A fort on the hill
Al-Dosariyah Castle stands on a hill in the centre of Jazan city, about 250 m above sea level, overlooking Jazan Port and the Red Sea. Saudipedia dates it to 1810. It is square in plan, covers about 900 m² over two floors, and four cylindrical towers project from its outer walls.
Openings in the walls served for watch and defence. Inside, a central courtyard is framed by arched walls, and battlements added on the southern and western sides formed the main lines of defence.
Garrison and school
The castle was used in several periods, including under the Idrisid state, and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Qar'awi made it a centre of learning. In 1932 King Abdulaziz ordered its renovation; the work was completed in early 1933, and it then housed the first Saudi military garrison and served as the army's headquarters.
A development project has since improved its surroundings to suit its history, linking the castle to Jazan's inner market and placing it on the city's tourist route.