Dhaya Fort, Ras al Khaimah

It was in one of my solo trips to this emirate where I first reached Dhaya fort. I was looking for a cool rest house when my GPS brought me to this area. Built on top of a hill, this fort was in a position ideal for defense. It had a commanding vantage point that gave it an advantage in sighting approaching enemies.

This was the last fort to surrender to the British in 1819. Since fort was out of range for the invaders' canons, the British had to take their canon from the ship, drag if a few kilometers over the sand under the unforgiving heat. The fort was not built for long sieges. The inhabitant's surrendered after a few shots were fired. 

At present, this is one of my favorite places in Ras al Khaimah. It currently overlooks dates plantations and rocky mountains in the east. The road leading to the fort is a dead end terminating at the parking lot of the rest house at the foot of the hill with an inviting swimming pool that really offers a relief from the heat.

The climb to the top of the hill may be grueling but the reward of a magnificent view is worth it. remember to bring your water!