National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

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. The large rectangular tower replicates the original fort that served as a single defence 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 original buildings were two-storeys that surrounded a central courtyard. A wind tower is also present in the courtyard; this was the cooling system for the fort; the open sides would catch the breeze and force it into the room below to keep it cool. If the weather was cooler, the tower and vents could be blocked with matting. During recent renovations, artisans used traditional mortar applications.

It’s well documented that an early fort in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah formed the principal residence for the ruling family. The fort is close to the Mohammed bin Salim Mosque in the older part of the city. Ancient documents and letters show that the fort was destroyed at least twice in its history. Firstly in 1621 by the Portuguese and then later in 1820 by the British. The ruling Quwasim family left the residence in 1964 to move to a more suitable palace less than a kilometre away in Mamoura. The fort was defended by one large tower and three smaller round towers. Over the years, it was developed into a fortified complex.

After the Quwasim left, the fort became the RAK police headquarters and prison. The government finally converted it into a museum in 1984-1987. More about the fort here.

The museum

The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah came into existing from the sinciere interest of the late H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, fruit, fruit of his deep awareness of the” profound and sweeping changes” in the newly born state. He initiated a museum project in the mid seventies with exploring the possibility of locations in Al Fulayah and the Fort. In 1984 as per his order it was decided to converted the RAK Fort into a museum. The rooms in the fort building was adjusted to the content design at the time include Natural History collection of shells and geology; Archaeological galleries that were set up by Beatrice de Cardi, Ethnography galleries by Walter Dostal; Traditional collection in the Silver-Weapon-Costume and the infamous 1820 British attack in the Quwasim Galleries. After more than 30 years and a few efforts of revitalizations, the museum initiated its ground floor restorations and renewal of exhibitions. As of November 2025, visitors can enjoyed the recently discovered Madbasa galleries, renewed and updated Archaeology galleries, Julfar galleries, Weaponry exhibition, semi temporary exhibits on Emirati traditions in the Ethnography galleries and forthcoming planned new exhibitions. Check out the museum updates here.

The galleries

The museum experience in the museum starts in the “Welcome Area” where you are welcomed by the words from H.H Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi to his late father’s residence. The space gives an overview of the emirate’s history, its people, the leadership that found the modern Ras Al Khaimah, an insight to the fort building’s history, glimpse of its pearling past and the Quwasim’s bright history in trade.

The galleries inside the National Museum consists of permanent displays of Madbasa galleries, Julfar galleries and Archaeology galleries. The Weaponry Exhibition and the The Ethnography galleries are semi temporary exhibitions spaces that will be updated yearly or biannually. Prepare your visit by downloading the brochure here.

The museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday from 8am – 6pm.

Mondays and First Day of Eid, closed.

Hours maybe differ during national holidays date and Ramadan.