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The 16th century Islamic palace (or rather its remains) is the only construction of this type and from that specific period preserved in the UAE. It is situated on a hill above the village of Shimal, which has a panoramic view of the area and must have served as an excellent point of defence. Most likely, it was the summer residence of the ruler of Julfar, although some historians argue that the palace may well have been built by the Portuguese when they assumed power over this area in the 16th century. It probably overlies an earlier stronghold as some pre-Islamic pottery was found nearby. Additionally, the place was also functional in the Early Islamic period, but not much of the material is preserved from that time. After the 16th century, the palace was no longer used, but the site continued to serve as refuge from raiders, in Arabic a sur, for the local people.
Almost everything about this palace is shrouded in mystery. Even its name is debatable. This place is called Sheeba’s Palace and sometimes Zenobia’s Palace (the Qasr Al Zabba), and local legends report that both ladies stayed in the palace while visiting the area. They were powerful queens and rulers, Sheeba of Marib in Yemen (around 1000BC) and Zenobia of Palmyra in Syria (the 3rd century AD). In truth, neither of them could have lodged in the palace as the foundations of this fortress were built in medieval times, hundreds of years after the deaths of Sheeba and Zenobia. Such was the fame of the two women that their names were linked to the stronghold built long after their times. Since there is a queen name associated with this place, another possibility is that the building may have been the residence of a female ruler. The term Zabba in Arabic refers to a strong woman, so perhaps there was a local woman who ruled in this area either in the Julfar period or during the Portuguese reign.
Originally, the palace was rectangular in shape and had round towers in each corner. Its rooms occupied two levels and were separated by the narrow corridors. The whole palace was made of limestone, and then all the walls and floors were plastered. A covered room, the best preserved element of the structure, was most likely used as a storage. The complex also includes a system of cisterns, a large well and the remains of simple house constructions, all surrounded by the ruins of a double wall.
To make the site more accessible, a modern stairway (visible from the road) has been constructed, following the original way up, but to reach the top visitors must climb over the rocks.. The remains of the building, although a fine example of the local architecture, are not very impressive and the word ‘palace’ can be slightly misleading in this case. Nevertheless, the site is interesting and the views from up the hill are rather amazing. Apart from the mountains, small palm gardens and the village, you can also see the city of Ras Al Khaimah in the distance.
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LOCATION: Shimal district.
Since the Sheeba’s Place is located on the same street as the ancient tombs of Shimal, the directions given here start at the turn to the Wadi Suq tombs (see Prehistoric Shimal ). Continue to drive along the Archaeological Rd towards the nearby village of Shimal.
After about 900m the road takes a sharp bend to the right. However, you should not follow the road anymore but drive straight towards a mountain onto a gravel area. You will see a number of stone houses, remains of a fence and stairs that start just at the foot of the mountain. Here, you can leave your car and climb up the stairs leading to the palace.
GPS: N25o49’ 07.40” E56o02’ 01.80”, RAKpedia Map 6: Sightseeing - Shimal and more.
PERIOD:13th-16th Century AD
NOTE: the hike is short but can be tiresome, especially in summer months, so carry water with you.
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