RAK Old City |
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The oldest standing building in RAK City is the Al Hisn Fort. This fortified complex was partially built in the 19th century and extended up to the first half of the 20th century. It is an excellent example of a defence and residential structure and it can be seen from inside, as nowadays the fort hosts the RAK National Museum (more below).
OLD RESIDENTIAL AREA
In order to visit the oldest area in Ras Al Khaimah, you have to walk north-east from the RAK National Museum. This part of the city was for centuries the centre of life for the Ras Al Khaimah population. The wealthiest residents of the town, pearl merchants and sheiks, built their houses along the sea and the remains of these houses can still be seen today, although they are in desperate need for renovation. Those residential homes were built in the style typical of the UAE coastal towns. They were constructed from coral stone, mortar and some from mud brick. Their beautiful decorations, niches, courtyards, verandas and wind catchers can still be admired today. In the past, there were also many arish houses raised along the beach, but these have been gone for some years now. The elderly people still describe the narrow streets, beautiful buildings and charming atmosphere of the old RAK City. All these have changed significantly only after the wealth, brought by the exploitation of oil, reached the town in the 1970s. Many modern buildings were constructed at that time in this neighbourhood and some people moved out to other locations in Ras Al Khaimah. Since then, the area slowly lost its importance and prestige as the centre of the town.
Nowadays, many of the old houses hold a note: Reserved for Archaeology Authority, and indeed these building have a great historical value and, if renovated, they could serve as a major touristic and historical attraction. The district additionally requires thorough cleaning in order to make this part of the town appealing to visitors. Due to amount of litter accumulated over the years, at the time of writing a walk around this area is rather unpleasant. The Government of Ras Al Khaimah plans to preserve this area in the future, making it a unique site of the city. Since time has no mercy for these old constructions, hopefully conservation works will start soon.
OLD MOSQUE
As you continue to walk from the museum, at the end of the street you will come across one of the oldest mosques in the town. This old mosque is situated near the shore and it was constructed from stone and mortar. It was built around 200 years ago and reconstructed in the recent years. You may notice a lack of minarets, which is not surprising as tall tower like minarets have not tradition in this region and were introduced only in the 20th century.
RAK DOCUMENTATION AND STUDY CENTRE
The RAK Documentation and Study Centre, was opened near the mosque, in an old renovated house. Apart from being an example of the local architecture, the building has additional historical value. It is here that the present ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi was born in 1918. During the restoration works additional buildings were added to the house and an entry gate installed. However, its original doors and decorative features were kept. The centre hosts a library with many interesting scripts and the genealogical tree of the Qawasim family can be seen inside.
FISHING HARBOUR
As you leave the RAK Documentation and Study Centre turn to the right and shortly after you should reach the creek with its fishing harbour and fish market. It is a nice area with many boats anchored along the creek. If you go there in the morning, you will have a chance to observe fishermen during their work and also to buy fresh fish at the market. The atmosphere there is vibrant and exciting. Most of the fish are usually unknown to foreign visitors, but sellers will gladly share their knowledge, even if the names they mention are only in Arabic or Malayalam. The fishermen are usually Indians from Kerala, the boats and stands are all owned by the local Arabs, who scrupulously watch all that is happening at the harbour and market.
SHOPPING AREA – OLD SOUQ
From the fish market you can go back along RAK Main Road to the Pearl Roundabout. As you walk, you will see several interesting shops that sell antiques, a variety of traditional local products, spices, herbs, silver items, clothes and more. On the way you will pass one of the nicest mosques in Ras Al Khaimah and around 200m further you should see on the left side in the distance an old watch tower. It is one of the towers that survived from the past and stands as a testimony to the time when Ras Al Khaimah’s defences were strong and extensive. More towers of this type can be found around the whole Emirate.
An area west from the RAK National Museum is fully occupied by the Ras Al Khaimah Old Souq. Through the centuries Ras Al Khaimah was a major trade post and its souq was booming. It supplied commodities to parts of the desert hinterland and to dhows that were involved in the sea trading. Although, originally, the souq was located in other part of the district, closer to the fish market, it still has a unique traditional atmosphere appreciated by local and foreign visitors. It is here where gold, perfumes, fabrics, traditional Arab clothing and other products are sold. |
LOCATION: the headland north from the Pearl R/A, and the area towards the sea that runs parallel to RAK Main Road, between the Boat and Pearl R/As. GPS: Old mosque: N25o48’ 01.27” E55o56’ 54.20” Watch tower: N25o47’ 42.02” E55o56’ 57.97” NOTE: this district is commonly known as RAK City
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