National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is housed in Al Hisn Fort, in the Old Town district on the western edge of the emirate. The fort’s foundations date to between 1809 and 1819, and it served as the residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family until 1964, after which it became the RAK police headquarters and a prison before the government converted it into a museum between 1984 and 1987, making it one of the earliest museums in the UAE.
Built from coral blocks and stones in the traditional style of the region, the fort’s two-storey buildings surround a central courtyard that once held a wind tower for natural cooling. The museum’s galleries include the Madbasa, Julfar and Archaeology galleries as permanent displays, alongside semi-permanent Weaponry and Ethnography exhibitions that are updated annually or twice a year. The collection spans the emirate’s pearling and trading history, including its links to Mesopotamia from as early as 5500 BC and voyages by Ras Al Khaimah traders to India, China and Zanzibar.
Visitors begin in a Welcome Area introducing the emirate’s history and the ruling family, before moving through the fort’s galleries. Many visitors are also offered Arabic coffee or tea in the majlis before leaving. A new set of exhibits, including the Madbasa galleries and renewed Archaeology and Julfar galleries, opened in November 2025.
Amenities
Historic Fort · Archaeological Galleries · Ethnography Galleries · Weaponry Exhibition · Traditional Architecture · Central Courtyard · Free Parking
Contact Information
https://rakheritage.rak.ae/national-museum-of-ras-al-khaimah/