A Documentary Report of Fort Al Ali UAQ 1 by Nadeem Lutfullah

The city of Umm Al Quwain, which is part of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is the second smallest and the least populated emirate in the UAE. It covers an area of approximately 720 sq. km. which is equivalent to 1 per cent of the UAE's area. The emirate is located on the north-east of the UAE and it has rich coastal mangroves on the coast of Arabian Gulf and many islands that lie to the east of the mainland. The ruling family of Umm Al Quwain descends from the Al Mualla lineage of the Al Ali tribe. Hence the name of this ancient fort - Fort Al Ali, which was built in 1768. The Al Ali Fort was established by H.H.Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla, the founder of the Al Mualla Royal Family as a residence and venue for his Government. Having a significant effect on the memory of Umm Al Quwain citizens, this fort represents the image of their power and dignity. It was maintaining its official and public significance till the year 1969 as the venue of the Government. In the year 2000, it was converted into a museum.