- Address: Zayed Al Awwal St, Opposite City Seasons Hotel Al Ain, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Tel: +971 37674444
- Website: reservation@qasralmuwaiji.ae
Fort Qasr Al Muvaydzhi has an important historical value, because it was in this place that the late President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayd bin Sultan Al Nahyan was born who led the country in 33 and brought it to a high world level. The historic fort was restored and reopened for visitors as an exhibition and a museum.
general information
Fort Qasr Al-Muvaydzhi, the locals call it the Eastern fort or the fort of Sheikh Sultan Ibn Zayd Al Nahyan. It is located on the outskirts of the eastern part of Al Ain . Construction began in the early XX century, and initially it was the residence of the ruling dynasty of the eastern region of the country. In addition, Qasr Al Muwayjee was a military fortification, a prison and a court. The indigenous people are very respectful of this place.
Abandoned Fortress
For many years this fort served as a family residence and a place of government. But in 1966 Sheikh Zayd bin Sultan Al Nahyan became emir of Abu Dhabi and moved with his son to the capital of the emirate . Qasr Al Muvaydzhi was abandoned, the buildings were dilapidated, and in the district they planted a date plantation. But after a magnificent restoration, the fort turned into a thriving educational and historical center. To date, Qasr Al Muwayjah consists of a reconstructed mosque and a fort with three towers facing different directions.
Restoration of the fort
The modern exhibition in Qasr Al Muvaydzhi is the result of the colossal work of architects, restorers, archaeologists, museum workers and historians. In addition to creating an information center, the main task of specialists-restorers was to preserve the fort in its original form.
The team of specialists involved traditional methods and authentic materials, while preserving the originality of the structure as much as possible. Every worker is proud of his contribution to these historic walls, thus giving a tribute to the past of Qasr Al-Muvaydzhi and preserving it for descendants.
What's interestnig?
At Fort Kasr Al Mouveiggi admires the approach to the organization of the guests here. There is an absolutely harmonious and cozy atmosphere:
- The main exhibition is housed in an elegant glass room in the courtyard and reveals to you the entire history of its inhabitants and fortress. Unlike other similar places, Fort Qasr Al Muvaydzhi is fully equipped with a gallery with interactive screens. On the huge displays you will be told and will show everything about the ruling family and the people in the period from the 50s to the 70s. In addition, an excursion is conducted in English.
- Visitors can visit one of the towers of the fort, where the family lived. Furniture and other interior items are restored in great detail. There are screens and pouffes for comfortable viewing of documentary chronicles.
- You can walk around the fort, see the courtyard and walls of the fortress, feel all the historical importance of this place.
Excursions around the fort are held in Arabic and English. For visitors there are all the amenities:
- booking of the tour by e-mail and by phone;
- free (free) visit;
- possibility to order an individual or group excursion;
- At the entrance guests of Qasr Al Mouvaji give out a ticket, a guide to the fort, an entertaining-cognitive brochure and a map of the city's cultural attractions in Arabic and English;
- audio guide;
- a lot of structured information on screens and on stands;
- the gallery is air-conditioned.
How to get there and when to visit?
It is not difficult to get to the fort of Qasr Al Muwayaji, because it is located near the airport and from the bus station. The main routes:
- from Al Ain Airport along the following route: 138th St / Hazza Bin Sultan St and 127th St / Hamdan Bin Mohammad St;
- from the bus station: 137th St / Zayed Bin Sultan St.
Fort Kasr Al Muvaiji is waiting for visitors all weekdays from 9:00 to 19:00 except Monday, Friday from 15:00 to 19:00.