The Fort
Like many other traditional houses in Ras Al Khaimah, the fort was constructed from coral blocks and stones. The material was lightweight and provided excellent insulation properties, keeping the buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Artisans used traditional mortar applications in recent renovations.
The museum’s large rectangular tower replicates the original, which served as a single defense tower and stood on the city wall’s perimeter. The foundations are dated between 1809 and 1819. All other building work took place after the signing of the peace treaty with the British in 1820.
The fort is close to the Mohammed bin Salim Mosque in the older part of the city. It was defended by one large tower and three smaller round towers. Over the years, it was developed into a fortified complex.
The original fort’s two-story buildings surrounded a central courtyard. A wind tower also stood in that courtyard. It served as the fort’s cooling system; the open sides would catch the breeze and draw it into the room below to keep it cool. In cooler weather, the tower and vents would be blocked with matting.
It’s well-documented that the fort, which now serves as a Ras Al Khaimah history museum, also became the principal residence of the ruling Al Quwasim (Al Qasimi) family. Ancient documents and letters show that the fort was destroyed at least twice in its history: first in 1621 by the Portuguese and then in 1820 by the British.
The ruling family left the residence in 1964 to move to a more suitable palace less than a kilometer away in Mamoura. After the Quwasim left, the fort became the RAK police headquarters and prison. The government finally converted it into a museum between 1984 and 1987.
Discover more about the fort.
The Ras Al Khaimah History Museum
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah came to be because of the sincere interest of the late H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, arising from his deep awareness of the “profound and sweeping changes” in the newly born state.
He initiated the museum project in the mid-seventies, weighing various location options in Al Fulayah and the Fort. In 1984, he decided on the Ras Al Khaimah Fort and, thus, began the work of converting the fort into a museum.
The rooms in the fort building were adjusted to the content design, which included the following museum galleries and exhibitions:
- A Natural History collection of shells and geology
- Archaeological galleries, set up by Beatrice de Cardi
- Ethnography galleries, by Walter Dostal
- Quwasim galleries, featuring a traditional Silver-Weapon-Costume collection and the infamous 1820 British attack
After more than 30 years and multiple revitalization works, the museum initiated the restoration of the ground floor and the renewal of the exhibitions. In November 2025, the museum opened a new exhibit, the Madbasa galleries, and welcomed visitors to the renewed and updated Archeology galleries, the Julfar galleries, and the Weaponry exhibition.
The museum now has semi-permanent exhibits on Emirati traditions in the Ethnography galleries and plans to expand its content with new exhibitions.
Follow the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah on Instagram for museum updates.
Museum Galleries and Exhibitions
The museum experience starts at the “Welcome Area,” where you are greeted by the words of H.H Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi welcoming you to his late father’s residence. The space provides an overview of the emirate’s history, its people, the leadership that founded the modern Ras Al Khaimah, an insight into the history of the fort, a glimpse into Ras Al Khaimah’s pearling past, and the Quwasim’s bright history in trade.
The galleries inside the National Museum include permanent displays, such as the Madbasa, Julfar, and Archeology galleries. The Weaponry Exhibition and the Ethnography galleries are semi-permanent exhibition spaces updated annually or twice a year.
Prepare for your visit by getting the visitor brochure and floor plan.
Download the brochure.
View the floor plan.
Visitor Information
Museum opening hours:
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday*
* Entry is allowed until 5:30 p.m.
The museum is closed on Mondays and the first day of Eid.
Museum opening hours may change without notice during UAE national holidays and Ramadan.
Museum ticket information:
You can get the ticket at the museum entrance. Prices are as follows:
AED 5 for adults
AED 2 for children
Address:
Al Hisn Road, Old Town, Ras Al Khaimah
For inquiries, call +971 233 9900
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah located?
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is located on Al Hisn Road in the Old Town district. It’s inside a historic fort, which ancient records indicate was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1621, rebuilt in the 19th century, but was destroyed again (by the British this time) in 1820.
What can you see at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah?
At the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, you can view a collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts, exhibits of traditional weaponry, ceramics from early trade routes, and even a Hebrew-inscribed gravestone, proof of ancient Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural diversity. You can explore exhibits on heritage and culture in Ras Al Khaimah, such as pearl diving and date agriculture.
What are the opening hours of the National Museum?
The opening hours of the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is allowed until 5:30 p.m. The museum is closed every Monday and the first day of Eid.
Do you need tickets to visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, you need tickets to visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, but you don’t need to buy them in advance. Just visit the museum and buy your tickets at the entrance. The ticket costs AED 5 for adults and AED 2 for children.
Is the National Museum suitable for families and school visits?
Yes, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is suitable for families and school visits. It has thoughtfully curated galleries, including an interactive ethnographic exhibit, that will take you through the history, story, heritage, and culture of Ras Al Khaimah and does so in a way that educates but does not overwhelm.
