Bangladesh, Sept. 23 -- The fort sits in Old Dubai's historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, near the banks of Dubai Creek and beside the Al Seef waterfront development, which features a recreated souk evoking the city's past.

Built in phases as a defensive stronghold, the fort is roughly square, measuring 41 by 33 meters, with three corner towers. The oldest tower dates to around 1787. Its thick walls were built of coral and shell stones bonded with lime, while a heavy teak door reinforced with iron nails and brass plates serves as the sole entrance.

Over the years, the fort functioned as a royal residence, a seat of governance, a prison, and an arsenal, reflecting different chapters of the emirate's history. In 1971, the year the United Ara...