National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Ra's al Khaymah
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, located in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, is housed within a historic 16th-century fort originally used as a ruler's residence and later as a police station and prison. Converted into a museum in 1987, it showcases a vast collection of archaeological finds spanning from the Stone Age through the Bronze and Iron Ages, to pre-Islamic Sassanian and Islamic periods. The museum holds unique artifacts such as a 19th-century coin minted by the Quwasim family, remnants from the ancient date syrup extraction process, and a rare Jewish gravestone inscription from the region. Its exhibits also include antique weapons, fishing nets, fossils, and silverware. The museum offers insight into the cultural and historical evolution of the emirate and the wider region, making it a vital cultural institution preserving Ras Al Khaimah’s heritage.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official Instagram for current opening hours and special exhibitions. The best time to visit is during cooler months to comfortably explore the museum and its surroundings. While tickets can typically be purchased on-site, booking in advance may be beneficial during special exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students and groups.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is located in a 16th-century fort that was attacked by the British in 1819 due to piracy allegations.
- •It houses the only known Jewish artifact found in the UAE, a gravestone inscription referring to David, son of Moses.
- •The museum contains a 19th-century coin called 'Mardhouf Al Quwasim' minted by the ruling Quwasim family.
- •A 'madbasa' (date-press) room shows a 2000-year-old method of extracting date syrup.
- •The museum's fossil collection was donated by the Ecology Group of Dubai, collected between 1984 and 1986.
History
The fort housing the museum was built in the 16th century and served as the ruler's residence until 1964.
It was attacked by the British in 1819 due to allegations of piracy.
Afterward, it was repurposed as a police station and prison.
In 1984, efforts began to convert the fort into a museum, officially opening in 1987.
Since then, it has grown to house extensive archaeological collections reflecting the region's history from ancient to modern times.
Place Guide
Early Fort and Late Fort Sections16th century
Explore the architectural evolution of the fort from its original 16th-century structure (Early Fort) to the reconstructed sections (Late Fort) that now house the museum's galleries.
Archaeological Collections
View artifacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, pre-Islamic Sassanian period, Islamic era, and Julfar period, illustrating the continuous human presence and cultural development in the region.
Mardhouf Al Quwasim Coin Exhibit19th century
Exhibit dedicated to the rare 19th-century coin minted by the Quwasim family, symbolizing the emirate's historical governance and its role in the Trucial States treaty.
Madbasa (Date-Press) RoomAncient (approx. 2000 years)
Experience the traditional method of extracting date syrup using a date-press, a practice dating back over 2000 years, highlighting the agricultural heritage of the region.
Jewish Gravestone ArtifactDiscovered 1998
See the only Jewish artifact discovered in the UAE, a gravestone with an inscription referring to David, son of Moses, found near Shamal, reflecting the diverse historical influences in the region.
Contact
Phone: 07 233 9900
