The Ruler of Sharjah has inaugurated the restored Al Mudarissa Tower in Al Dhaid, a heritage landmark inscribed on the ICESCO World Heritage List.
AL DHAID: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the restored Al Mudarissa Tower on Saturday, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to preserving historical architecture and cultural memory.
Located at the north-eastern entrance of Al Dhaid Oasis, the tower has been restored according to its original architectural style using traditional materials and techniques. It now stands as a cultural monument and symbol of the region’s agricultural and defensive legacy.
H.H. unveiled a commemorative plaque and viewed restoration photographs, along with displays of traditional agricultural crafts. A performance of Al Wanna, a traditional poetic art form, was held in honour of the occasion, celebrating both the tower’s opening and the broader heritage projects in Al Dhaid.
Covering an area of 6,346 square metres and surrounded by landscaped green spaces, the tower once served as a key line of defence for the oasis. Its medium-height cylindrical design, elevated entrance, battlements, and narrow firing ports reflect its original function to guard water sources, farmland and the surrounding community.
The structure’s historical value has gained international recognition. In December 2023, Al Mudarissa Tower, along with Al Dhaid Fort and Falaj Al Dhaid, was inscribed on the ICESCO World Heritage List. This designation affirms the site’s importance as a model of defensive architecture integrated within a sustainable agricultural system.
H.H. was accompanied by senior members of the Al Qasimi family and federal ministers, who praised the tower’s restoration as a vital step in safeguarding the identity and heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah for future generations.
Lighting enhancements and visitor pathways now make the site accessible while preserving its historical integrity.
