Lost in the Liwa oasis stands Al Jabbana Fort. Its name whispers tales of a bygone era. This square fort is a testament to the Bani Yas tribes. They built it to protect their precious water sources. Imagine the 19th century. Life was harsh in the Rub’ Al Khali Desert. Nomadic tribes roamed. The tribes needed to defend their wells. Al Jabbana Fort became their shelter.
Mud bricks and cob formed its sturdy walls. Palm tree trunks made the ceilings. Gypsum added intricate details. Three corners boast round towers. The fourth corner? A mystery. Perhaps the south wall’s double towers suggest the threat came from there. The entrance? Always west or east. A strategic choice.
Al Jabbana Fort shares its design with Mezairaa and Attab Forts. These forts stand as silent guardians. They were all restored recently. Eight other forts and towers remain in the Liwa oasis. Six have been restored. Al Hayla Tower and Umm Hosn Fort are ruins. A new Umm Hosn Fort stands nearby. These fortifications unite the Liwa oases. They are situated north of the Hameem-Arrada Road.
Today Al Jabbana Fort stands open to visitors. No signs point the way. No information boards explain its history. Its interior is bare. Yet its simple grandeur speaks volumes. It is a powerful symbol. A symbol of resilience in the face of harsh conditions. A testament to the ingenuity of the Bani Yas. Al Jabbana Fort is a journey through time. A journey into the heart of the desert. A visit is worth your time.