{
  "id": 19825953,
  "title": "Al Jahili Fort: A timeless legacy of authority and heritage in Al Ain",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/al-jahili-fort-a-timeless-legacy-of-authority-and-heritage-in-al-ain",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T14:38:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/al-jahili-fort-a-timeless-legacy-of-authority-and-heritage-in-al-ain-1.500746462"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Al Jahili Fort, a historic landmark in Al Ain, boasts an engineering marvel that keeps the interior cool during the sweltering summer months. Built in the 1890s, the fort utilizes a network of chilled-water pipes to combat temperatures that can soar up to 50°C. This innovative conservation project, completed in 2007, earned international acclaim for its seamless blend of traditional and modern techniques.\n\nOwned by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the fort served as both a summer retreat and a watchtower for the local tribes. Its mud-brick construction and ancient architectural features were meticulously preserved during the restoration, while modern amenities were seamlessly integrated. The fort's courtyard, surrounded by three wings, now hosts exhibitions, events, and educational programs.\n\nVisitors can explore the north wing, which displays photographs of the desert taken by explorer Wilfred Thesiger, or visit the west wing for temporary exhibitions. The south wing, home to an information center, bookshop, and majlis, offers a glimpse into Al Ain's rich history and culture. Archaeological findings, such as the remains of a falaj, provide further insight into the fort's heritage. Al Jahili Fort stands as a testament to the UAE's architectural legacy and a testament to sustainable conservation practices.",
  "summary": "Al Ain: Beneath the mud plaster of Al Jahili Fort, hidden from every visitor, runs a network of chilled-water pipes. It is a quiet piece of engineering in a building that dates from the 1890s, and it exists for a simple reason: summer temperatures in Al Ain can reach 50°C. The pipes are the heart of a 2007 conservation project that turned one of the UAE’s largest mud-brick forts into a year-round…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}