Awhlah Fort / Wahala Fort, Fujairah - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 21 km from Kalba and 31 km from Fujairah, Wahlah Fort or Ohala Fort is an old fort situated at Al Wahlah village near Fujairah - Sharjah Border, UAE. Located on the bank of Wadi al Hilo, it is one of the ancient forts in the UAE and among the popular historical places to visit in Fujairah.

Also spelled as Awhlah / Aouhlah Fort, the Wahala Fort is located in mountainous rough and jagged areas of Fujairah Emirate. This fort was used to enable the guards to monitor any person coming either from the sea or the mountain roads. The fort has a circular tower designed to give an amazing view and a wide range for the archers if someone attacked the fort. The Awhlah Fort retains much of its original look and one of the best-preserved forts of Fujairah showcasing the history, culture and Emirati heritage.

The Islamic Fort of Wahala had been built on a relatively high mountain about 30 m above sea level. The architecture of the Fort gives the impression of similar or inspired by the walls of the Assyrian cities (Ninoy, Nimrod, and Ashur), which confirms the relationship of the region with the ancient civilization of Iraq, according to which its economic status in the Iron Age. The Fort is accessed through a large gate of 1 m wide and 2.5 m high, following the entrance is a lobby of a rectangular shape and has ladders that lead to its second floor and then to the tower. The watchtower is about 20 m high and is circular in shape, where the guards and archers are stationed. There are two rooms in the Fort's backyard and extended from the outside with a rectangular Majlis and its walls decorated with art from the inside with wonderful decor. In addition, there is a deepwater well in the northwest corner of the Fort.

Timings: 8 AM - 1 PM & 4.30 PM - 6.30 PM from Saturday - Thursday, 2.30 PM - 4.30 PM on Friday

Entry: Free