AL HOSN FORT

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Al-Hosn Fort was built in 1793 AD

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, constructed it when he moved from Liwa to Abu Dhabi in that year to make it the headquarters of the government, and from it he managed the affairs of government until his death in 1833 AD.

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

The fort was initially composed of a large circular tower, then three smaller towers were added to it, and two floors were built to the right of the main entrance, each floor having one large room.

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

In the front facade, another two-storey building was built, and between the two buildings the third tower was built, and the building was surrounded by an external wall.

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

In 1936 AD, two wings were built inside the fort: the eastern wing and the western wing. Each of them has two floors to serve as the seat of government and the residence of the family.

Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Their connection to each other with spacious rooms. The total area of ​​the palace became 6400 square meters.

Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

For nearly two hundred years, this fort was the main residence of Their Highnesses, the Rulers of the Emirate.

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

The palace witnessed the visit of many international historical figures and the inauguration of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Center of Research and Documentation

In 1968, part of the fort was turned into a center of research and documentation, and it became one of the most important specialized historical studies centers in the Arab world.

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

It includes a huge collection of research and historical documents on the history of the Emirates and the region since ancient times.

Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

The fort looked over the small dilapidated town that stretched along the store, where there were few palm trees, and close to it a well of water from which they watered the camels.

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

Cultural Landmarks

It occupies a landing place among the cultural landmarks. In Abu Dhabi, the majesty of the past, and the beauty of the present and its modernity meet in an exquisite consistency that attracts attention and arouses admiration.

Al Hosn Fort (1793) by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al NahyanThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates

An annual heritage festival is held in Al-Hosn Fort

Preceded by a major national march that includes the leadership and groups of the people as a symbol of cohesion between the leadership and the people.

Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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Al Hosn Fort, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Diab Al Nahyan, 1793, From the collection of: The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
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