Dhayah Fort Ras Al Khaimah
The UAE's last hill fort, offering stunning 360° views of the Gulf and mountains after a rewarding climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mesmerizing 360 views
Dhayah Fort Ras Al Khaimah
Best Time
Mesmerizing 360 views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The UAE's last hill fort, offering stunning 360° views of the Gulf and mountains after a rewarding climb.
"The view from the top is phenomenal, where you can see the gulf and the mountains."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 239 steps to the top require good footwear for a comfortable climb. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, as the climb can be strenuous. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit View
Top of the fort
Panoramic 360-degree views of the Arabian Gulf, rugged mountains, and lush date palm oases. A truly breathtaking sight.
Ancient Mud-Brick Architecture
The fort structure
Explore the well-maintained twin mud-brick fortresses, a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship and historical resilience.
The 239 Steps
Path to the fort
The climb itself is an experience, offering a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the spectacular views awaiting you.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Best Light for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 239 steps to the top require good footwear for a comfortable climb. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, as the climb can be strenuous. :droplet:
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Visit at sunset for breathtaking views and incredible photography opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking is available at the base of the fort. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 239 steps to the top require good footwear for a comfortable climb. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, as the climb can be strenuous. :droplet:
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Visit at sunset for breathtaking views and incredible photography opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking is available at the base of the fort. :car:
🆓 No Entry Fee
Enjoy the historical site and stunning views without any admission cost. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dhayah Fort is lauded as a beautiful historical site offering phenomenal, mesmerizing 360-degree views from its summit. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained structure, free entry, and ample parking. The climb of 239 steps is considered worthwhile for the breathtaking scenery, with sunset being a particularly recommended time for visits and photography.
"It is a nice historical place. You need to climb 239 steps to reach up. The view is phenomenal from the top where you can see the gulf and the mountains. The road to there was little bit hard."
Alaa Khider
"It's a traditional tourist spot - old fort. Well maintained. No entry fee, plenty free parking area . Better to visit in daylight. 360 view from fort top was mesmerizing. Night view of city from the top was an additional experience."
Anirban Dhara
"Visiting Dhayah Fort was an unforgettable experience, a true testament to the rich heritage of the region. This remarkable historical site is perfect for those who appreciate solitude and the beauty of nature.
Nestled between towering mountains on one side and the vast, serene ocean on the other, the fort offers stunning, panoramic views that are worth every effort to reach its summit. The journey to the top involves climbing over 200 steps, adding a sense of accomplishment to the adventure. As you ascend, the tranquility of the surroundings makes every step worthwhile.
At the top, you'll discover two small room-like structures that silently narrate the tales of the past. Standing there, surrounded by history and breathtaking landscapes, it’s easy to feel transported to another time.
Dhayah Fort is a must-visit for heritage enthusiasts and those who seek peace amidst nature’s grandeur. Whether you're looking for history, solitude, or spectacular views, this fort has it all."
Sulfikar Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dhayah Fort is located in Ras Al Khaimah, approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Dubai. You can rent a car or hire a taxi. The drive is scenic, often passing through desert landscapes before reaching the mountainous region of Ras Al Khaimah. +2
While the road to the fort can be a bit challenging in parts, it is generally well-signposted. GPS navigation is recommended.
Driving yourself offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, many tour operators offer day trips from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, often including Dhayah Fort as a stop. +1
Public transport options directly to Dhayah Fort are limited. Renting a car or taking a taxi from Ras Al Khaimah city center is the most practical approach.
Dhayah Fort is relatively close to other attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, making it easy to combine with visits to Jebel Jais or the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to visit Dhayah Fort, making it an accessible historical site for all travelers.
Dhayah Fort is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there is ample natural light for the best views and photography.
No advance booking is required as there is no entry fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Many visitors recommend visiting during sunset for the most spectacular views and photographic opportunities.
There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned, but it's advisable to be respectful of the historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb involves approximately 239 steps to reach the top of the hill fort. It's a moderate physical activity, but the views are incredibly rewarding. +1
From the summit, you'll enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, the surrounding rugged mountains, and the lush green date palm oasis below. +1
Yes, families can enjoy the historical aspect and the rewarding climb. However, parents should supervise young children closely due to the steps and heights.
Basic facilities like parking are available. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks as amenities might be limited.
Dhayah Fort is the last remaining hill fort in the UAE, dating back to the Late Bronze Age. It was a key point of resistance and was rebuilt in the 19th century. It's also featured on the 5 dirham note. 
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended for photography due to the beautiful golden light and dramatic shadows. Daylight hours also offer excellent clarity for capturing the landscape.
While some videos show drone footage, it's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage in historical sites.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the fort against the landscape, close-ups of the mud-brick architecture, and panoramic views from the summit.
Some visitors have mentioned enjoying the night view of the city from the top, suggesting it's possible to capture unique night shots.
The combination of the ancient fort, the vast blue Arabian Gulf, the dramatic mountain ranges, and the green oasis creates a visually stunning and diverse photographic subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The panoramic views from the top are sure to captivate everyone. Remember to bring plenty of water and ensure children are supervised closely due to the heights and steps. It's a great opportunity to teach children about local history and the importance of preserving heritage. The fort's unique architecture and its story as the last hill fort in the UAE can spark their imagination. The free entry and ample parking also make it a convenient outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The fort's historical significance and its stunning natural setting between the mountains and the sea create a unique atmosphere of solitude and reflection. It's a perfect place to disconnect, enjoy the quiet, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Ras Al Khaimah.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Consider capturing the fort from different angles, from its base to its summit. Drone photography can offer unique perspectives, showcasing the fort's strategic hilltop location. The 239 steps also offer interesting photographic compositions as part of the journey to the top.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Dhayah Fort
+2The fort's strategic location offered commanding views, essential for defense and observation. The restoration efforts in the late 1990s have preserved its unique architecture, allowing visitors to step back in time. Its historical importance is even recognized on the UAE's 5 dirham note, highlighting its cultural significance.
Exploring Dhayah Fort provides a tangible connection to the UAE's ancient history, offering insights into the lives and resilience of its early inhabitants. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the foundations of the Emirates.
+1The Ascent and the Reward: Experiencing the Climb
As you ascend, the landscape unfolds, offering glimpses of the surrounding oasis and the distant Arabian Gulf. The effort is consistently described as worthwhile, with the panoramic views from the top being the ultimate reward. At the summit, two small room-like structures stand, silently narrating tales of the past. The feeling of accomplishment combined with the breathtaking scenery makes the climb a memorable part of the visit.
It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and carry water, particularly during warmer months, to ensure a pleasant climbing experience. The climb is often highlighted as a key feature that adds to the adventure and the overall satisfaction of visiting Dhayah Fort.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Dhayah Fort
+1Beyond the grand vistas, the intricate details of the fort's architecture also make for compelling close-up shots. The layered mud-brick construction tells a story of historical craftsmanship. Drone footage has also showcased the fort's unique position atop the hill, offering a bird's-eye perspective of its grandeur and its integration with the natural environment.
Whether you're an amateur or a professional photographer, Dhayah Fort offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and dramatic landscapes. The combination of the ancient fort, the coastal views, and the mountainous backdrop ensures a diverse and visually rich portfolio.
+1
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit