Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated Fili Fort following extensive restoration efforts as part of the 'Fili Heritage' project. The event took place Sunday morning, marking a significant milestone in reviving the historical and cultural significance of the area.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan arrived at the Fili area via a new road connecting Al Watan Road (E84) in Mleiha with Fili Fort in the Al Madam area, stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers. This new route enhances accessibility, traffic flow, and transport efficiency for residents and visitors. Upon arrival, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan was warmly welcomed with traditional performances by folk troupes and local dignitaries. He unveiled a commemorative plaque, officially reopening the fort after its restoration.
The Ruler of Sharjah received a certificate of registration for Fili Fort on the Heritage List in the Islamic World by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) for 2024. This reflects Sharjah's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage, a vital part of the emirate's and the UAE's civilizational identity. During his tour of the fort, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan explored its defensive tower and multi-purpose rooms, which served various functions such as surveillance, storage, and reception.
The fort includes a room narrating the history of caravan routes, showcasing Fili as a main station for rest and replenishment along routes between the coast and the interior. The fort displays a rare collection of copper coins from the nineteenth century and distinctive archaeological finds, reflecting the depth of commercial activity and daily life in the region. Visitors can also explore a dedicated falaj room offering an interactive experience and a weapons room displaying traditional arms used in the area.
The restoration works adhered to internationally approved standards for heritage conservation, utilizing traditional methods and original materials to preserve the site's identity and historical value. Fili Fort stands as a witness to the history of settlement and fortification in the Central Region, constructed with rammed mud and local stones, embodying Fili's agricultural environment and resources.
Additionally, a simple dwelling, now a heritage house next to Fili Fort, was restored to reflect the area's authentic architectural style. It serves as a traditional cultural museum showcasing the lifestyle and customs of past generations. A heritage caf© was established nearby, blending classical architecture with contemporary comfort.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan also visited Fili Falaj and its Sharia't, an integrated model of the Dawoodi falaj system, renowned for its engineering precision and sustainable groundwater utilization. The falaj, extending approximately 1.5 kilometers with over 40 vertical wells, reflects the historical engineering efforts for water management and agricultural sustainability in Fili.
The area includes a heritage farm with palm plantations and aromatic plants, aiming to revive Fili Falaj and reconnect visitors with the historical role of water in agriculture and settlement. Around the fort and Sharia't, facilities and services, including visitor parking, enhance the 'Fili Heritage' experience.
The inauguration was attended by dignitaries including Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Districts Affairs Department, and Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, among others.
