Castles and Towers in Al Dhafra

The castles and towers located in Al Dhafra are all in Liwa’s villages, between Al Batana and Al Bateen, except for one castle located on the coast. The urbanites named it ‘Al Dhafra Fort’. There are no other castles found in the remaining areas of Al Dhafra.

Due to its strategic location in the eastern parts of the Arabian Peninsula, many significant events took place in Al Dhafra, including the battles of Hosn, Hosn Al Qareeb in Khnoor village, and Batna, whose people retreated to Al Tarq tower.

Castles and towers represent the military advancements in Al Dhafra, serving as proof of the residents’ strength and love for their land. It is the historic story of man’s struggle with his brother to ensure survival and the story of building forts for security and safety

Hassan Castle, which was located in Hassan village in Liwa, no longer exists. There is no precise location, though it is known to have been one of the oldest castles in the area.

A large castle in Liwa known as Muzair’a Castle was built by men from the Al Qubaisat tribe on wide gravel land. It is surrounded by palm tree farms and is over 200 years old.

This castle was built between 1850 and 1870, when Al Jabbana village’s residents were invaded by bandits who would come from the Empty Quarter and wander Liwa’s villages. Al Bal Shi’r from Al Manasir defended their lands against the bandits.