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All United Arab Emirates Al Ain Mezyad Fort
Mezyad Fort is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

AO Edited

Mezyad Fort

This mysterious abandoned fort looks like something pulled right from Arabian legend.

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

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Adam
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Mezyad Fort   Adam 11 / Atlas Obscura User
Mezyad Fort   Adam 11 / Atlas Obscura User
Mezyad Fort   Adam 11 / Atlas Obscura User
Mezyad Fort   Adam 11 / Atlas Obscura User
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The United Arab Emirates have no shortage of desert fortresses, most of which are recently renovated and designed to cater for the huge swath of tourists who visit every year. But for those with a more intrepid spirit, seeking an alternative to the pomp of the major emirate cities, the abandoned fort of Mezyad may be just the thing.

While its creators are unknown, Mezyad is thought to have been built during the 19th century, but very little of its origin story survives. According to a report by Gulf News, at various points in its history it has doubled as a police station, been used as a border post, and was also occupied by a British paramilitary group, the Trucial Oman Scouts, during the 1950s.

The fortress shows signs of restoration, but in recent years it has been neglected and deeply undervalued despite its hugely dramatic appeal at the base of the grand Jebel Hafeet. Its camouflaged mud walls and backdrop of cool palm trees only add to its picturesque value.

Mezyad has all the charm to indeed be the basis of a tale straight out of 1001 Arabian Nights, but with new tourist developments encroaching on the site, who knows whether it will manage to retain that enigmatic quality for much longer.

Related Tags

Forts Fortresses Abandoned

Know Before You Go

There is no official opening time. You will have to ask the guardian of the palm plantation to let you in, although on Friday it is closed.

Community Contributors

Added By

Adam 11

Edited By

hrnick, stetrezzi

  • hrnick
  • stetrezzi

Published

September 11, 2014

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Sources
  • http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/mezyad-fort-stands-tall-in-the-foothills-of-jebel-hafeet-1.1187525
  • http://www.mydestination.com/abudhabi/usefulinfo/6177756/al-ain-forts-and-castles
  • http://om.geoview.info/mezyad_fort,6566359p
  • http://dreaminginarabic.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/al-mezyad-fort/
Mezyad Fort
Al Ain
United Arab Emirates
24.021527, 55.833163

Nearby Places

Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Hili Grand Tomb

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Buried Village of Al Madam

Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Al Ain

Al Ain

United Arab Emirates

Places 2

Nearby Places

Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Hili Grand Tomb

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Buried Village of Al Madam

Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Al Ain

Al Ain

United Arab Emirates

Places 2

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