Situated in the Heart of Sharjah, Al Hisn Fort (also known as Sharjah Fort) is one of the significant heritage sites in the emirate. Originally built in 1823 by the early monarch Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, this historic fortress once served as the headquarters of the Sharjah government, the residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family, and even a prison. It was restored in 1996 and reopened to the public in 2015.
The fort is square-shaped with a spacious yard at its centre. The structure comprises two main floors and three towers. It was built using coral stones sourced from the Arabian Gulf. The walls were coated with light brown plaster, while the doors were made from teak wood. The ceilings were constructed using mangrove trunks and Al Duun, branches of palm trees stripped of their leaves and fibres.
Al Hisn Fort was constructed for defensive purposes, with solid thick walls, tall watchtowers, and other protective features designed to safeguard the city and its people. Today, the fort operates as a museum where visitors are welcome to explore 12 galleries that showcase extensive research conducted by the Sharjah Museums Department over a period of five years.
On view is a plethora of diverse exhibits, featuring historic photographs and archaeological artefacts, which provide insight into the rich history of the emirate. There are ornaments, jewellery, pottery, ancient ruins, and various tools and utensils used by early Arab people.
Visitors can learn about defence strategies employed by the Sheikhs and their guards, as well as have a look at the Al Hisn armaments collection. The Armoury gallery, accessible through the original teak door, along with the Weapons gallery, displays daggers, swords, war helmets, chest and arm plates, historic firearms, and many other interesting pieces.
Among the galleries is the Qawasim gallery dedicated to the origins and lifestyle of the ruling Qasimi family. Here, you can admire such treasures as, for example, a Qur’an holder dating back to the mid-1860s and some grand furniture, including the royal bed of Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Khalifa Al Qasimi (1900-1987). The bed was donated to the museum by Sheikha Meera Ahmed Rashed Al Mualla, mother of Sheikha Jawaher, the wife of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi.
While at the Al Hisn Fort, visitors can also learn about Sharjah’s early jurisdiction system. The original Arrest Room, where prisoners awaited trial, and Al Muhalwasa, a circular prison cell built from coral stone, are open for viewing.
Sharjah Fort welcomes visitors from Sunday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM, with Friday hours limited to 4 PM to 8 PM. Entry fees are 10 AED for adults and 5 AED for children aged 2-12. To get more information about the fort, please go to its official web page.
You might also be interested in viewing the Resistance Monument Sharjah in Khorfakkan and attending the Bait Al Naboodah Museum located in a home that belonged to Emir Obaid bin Isa bin Ali Al Shamsi, the most successful Emirati pearl merchant. We also recommend that you visit Reflections & Inspirations from Emirati Heritage, a group exhibition at the Sharjah Heritage Museum.
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