Sheikh Sultan inaugurates Fili Fort after restoration

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated on Sunday the Fili Fort following restoration work and the revival of the area as part of the “Fili Heritage” project.

Sheikh Sultan also inaugurated the Petting Farm in the Fili area. The farm was established as part of the “Heritage Fili” project on an area of 14,815 square metres, located next to the Heritage Souq, the fort, the falaj, and the Fili Sharia’t.

Sheikh Sultan unveiled the commemorative plaque, marking the official opening of the farm.

Following that, he watched a performance presented by a group of children who sang about their love for the Ruler of Sharjah and highlighted his achievements through which the cities and regions of the Emirate of Sharjah continue to flourish.

Sheikh Sultan arrived at the Fili area via the new Road, which was constructed to link Al Watan Road (E84) in Mleiha with Fili Fort in the Al Madam area, extending approximately 5.5 kilometres.

This provides residents and visitors with easier access to their destinations, enhances traffic flow, and improves the efficiency of movement and transport in the area.

Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan was received with performances by traditional folk troupes amid a warm welcome from local dignitaries. He then unveiled the commemorative plaque, marking the official reopening of the fort after its restoration.

Benefiting from its central location and the abundance of falaj water, the fort became a safe stop for trade caravans.

Sheikh Sultan graciously received the certificate of registration of Fili Fort in 2024 on the Heritage List in the Islamic World of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO).

This reflects the Emirate of Sharjah’s commitment to preserving, safeguarding, and sustaining its cultural heritage as an authentic part of the emirate’s and the United Arab Emirates’ civilisational identity.

Tour of the fort

Sheikh Sultan toured the fort, which includes a defensive tower and multi-purpose rooms serving functions such as surveillance, storage, and reception, within an architectural system that combines security and social roles.

The fort includes a dedicated falaj room that offers visitors an interactive experience through a model simulating the method of excavating and constructing the Dawoodi falaj and the mechanism for distributing water to farms, highlighting Fili’s connection to agriculture and the sustainability of life there.

There is also a weapons room displaying traditional arms used in the area, such as rifles, matchlock guns, al-sum‘ah, daggers, local swords, katara swords, sickles, axes, and wood chisels.

The fort further presents falconry and equestrian tools, including saddles and falcon training equipment, underscoring their place in local heritage and their role in hunting and mobility.

Sheikh Sultan with dignitaries during his visit to the fort.

The date-syrup room within the fort stands out as an important economic feature, illustrating the stages of preserving and producing date syrup from well-known local varieties such as Shishi, Sagai, Khalas, and Nagaal.

A heritage café was established next to Fili Fort on an area of 240 square metres.

Sheikh Sultan also visited Fili Falaj and its Sharia’t (water access point).

The falaj witnessed two prominent phases of restoration: the first in the 1960s during the era of the late Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and the second in 2026 during the era of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

Around the fort and the Sharia’t, a range of facilities and services has been provided that contribute to reviving “Fili Heritage”, including dedicated visitor parking. The Sharia’t area includes 25 parking spaces, while the surroundings of the fort contain 44 spaces, ensuring ease of access and smooth movement at the site.

Fili Heritage Road was developed within an 18-metre-wide right-of-way to be a single lane in each direction. The route begins from the roundabout at Exit 34 on Al Watan Road and extends smoothly to Fili Heritage.

Drainage, utilities, and lighting

Three drainage culverts and three surface crossings were also constructed to ensure effective and safe rainwater management, allowing floodwaters to pass in an organised manner while maintaining uninterrupted traffic flow.

Essential utility services were installed and pipeline ducts were extended beneath the road in support of future expansion plans and service integration.

Approximately 135 lighting poles were also installed along the road to enhance traffic safety and night-time visibility, ensuring safe movement and good illumination during the night hours.

Attendees at the inauguration

Accompanying His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah during the inauguration were Sheikh Majid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Districts Affairs Department; Sheikh Dr Khalid Bin Humaid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan; Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, along with a number of senior officials and dignitaries of the region.