RAJEEV CHERIAN (RAS AL KHAIMAH)
With its old-world charm and lantern-lit corridors, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah takes visitors on an immersive journey through the chapters of the emirate's history.
The museum is housed in the Fort of Ras Al Khaimah, which served as the residence of its late Ruler, Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, between 1948 and 1964.
After being used as a defence structure for almost a century, the fort was converted into a residence around 1925, when the ruling family moved into the fort.
In 1987, RAK's National Museum was officially opened to the public, narrating the story of the region's rich past, which dates back more than 7,000 years.
The story of the Qawasim, the ruling family of the emirate, and the role of RAK as an important node in international trade networks is showcased here.
History through the ages
A detailed presentation highlights the emirate's diverse landscapes in one place – from its coast and fertile plains to its deserts and mountains.
Ras Al Khaimah's mountainous areas are often referred as the "roof" of the UAE, with Jebel Jais reaching the highest altitude in the country at 1,934 metres. The way of life of tribal societies, whose livelihoods depended on agriculture, fishing, pearling and trade, is also explored.
The museum sheds light on early humans of the region with Stone Age tools on display.
Life in the Bronze Age is represented through insights and artefacts from the Hafit Period (3200-2600BC), the Umm an-Nar culture (2600-2000 BC), the Wadi Suq period (2000-1600 BC) and the Late Bronze Age (1600-1250 BC), extending into Islamic periods and modern times.
These cultures are named after key archaeological locations: the Hafit Period from Jebel Hafit in Al Ain, Umm an-Nar, from an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi where artefacts from this era were first discovered, and Wadi Suq from the eponymous valley located between Al Ain and the Oman coast.
The museum pays tribute to Beatrice De Cardi, noted British archaeologist, pioneer, founder and patroness of archaeological research in RAK.
Heritage sites
Her work rediscovered the historical coastal town of Julfar, an important Indian Ocean trading hub. She also discovered the largest burial site with megalithic tombs in Southeast Arabia, located in Shimal.
Today, both Julfar and Shimal are inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites Tentative List. Julfar is mentioned in Arabic and Portuguese historical texts from the 7th to the 19th centuries.
Julfar's prominence in the pearl trade helped establish extensive trade relations across the Gulf, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and East Africa.
Its success is reflected in the abundant finds of fine Chinese and Southeastern Asian wares, according to information displayed at the site.
Painted pottery from Julfar was widely traded around the Gulf region for 500 years, according to the museum. Various types of pottery, including Julfar ware, are on display at the museum.
Apart from archaeology, the museum features a weapons exhibition and heritage-themed displays, offering a comprehensive insight into the way of life of the emirate.
When the tour reaches the watch tower, visitors can enjoy a grand view of the city. Once guarded by soldiers, the vantage point now stands as a silent witness to the emirate's progress and the guardian of its rich past.