Ras Al Khaimah National Museum

The basics

Used as a fort, royal residence, and prison until its conversion to a museum in 1987, the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum is set out in a quadrangle of 2-story buildings. Visitors enter via the museum’s original antique wooden doors and explore at their own pace, viewing everything from Iron Age clay pots to early and late Islamic artifacts, including silverware and weaponry.

You can visit the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum independently or book a private city tour that covers the museum, and other Ras Al Khaimah highlights like its souks and corniche. Alternatively, book a full-day tour that covers the museum with nearby desert sights like Dhayah Fort, ancient tombs, and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Other options include city tours that match a museum visit with other desert activities and camping trips.

Things to know before you go

The Ras Al Khaimah National Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and newcomers to the emirate. Ramps between the floors make the museum accessible for people with wheelchairs and strollers. Plan to spend about an hour exploring the museum. On-site amenities include free parking and restrooms.

How to get there

The Ras Al Khaimah National Museum flanks the Al Hisn Road in Ras Al Khaimah Old Town, around a 5-minute drive from the Corniche Al Qawasim. Local and regional buses—including services from Dubai—stop at the corniche near the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, about a 30-minute walk or a short cab ride away.

When to get there

The museum is open 9am–7pm Friday through Sunday, 10–6pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, and closes on Mondays. It’s usually quiet, so there’s no particularly good or bad time to explore. That said, even though the interiors are fully air-conditioned, it’s best to come either early morning or late afternoon when the outdoor areas are cooler and more comfortable to explore.

Things not to miss at Ras Al Khaimah National Museum

Once you’ve inspected the intriguing exhibits—must-sees include a 4,000-year-old palm seed, a 12th-century gold coin, and ethnographic treasures like old fishing nets—take time to admire the museum building itself. Built from lightweight coral stone—ideal for keeping interiors cool—this one-time fort is picture-postcard stuff. It boasts a pretty wind tower and rooftop viewpoint with beautiful panoramas over the city, mountains, and sea.