Sand Castle

We’ve been in the UAE for the last four years but have hardly explored the country, except for a few odd trips here and there, and some on our trips to Dubai in previous years when we were just visiting, more as tourists. Being a small country (with good roads) one can actually cover the length and breadth of it in a few hours.

Two weekends ago we accompanied my brother and sister-in-law to the Emirate of Fujairah. It was their wedding anniversary, and what better way to spend it than go for a long drive .... we being the kebab me haddis!

We didn't plan anything beforehand, except that we’d try out the shorter route, a new road to this Emirate.  Driving out, in about half-an-hour we left the sandy landscape and approached the foot-hills towards the mountains. The Hajar mountains (rock mountains) as these are called demarcate Fujairah from the other emirates. The drive through the mountains was lovely, the different hues of the rugged landscape in the background and the light and shadow making it quite picturesque.

As we approached Fujairah we saw a sign saying ‘Al Hayl Castle’. Since we’d saved some time on the new route we decided check out the castle before lunch.  We followed the road, which seemed to be taking us nowhere into the hills till we arrived at a wadi (river-bed). This is a water-catchment area similar to an oasis, but unfortunately it was totally dry.  We heard that during the occasional rains these fill up real fast and flood, and bathers can get caught unawares and drown. We continued further and a date plantation appeared which was a relief to the rocky landscape.

We finally arrived at the castle (though it looked more like a fort). Considered as the headquarters for ruling family, the historic castle was established more than 250 years ago, and has been used for surveillance, patrolling and to defend the area. Surely must have felt like a King to reside in such serenity surrounded by nature.

The architectural simplicity was evident.  A watch-tower and small room-like structures enclosed by plastered walls was all that there was to this castle. Built of mud-brick, it has undergone considerable restoration work. We climbed up to the tower to get a better view of the surroundings.

After this we turned back and drove towards Kalba, another township near the sea. The drive along the water (the Gulf of Oman) was lovely … Just enjoyed staring into the blue sea.  Then on towards Fujairah to stop at the Hilton for lunch. Very relaxing, on the deck next to the beach.

Being the last day of 2011, it was a day well-spent. We returned home happily exhausted, looking forward to a good beginning to the next day, the New Year.

The surrounding mountains

The Castle

Climbing up to the Watch Tower 

The Watch Tower

Drive along the Sea