MARIAM BOUKHATEM (RAS AL KHAIMAH)

Echoing diverse narratives, the ancient ruins on a ridge above the village of Shamal in northern Ras Al Khaimah bear various names, Zenobia’s Palace, Qasr Al Zabaa or Queen of Sheba’s Palace, each reflecting different layers of history.

Also known as Hukm Al Zabaa Palace to the people of the Shamal region of Ras Al Khaimah, the landmark has attracted many visitors during the UAE’s World’s Coolest Winter campaign.

The term “Queen of Sheba’s Palace” is associated with the famous queen said to have ruled the Kingdom of Marib in Yemen around 1000 BC. However, her name’s association to the site is based on local legend and it has no historical or archaeological background, according to the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah.

The department explained that the palace, used as a fortress, is one of the well-known palaces in the country, featuring three reservoirs. The first reservoir, a covered one, has been restored by a team of German specialists. It was used to collect rainwater.

The historical area of the palace consists of remnants of rooms connected to the defensive wall along the edge of the plateau.

The palace was built in a rectangular shape, 15x35 metres, with circular towers reinforcing its corners.

The main entrance is located in the centre of the southern wall. The internal design consists of two rows of rooms along the length of the building, separated by a corridor.

The palace was constructed using mud. The southwest corner of the palace is the best-preserved area, created as a reservoir and covered with an impressively arched roof still standing to this day.

According to specialists in the Department of Antiquities and Museums in the Emirate, after the 16th century, the complex was no longer used as a palace but served as a refuge for the residents of the palm orchards in the Shamal area during times of danger.

For this reason, the upper part of the hill was completely enclosed with a stone wall to ensure the safety of individuals and their animals during times of danger, attacks, and raids coming from the desert. The site is characterised by cool weather and a mild climate, with temperatures reaching 11 degrees Celsius in winter and 28 degrees Celsius in summer.

Mohammed Al-Shamili, a citizen based in the Shamal region, stated that Queen of Sheba’s Palace is a major historical landmark with many stories and tales passed down by ancestors for hundreds of years.

The Queen is mentioned in the Holy Quran, he said.

He pointed out that the location stands out from others as it is situated on a high mountain plateau, making it a prominent landmark.

The natural geography and the Middle Ages-inspired staircase guide visitors to reach the summit.

Hassan Al-Khanbouli, another citizen, emphasised that the Shamal area, home to landmarks, tombs, and monuments dating back over 5,000 years, is a preferred destination for tourists and archaeologists alike.

He noted that the historical ruins offer vital information about the Middle Ages.

Although a significant portion of the monument has disappeared, the remains provide visitors with some information about the Middle Ages, he noted.

It is believed that the palace dates back to the Julfar period (13th-16th century AD). Some say it was probably the residence of the ruler of Julfar, a prosperous trading town in the whole lower Gulf, he added.