Tucked along Ras Al Khaimah’s coast is Jazeera Al Hamra, the last surviving pearl-diving village of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). More than a collection of old coral-stone houses and quiet alleys, the site stands frozen in time, offering travelers a chance to experience the emirate’s past — and immortalize it on film.
This Jazeera Al Hamra photography guide will help you capture the village’s beauty while respecting its heritage. From weathered textures and golden light to stories whispered through abandoned walls, this place gives you the opportunity to tell the story of Ras Al Khaimah’s history through the lens.
A Snapshot of Al Jazeera Al Hamra History
Long before Ras Al Khaimah became known for its modern resorts and mountain adventures, Al Jazeera Al Hamra thrived as a bustling pearling and fishing community.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra, meaning “the red island,” was established in the late 16th century by the Za’ab tribe. Once a tidal island, it grew into a thriving pearling and fishing settlement and became home to around 500 houses and as many as 3,000 residents by the early 20th century.
The village was carefully built using local materials such as coral stone, fossilized beach rock, palm trunks, and mangrove beams. Its traditional layout included courtyards, mosques, souqs, and even watchtowers.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra played an important role in UAE history. In 1820, Sheikh Rajib bin Ahmed Al Zaabi, then-ruler of the settlement, was one of the four independent signatories of the treaty between the Trucial States and the British, following the battle at Dhayah Fort.
Life here revolved around pearl diving, fishing, boat building, and trade. But change came quickly when the pearling industry collapsed in the 1920s and oil began reshaping the Gulf economies in the 20th century.
Between 1968 and 1971, its inhabitants moved away, mainly to Abu Dhabi, leaving behind one of the Gulf’s only surviving pearling villages and a rare and remarkably preserved window into Ras Al Khaimah’s past.
Today, Jazeera Al Hamra is a protected heritage site open to visitors who wish to experience this rare glimpse into the emirate’s past. For travelers, it’s not just a stop on the map but a window into Al Jazeera Al Hamra’s history and the stories that shaped Ras Al Khaimah.
Exploring the Abandoned Village of Ras Al Khaimah
Walking through this abandoned village in Ras Al Khaimah is like entering a living museum. Coral stone houses, shaded courtyards, and narrow alleys showcase both modest fishermen’s dwellings and the more elaborate homes of pearl merchants, complete with plasterwork and wind towers.
The village is completely open-air and free to enter, so you can explore at your own pace. With no gates or guides, the place is truly authentic. However, this also means some walls and pathways are fragile, so tread carefully.
What makes Al Jazeera Al Hamra unforgettable is its atmosphere. Parts of the village have been restored while others are left weathered, creating a striking contrast. Pause to take in the light, textures, and silence that make this heritage site so photographable, and you’ll see why it has become one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most captivating stops.
Photography Tips: Capturing Jazeera Al Hamra Respectfully
Exploring Al Jazeera Al Hamra with a camera in hand is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to balance creativity with respect. These tips will help you capture the village’s timeless beauty while honoring its cultural significance.
1. Know the Best Times of Day for Light and Mood
For the most atmospheric shots, visit at sunrise or during golden hour in the late afternoon. The low sun brings out the warm tones of coral stone and creates long shadows across the alleys.
Midday light can be harsh, so plan your visit around the hours when the sunlight is softer.
2. Respect Local Rules and Customs
Al Jazeera Al Hamra is more than a photo spot. It’s a cultural treasure. Avoid moving objects or entering restricted spaces, and never climb on walls for a better angle.
If you’re photographing people, always ask permission first.
Drone use is regulated in the UAE, so check the rules before flying one here.
3. Keep It Authentic
The village’s beauty lies in its details. Focus on textures (e.g., weathered doors, plaster carvings, and shadows spilling into courtyards) rather than staged or overly edited shots. Capture the atmosphere as it is, and let the site’s history speak for itself.
4. Be Mindful of the Site’s Cultural and Historical Value
Remember that this is a heritage site, not a backdrop. Tread lightly on fragile ground, and avoid leaning on or touching delicate walls. Photograph with care to help preserve the village for future visitors and storytellers.
RAK Art 2026 and More Photo Opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah
RAK Art returns to Al Jazeera Al Hamra in 2026 with the theme “Civilizations,” turning the heritage village into a living canvas of installations, exhibitions and site-responsive work. This event is a dream for photographers who love putting art and history in the same frame.
The festival will commence on January 16, 2026, and will feature curated shows, photography categories and artist-led activations across the village and nearby arts zones.
Expect pop-up cafés, installations, and interactive pockets of activity that create spontaneous photo moments, the kind of urban-meets-heritage scenes social photographers chase. The festival’s open calls and artist support programs also indicate there will be professionally installed works (and likely press and artist photo sessions) during the run.
If you plan a photography trip around the festival, factor in time to wander the village and nearby Ras Al Khaimah art zone.
Besides Al Jazeera Al Hamra, you’ll also find other prime photo-op spots nearby, like:
- Jebel Jais (Jais Viewing Deck Park): Panoramic mountain vistas and dramatic ridgelines make for epic landscape shots and memorable sunset photos.
- Dhayah Fort: Elevated views over palm-dotted plains and the sea, plus atmospheric fort walls that photograph beautifully at golden hour.
- Bassata Desert Village: Wide open sandscapes and dune silhouettes at sunrise and sunset are perfect for minimalist and silhouette photography.
Through the Lens, Into the Past
Jazeera Al Hamra is more than just an abandoned village. It offers a glimpse into Ras Al Khaimah’s soul. From the quiet of empty courtyards to the excitement of RAK Art 2026, every photo here tells a story of history blending with the present.
Plan your visit around RAK Art 2026, when the heritage site transforms into a living gallery. You’ll capture not only history but also creativity in motion.
