RAK Museums |
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RAK NATIONAL MUSEUM
LOCATION: RAK City, drive over the bridge until you reach the Pearl R/A. Go straight and shortly after, around 200m, you should see the old fort on your right side. GPS: N25o47’ 39.81” E55o56’ 42.93” PHONE: 07 2333411 OPEN: Sept-May 10am-5pm, Jun-Aug 8am-noon, 4pm-7pm; Tue and Fri closed Ramadan 9am-1pm FEES: 3dhs adult, 5 dhs for photo camera NOTE: currently, restoration is taking place; therefore some expositions are not available to visitors.
The RAK National Museum is situated in the old fort called Al Hisn Fort. The fort was used as the residential quarters of the Qawasim sheikhs since the times of H.H. Sheikh Salim bin Sultan Al Qawasim; the grandfather of the present ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The site of the fort had served as a camp during the military occupation of the area by Nadir Shah, a Persian ruler in 1736-1749. Its foundations date back to these times. Later, the fort was part of the huge defence system of the town and was linked with other fortifications by a high wall, which can be seen on old paintings of the British attack on Ras Al Khaimah in 1809. During the next British strike in 1819, the fort, together with other fortifications, was destroyed. Different parts of the structure were rebuilt after that attack and subsequently other dwellings were added later on. The oldest standing structure in the fort is the south west tower, which was re-constructed shortly after 1819, although its lower parts are from around 1800. Subsequently, this single defence tower was enlarged into the fort complex; other buildings that are part of the fort are mostly about 100 years old. In front of the museum you can take a glimpse at several canons situated near the entrance and they remind of Ras Al Khaimah’s turbulent past.
The building is a superb example of the traditional Arabic architecture. It was built mostly from coral, wadi stone and mortar, the most common building materials of the past. The fort has an interesting history as many modifications were made over the years to suit the changing interests of its inhabitants. It was originally constructed as a defence structure, while in the later years its main purpose was changed to residential. This is clearly reflected in variety of buildings that compose the fort’s compound.
The most important room as you enter the museum is situated on the right side of the entrance hall. Although now it is closed, in the past it was the official majlis or reception room of the sheiks and the headquarters for the government. From the entrance hall, a narrow, winding corridor leads to the residential area of the fort. You will enter the courtyard that issurrounded by two-story dwellings, which served as private suites of the sheiks and their families. On the east side of the compound, there is a wind tower, which was constructed in the 20th century to provide air conditioning during the hottest months of the year.
Additionally, you will see two defence towers, located diagonally from each other. One is the already mentioned 19th century tower and another was built in the beginning of the 20th century. These security towers with crenellations (a distinctive security feature used for firing arrows and guns) that top the outer walls are remnants of the fort’s initial defensive purpose.
Mangrove beams and palm mats still create traditional ceilings in most of the rooms. Wooden window screens decorate the residential dwellings upstairs, although in the past they had also a practical function; they allowed breeze to cool the house. Beautifully carved doors that were preserved from old houses in Rams and Al Maarid, adorn the entrances to all display rooms.
Until the 1960s, the fort was the residence of H.H. Sheik Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, after which it became the headquarters of police and subsequently a prison. Since 1987, the fort has housed the RAK National Museum and has several permanent exhibitions that are divided into sections of archaeology, ethnography and natural history. The archaeology section has a number of rooms showing photos of excavations, artefacts and objects discovered in Ras Al Khaimah. The ethnography room presents items related to pearling and fishing. In the natural history room, a collection of local sea shells and fossils is displayed.
At the time of writing, the museum is being renovated and therefore not all of the rooms are open to visitors. Once the conservation works are finished the upper floor will be additionally opened for visitors, displaying various artefacts connected with the ruling family. Present exhibition rooms will also be changed and updated in the near future. They will continue to feature archaeological discoveries in Ras Al Khaimah and showcase the culture and heritage of the local people. A souvenir shop will be added to the present museum and will offer original commodities and souvenirs from the area.
MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE NAVIGATOR AHMED BIN MAJID
LOCATION: Al Maarid district. From the Bin Majid R/A follow the road signs to the Hilton Resort and Spa. Almost immediately after the roundabout you should see several boats and the museum located on the left side of the road. GPS: N25o48’ 20.03” E55o57’ 31.97” PHONE: 07 2333411 OPEN: there are no specific opening hours, but this museum is most likely to be open between 4 and 6pm. FEES: Free of charge
The museum presents maritime traditions and displays many items connected with the rich naval past of Ras Al Khaimah. Models of traditional rowing boats, equipment of a pearl diver, together with other objects connected to sea life can be seen inside. Additionally, there is also collection of photographs and pictures made of shells. The museum is named after Ahmed bin Majid, a 15th century Arab navigator born in the town of Julfar. He was a famous seafarer recognized for his sailing and navigational skills, which earned him the name “Lion of the Sea”. Bin Majid was the author of several works of poetry and prose. His most important work is “The Book of Profitable Things Concerning the First Principle and Rules of Navigation,” and includes general and detailed information on navigation, sailing principles, weather, marine science, geographical locations and more. It is often said that Ahmed bin Majid was a navigator of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama on his journeys to India. In fact, by the time that this voyage took place Bin Majid was an old man or he might have even passed away. Nevertheless, it is more likely that the real Vasco da Gama’s navigators used the books written by bin Majid when crossing the Indian Ocean.
RAK PEARL MUSEUM
LOCATION: Corniche Rd, next to Akoya – Japanese Restaurant PHONE: 07 2238003 OPEN: 10am-6pm WEB: www.rakpearls.com FEES: 100dhs adults, 75dhs chldren This museum is open by the RAK Pearl Holding L.L.C that is also an owner of RAK Pearl Farm situated in Rams, and Akoya Japanese Restaurant situated next door. Its aim is to present the old pearling industry that until 1930s was one of the main source of income for the local population. A visitor can admire numerous pearls on display and learn how to distinguish natural and cultured pearls.
BIN DARWISH HERITAGE VILLAGE
LOCATION: Al Dhait district; museum is set up in a private residence. You should contact Major Darwish to set up a viewing time; he will also give you detailed instructions on how to get to his house, or meet you in front of the KFC building and lead you back to his house. PHONE: 050 6474466 OPEN: by appointment only. WEB: www.al3resh.net FEES: Free of charge
Bin Darwish Heritage Village is a mini museum that is set up in the private residence of Major Ali Abdul Rahman Darwish. Major Darwish has organized this museum to present the way of life from before the development times that started around the 1970s. Over the years, he has collected countless diverse artefacts that represent local culture, traditions and habits. Amongst his collection you will find household goods, baskets, mats (all made from date palm leafs), pots, water tanks, guns, daggers and more. He also has an extensive collection of artefacts from here the neighbouring countries. The most interesting object on display is a 300 year old Qur’an. Mr Ali, additionally, built models of the traditional palm fronds house called arish, and the typical mountain stone house. This heritage village has a small dhow and a sha-sha boatthat represents the rich marine past of Ras Al Khaimah.
RAK ARTS SOCIETIES/HERITAGE VILLAGES
These local societies aim to preserve local traditions and customs. By teaching young people folk dances and how to play traditional musical instruments, they not only keep traditions alive but also unite older and younger generations. Moreover, these societies are often the source of information on local customs, history, arts and culture. Usually, they also display replicas of old houses, objects and items used in the past, old photographs and dhows. Do not hesitate to visit these societies. The reception is always warm and the people there will be delighted to show you around and explain their traditions Please note that many folk societies will perform at events for remuneration.
Al Haboos Arts & Folk Society Location: near the Gulf Cinema, behind the old Etisalat building Phone: 07 2222728 ______________________________________ Al Jazeera Al Hamra Association of Folkloric Arts and Rowing Location: Al Jazirat Al Hamra, on the road leading to the old town Phone: 07 2446638, 07 2442823 ______________________________________ Al Mataf Society for Heritage & Marine Folklore Location: Al Mataf, near Musalah Eid Praying Ground Phone: 07 2236635 ______________________________________ Al Nakheel Society for Arts & Popular Heritage Location: Al Nakheel, Al Soor St Phone: 07 2222556 ______________________________________ Al Shahooh Society for Culture and Heritage Location: Mataf Rd Phone: 07 2236666 ______________________________________ People Heritage Revival Association Location: Shimal, crossroad of Julfar St and Shamal Rd Phone: 07 2238233 _______________________________________ RAK Folk Art Society Location: Corniche Rd Phone: 07 2331013 _______________________________________ Rams Folk Artists and Rowing Society Location: Rams, near the sea Phone: 07 2663385 _______________________________________ Shamal Folk Arts & Theatre Society Location: Shimal, Julfar St Phone: 07 2238233 _______________________________________ Zayed Heritage Village Location: Ghalilah, by the main road Phone: 07 2666118 |
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