“Due to the keenness of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla(mercy of Allah), to preserve the monuments and heritage in the emirate Emiri Decree No. (1) issued for 2000, in order to establish Antiquities and Heritage Department to promote its work as a body in charge of maintaining historic buildings and archaeological sites and to respect the heritage elements and to promote and educate the new generation about the importance of heritage, His Highness Sheikh Rashid parent – may God have mercy on him-, had directed to renovate ALHOSN and open it as a museum in 2000. Due to its importance in the hearts of Umm Al Quwain people, and its political importance as a government center and residence of the family, since building date goes back to 1768.
Based on directions and the care of His Highness Sheikh / Saud bin Rashid Amualla- member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain to protect the historic archaeological sites in the emirate as a national treasure and a living witness to the region culture and history and his highness support the department aimed plans to preserve the historical legacies of Umm Al Quwain, the department restored Falaj Al Mualla fort and mosque attached with , as the department is currently make an inventory of heritage buildings in the emirate and work on restoration.
Historical Background Fort Al Ali
Upon entering through Bab Al Sabah gate, time pulls you back in the deep history. It is exactly Umm Al Quwain fort which represents the most ancient historical building in Umm Al Quwain, it was firstly established by H.H.Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla,the foundator of Al Mualla Royal Family, in 1768 as a residence and venue for his Government. Having a significant effect on the memory of Umm Al Quwain citizens, this fort represents the image of their power and dignity.
It was maintaining its official and public significance till the year 1969 as the venue of the Government .In 2000, it was reopened as a museum in accordance with the directions of H.H. Sheikh / Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Mualla , member of supreme council of the UAE , ruler of Umm Al Quwain ,after it had been restored and rehabilitated.
The Royal Family Heritages Section
This section is considered the core of the museum, as it concentrates on the Royal Family Heritages; which represents indivisible part of Umm Al Quwain citizen`s history.
First : The Ruler`s Properties Room
This room contains many memorial gifts given to His Highness on different occasions . Two golden swords, one matchlock, some memorial coins and others are available there. In addition to that, a collection of old golden jewelries which reflect the traditional gold manufacturing in Arab Gulf area. Her Highness, Sheikhah Shamsah Al Majid , wife of His Highness Sheikh / Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Mualla, gave these jewelries to the museum as gifts. One of the precious contents of this room is the glazed gold Royal Family tree.
Second: The documentary film room
There is a small corner of the photos in the traditional style.
The Story Of The Tower
The nation willingness is clearly expressed by its sincerity and faithfulness to its government represented in Al Mulla family. The people here are intimately linked with this viturous land. This tower which extended back to three centuries, has witnessed an incident transmitted from generation to an other and recited by the fort in utmost dignity and proudness. It was the martyrdom of H. H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Ibrahim Al Mualla in 1929, the 8th ruler of Al Mualla family in Umm Al Quwain.
One day, while H. H. Sheikh Hamad was taking his supper, (others said he was sick), in the presence of his cousins, as uaual in the room adjoining the tower , entered two of his guards– his nephews-; Abdul Rahman and Saeed ( Al Abd ) to greet him and to take supper with him ( some people said that he was fasting ). However, Saeed was carrying a gun, suddenly, he shot his uncle. Then they held his body up to inform the people of Umm Al Quwain that Sheikh Hamad was dead and that by tomorrow people of Umm Al Quwain would know their new ruler.
At that time, the people of Umm Al Quwain were furious and upset, so they were alerted and mobilized under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Mulla and supprted by his cousins in order to control the situation, Abdul Rahman and Saeed were seeking shelter inside the fort. As the fort was high, it was easy for them to impose their domination upon the situation outside. After the matter had thoroughly been discussed, it was agreed to destroy the fort comoletely by a cannon, Saeed and Abdul Raman were able to see a vast area around them, so they saw that some people were towing the cannon towards the fort.
Saeed Al Abd shot Hilal ( one of those who were towing the cannon ) in his leg.
After deep thinking on the matter, the wise and powerful men of Umm Al Quwain made up their mind to dig a moat around the fort . After that they filled the moat of palm leaves and put on fire, as soon as fire was put up, it burnt Abdul Rahman and Saeed, so people of Umm Al Quwain got rid of both of them and suceeded to keep peace and stability in the Emirate.
