Fort Al-Handak

The current twin cities of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates and Al-Buraimi in Oman originally consisted of a group of oases separated by desert, centered on an area of about 24 square kilometers, north of Jebel Hafeet mountain. Initially, the entire area was known as the Al-Buraimi Oasis. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, numerous forts and towers were built to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s control over the western oases and to protect settlements and oases from roaming bandits.

In 1952, Saudi Arabia sent raiders to capture the Abu Dhabi forts and incorporate the oasis into the Saudi Kingdom. The Peaceful Oman Scouts forces, along with the Muscat-Oman army, arrived to repel the oasis. After British intervention, the Saudi troops surrendered.

In an interview with Muscat Daily, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the greatest living explorer in the world, recalls his first visit to Oman. The living legend was in Muscat and reminisced about his first visit to Oman more than 50 years ago. Appointed by the British Army to the army of Sultan Said bin Taimur, he commanded a reconnaissance platoon of the Muscat Regiment and fought rebels in Dhofar, for which he was awarded for bravery.

Reflecting on the rapid changes in the region, he recalled an incident when Sultan Said bin Taimur tasked him with leading a reconnaissance platoon up Wadi Jizzi to Buraimi and further to Dubai to meet with the commander of the Peaceful Oman Scouts (the modern Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates) on urgent business. “When I reached a place called Dubai, there was one house taller than one floor. And the locals were angry at this man because he was trying to get closer to God. It was 1968. Everything changed quickly.”

After the United Arab Emirates gained independence in 1971, Abu Dhabi and Oman agreed on final borders, dividing the oases. The part belonging to Abu Dhabi was then known as Al Ain, and the part belonging to Oman as Al-Buraimi. Since then, Al Ain has experienced rapid growth, quickly becoming larger and more prosperous than Al-Buraimi. Today, Al Ain is a bustling city, while Al-Buraimi resembles more of a quiet town.

Al-Handag (Trench) Castle was probably built at the end of the 17th century. Its name is associated with the dry moat surrounding it, which is a rare defensive feature for Omani fortifications. The castle has an almost square layout with round towers at its four corners. Al-Handak Fort in the Al-Buraimi Governorate is considered one of the important sights of the province. This strategic approach was used in the past to protect cities, castles, and forts in Oman even before the advent of Islam. The fort has a square shape and consists of about ten rooms spread throughout its area, along with towers. The fort includes four towers located at its four corners, and its total area is about 3,070 square meters.

Al-Hilla Castle and the towers of Al-Buraimi are located nearby.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Buraimi

https://www.castles.nl/khandagh-castle

https://www.muscatdaily.com/2021/03/23/legend/