3 Best Museums in Ras Al Khaimah (2026)

The best museums and heritage sites in Ras Al Khaimah in 2026 are the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah in the old town, Dhayah Fort, the UAE's only remaining hill fort, and the Al Jazeera Al Hamra heritage village, the last pearling village in the UAE.

Ras Al Khaimah has deep history that is easy to miss on a beach trip. The Department of Antiquities and Museums looks after the National Museum, Dhayah Fort and Al Jazeera Al Hamra, and two of them are on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List. Opening hours change, so check before you go.

1. National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah — Old town

A museum in the former fort of the ruling Quwasim family.

$ Budget

The Department of Antiquities and Museums says the museum is housed in an early fort close to the Mohammed bin Salim Mosque in the old part of the city, once the principal residence of the ruling family. Its page lists hours from 8am to 6pm most days, 2pm to 8pm on Fridays, and closed Mondays.

It suits visitors who want an overview of local history.

Good to know: Check the hours, as Friday opens only in the afternoon and Monday is closed.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, old town, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Google Maps Website

2. Dhayah Fort — Northern Ras Al Khaimah

The only hill fort remaining in the UAE, with mountain and sea views.

$ Budget

The Department of Antiquities and Museums describes Dhayah Fort as a twin-peaked golden mud-brick fortress built in the 19th century and restored in the late 1990s, set among date palms. It says the site dates back to the Late Bronze Age and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

It suits active visitors who don't mind a climb for the views.

Good to know: Go in the morning or at sunset, because the climb is exposed.

Dhayah Fort, Dhayah, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Google Maps Website

3. Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village — Al Jazeera Al Hamra

The last remaining heritage pearling village in the UAE.

$ Budget

Its website calls Al Jazeera Al Hamra the last remaining heritage pearling village in the UAE and offers tours. The Department of Antiquities and Museums says the village is on UNESCO's World Heritage Cultural Tentative List.

It suits visitors who want to see how a Gulf pearling village looked.

Good to know: Book a tour through the village's website.

Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

When is the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah open?

Its page lists Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday from 8am to 6pm, Friday from 2pm to 8pm, and closed on Mondays.

What is special about Dhayah Fort?

It is the only hill fort remaining in the UAE and is on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, per the Department of Antiquities and Museums.

What is Al Jazeera Al Hamra?

The last remaining heritage pearling village in the UAE, according to its own website.

Are these places free?

Entry rules change, so check each site for current tickets.

1. National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah — Old town

2. Dhayah Fort — Northern Ras Al Khaimah

3. Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village — Al Jazeera Al Hamra

Frequently asked questions

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