His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced a major initiative to restore and develop Dibba Al-Hisn Fort, one of the UAE’s most historically significant sites. The project forms part of Sharjah’s broader vision to protect cultural landmarks while advancing its bid for the site’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Dibba Al-Hisn, located on the eastern coast overlooking the Gulf of Oman, carries centuries of historical weight. The settlement once flourished as a pre-Islamic trading hub connecting merchants from India, Sindh, and China. It later became the site of a decisive battle during the Ridda Wars, a conflict that followed the passing of the Prophet Muhammad.
Layers of history beneath the fort
At the centre of the initiative is Dibba Al-Hisn Fort itself, built by the Portuguese in 1624. The fort is unique in that it houses multiple archaeological layers, each representing a distinct era in regional history. Excavations have revealed that beneath its foundations lie remains stretching back to earlier civilisations, making it a rare site where distinct epochs converge.
Recent digs by Sharjah’s Department of Antiquities have brought to light an extraordinary underground communal burial site. Human skeletons were found alongside funerary offerings such as glazed jars, pottery, weapons, and Roman-era glass bottles. Among the most remarkable discoveries were intricate gold jewellery, gemstone adornments, and ivory combs carved with detailed decorative motifs.
Preservation through modern design
To safeguard these layers and make the fort accessible to the public, a specially designed canopy will be constructed. This structure will protect the site from rainfall and direct sunlight while ensuring that both artefacts and visitors are shielded from the elements. The canopy also reflects Sharjah’s approach of blending conservation with innovation, maintaining authenticity while allowing sustainable access.
The plan extends beyond the fort itself. An adjacent square fort and surrounding heritage structures, including markets and traditional homes, will also be restored. Together, the developments aim to revive Dibba Al-Hisn as a living heritage destination, providing cultural, educational, and tourism value.
Sharjah’s heritage leadership
This project continues Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to heritage preservation. The emirate has already earned global recognition with previous UNESCO listings and archaeological discoveries, and Dibba Al-Hisn represents the next step in reinforcing its reputation as the cultural capital of the UAE.
For residents and visitors alike, the site’s restoration offers more than a glimpse into the past. It provides an opportunity to engage directly with the layers of history that have shaped the Arabian Peninsula. The development invites visitors to explore Sharjah’s eastern coast, just a short drive from Dubai.
The Dibba Al-Hisn Fort restoration is poised to be a key UAE heritage project. Once complete, it will not only stand as a testimony to centuries of civilisation but also strengthen Sharjah’s cultural tourism sector and its case for UNESCO recognition.
As work progresses, the project promises to open new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the emirate’s heritage in ways that connect the past with the present.
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