Ras Al Khaima Fort (1736/1749) by Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al QasimiThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah Fort Establishment
Ras Al Khaimah Fort was established in the middle of the eighteenth century during the period of Persian presence between 1736 and 1749 AD. The rest of the fort has been added in the last hundred years.
Ras Al Khaima Fort (1736/1749) by Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al QasimiThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
The fort was previously used as a residence for the ruling family until 1964 AD, then it became the headquarters of the General Directorate of Police in Ras Al Khaimah, then a central prison until 1984 AD.
Ras Al Khaima Fort (1736/1749) by Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al QasimiThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
After that, Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, decided to transform the fort into a museum that houses the antiquities and heritage of Ras Al Khaimah. The museum was opened in 1987.
The Fort Details
The fort consists of 56 old rooms and a garden of stones and local plaster, in addition to palm trunks. It has two towers, north and south.
It is devoid of inscriptions and decorations because Ras al-Khaimah experienced a period of military conflict with the aggressors, so there was no opportunity for decoration, which is usually worked on in periods of rest to add beauty to the forts.
Ras Al Khaima Fort (1736/1749) by Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al QasimiThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
In front of the fort was a huge rolling tree around which the people gathered to exchange conversations or hold folk dances for religious and popular celebrations.
Ras Al Khaima Fort (1736/1749) by Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al QasimiThe National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates
The Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah restored the fort, and built a large majlis with a ceiling, open sides and long chairs in the folk style for guests and visitors.
