Are you planning to visit Al Hayl Castle in Fujairah? Make sure you go at the right time to Al Hayl Castle to access all parts of the heritage site. Visitors can ask a caregiver or guardian to show them around the complex. Saturday – Thursday: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm, Friday: 02:00 pm – 06:00 pm.
LOCATION:
Al Hayl Castle is located in Wadi Al Hayl, southwest of Fujairah City. Keep in mind that sections of the inner road to Al Hayl Castle can be difficult, so it’s best to take four wheels when visiting this historic site. If you are from Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah, continue on Maliha-Fujairah Road (E84), and exit there to see the signs of Al Hayl Fujairah. Turn right at the Fujairah Police Training Institute, and continue straight until you reach the area.
CONTACTS:
If you have any questions about this historic site, you can contact the Fujairah tourism authorities at 09-222-9085.
WHAT TO DO:
There is plenty to do in Fujairah near Al Hayl Fort. The Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah is a great place for tourists during their journey to Fujairah. This magnificent place of worship has 65 houses and six minarets with amazing calligraphy, beautiful carpets, and extensive courtyards. Alternatively, history buffs can visit Fujairah Fort, another well-known historical site in the city. Or visitors can dive into the Fujairah Museum to see the history and culture of the emirate. And that ends MyBayut guide to Al Hayl Castle Fujairah. If you are planning a tour here, increase the fun by making it a place to stay in the best hotels in Fujairah with escape routes over the weekend. Fujairah is also known for its sandy beaches, many of which have camping areas. Explore the many beaches of Fujairah and find amenities and restaurants nearby.
