Ras Al Khaimah history

Ancient Roots and Legendary Julfar

The history of Ras Al Khaimah goes much deeper into the centuries than it might seem at first glance. The modern emirate is located on the site of the ancient city of Julfar, which was known as early as the early Middle Ages as a thriving trading port and one of the key centres of the Arabian Gulf.

Archaeological findings indicate that people inhabited this territory more than 5,000–7,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the region. The name "Ras Al Khaimah" itself (translated from Arabic as "top of the tent") was established later, in the 18th century. According to legend, it is linked to the tent of a local tribal leader set up on a headland, which served as a navigational landmark for passing ships.

Factors of Formation and Development

The unique geographical position played a decisive role in transforming the region into an important centre of civilisation. Unlike many of its desert neighbours, Ras Al Khaimah possesses fertile soils and access to fresh water thanks to its proximity to the Hajar Mountains.

• Strategic Location: Its location at the entrance to the Gulf allowed for the control of maritime trade routes between Mesopotamia, India, and East Africa.
• Maritime Power: An important stage in history was the rise of the Al Qasimi dynasty, whose powerful fleet secured the region's status as a significant maritime power.

Early Economy and Cultural Features

The economic foundation of ancient Ras Al Khaimah was diverse and built not only on transit trade but also on local production:

• Pearl Diving: Before the oil era, the pearl industry was the main source of wealth, and local divers were renowned for their skill and endurance.
• Julfar Pottery: The region was famous for its pottery production. Unique clay vessels were exported throughout the Islamic world for centuries.
• Agriculture: Thanks to a milder climate and rainfall in the mountains, date palms and vegetables were successfully grown here, supplying food to the arid coastal areas.

The history of this emirate spans thousands of years, from ancient trading ports to a modern tourism hub. Here are the main milestones in the development of Ras Al Khaimah:

• 5000–3800 BC — Ubaid Period: archaeological excavations confirm the presence of permanent settlements and a developed culture in this region over 7,000 years ago.
• 14th Century — The flourishing of the ancient city of Julfar (the historical name of the area), which became a key centre for the pearl and spice trade in the Arabian Gulf.
• 1421 — The estimated birth date in Julfar of the famous Arab navigator and cartographer Ahmed ibn Majid, known as the "Lion of the Sea".
• 18th Century — The strengthening of the Al Qasimi dynasty, which created a powerful naval fleet and controlled a significant part of the coast.
• 1820 — The signing of the General Maritime Treaty, which marked the beginning of special relations between the emirates of the Trucial States and Great Britain.
• 1948 — Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al Qasimi became the ruler of the emirate, beginning an era of long-term reforms and modernisation.
• February 10, 1972 — Ras Al Khaimah officially joined the federation, becoming the seventh and final emirate to enter the United Arab Emirates.
• 1976 — The grand opening of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, opening air gates for international travellers.
• 1980s — The beginning of active industrialisation of the region, including the creation of large cement and ceramic production enterprises.
• 2010 — His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi became the ruler of the emirate, continuing the course of economic diversification.
• 2018 — The world's longest zipline opened on the UAE's highest mountain, Jebel Jais, cementing the emirate's status as a centre for adventure tourism.
• 2020s — The emirate actively develops a sustainable tourism strategy, receiving international awards and recognition as a safe destination for relaxation.

The modern look of Ras Al Khaimah is the result of a systematic strategy aimed at economic diversification and the creation of a unique urban environment. The emirate has bet on industry and nature, which distinguishes its development path from its neighbours.

Here are the key milestones that defined the current status of the city and region:

• Industrial Breakthrough (RAK Ceramics)
  The founding of RAK Ceramics in 1989 became a turning point in the economy. This enterprise turned the emirate into one of the world's largest exporters of ceramics and sanitary ware, providing thousands of jobs and significant budget revenues independent of oil production.
• Pharmaceutical Leadership (Julphar)
  The establishment of Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) in 1980 made Ras Al Khaimah a pharmaceutical hub in the Middle East. This laid the foundation for the development of high-tech manufacturing and strengthened the region's status as a reliable exporter of medicines.
• Creation of Free Economic Zones (RAKEZ)
  The consolidation of specialised zones into the RAK Economic Zone became a powerful stimulus for foreign business. This decision attracted thousands of international companies, simplified logistics, and made the city an important hub for trade between East and West.
• Al Marjan Island Urban Project
  The construction of an artificial archipelago of four islands radically changed the city's coastline. This ambitious project not only expanded the emirate's territory by 4.5 kilometres into the Gulf but also created a new world-class resort zone with hotels and residential properties.
• Infrastructure Development of Jebel Jais
  The construction of a modern road to the summit of the UAE's highest mountain opened a new chapter in tourism. Transforming the wild mountainous terrain into an accessible adventure park with ziplines and viewing platforms allowed the emirate to occupy a unique niche in eco-tourism and active leisure.
• Revival of Cultural Heritage (Suwaidi Pearls)
  The launch of the region's first modern pearl farm (Suwaidi Pearls) became a symbol of respect for history. This project revived the ancient tradition of pearl diving, turning it into an important cultural and educational attraction and reminding visitors of the historical roots of the region's economy.

The architectural appearance of Ras Al Khaimah represents a unique fusion of centuries-old traditions and ambitious modern projects. Unlike the futuristic skyscrapers of Dubai, urban planning here fits harmoniously into the natural landscape, combining desert plains, mountains, and the coast with historical forts and new resorts.

Traditional Arab Architecture and Fortification

The historical core of the emirate was shaped by the need for protection and adaptation to the hot climate. Before the oil era, the main style was vernacular architecture using local materials.

• Materials and Technologies: Use of coral stone, seashells, gypsum, and palm trunks. Thick walls for thermal insulation and wind towers (barjeels) for natural ventilation are characteristic features.
• Landmarks:
  • Al Jazirah Al Hamra: A unique preserved "ghost town" demonstrating the structure of a traditional pearl diving settlement before modernisation. Here, one can see authentic coral stone houses and courtyard layouts.
  • Dhayah Fort: A striking example of 19th-century military architecture. The fortress atop a hill is made of mudbrick and stone, following the canons of regional defensive architecture.
  • National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: The former residence of the ruling family, combining elements of a fortress and a residential palace with a traditional inner courtyard.

Modernisation and Functionalism (1970s–1990s)

After the formation of the UAE and the start of economic growth, the city began to change rapidly. Traditional buildings were replaced by concrete modernism and functional architecture, characteristic of the rapidly growing cities of the Arabian Gulf at that time.

• Features: Construction of administrative buildings, schools, and hospitals using reinforced concrete. The appearance of wide highways and a bridge across the creek connecting old Ras Al Khaimah and the Al Nakheel area.
• Style: Laconic geometric forms, functionalism, and the beginning of high-rise construction (mid-rise).

Contemporary Resort Architecture and Postmodernism (21st Century)

In recent decades, the urban planning vector has shifted towards creating world-class recreational zones. Architecture has become a tool for attracting tourists, demonstrating elements of postmodernism and neo-Arabesque styles.

• Al Marjan Island: An artificial archipelago that has become a showcase for modern resort architecture. Massive hotel complexes dominate here, combining luxury with modern technologies.
  • Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah: A building inspired by Arabian palace architecture, featuring elements of Islamic decor, arches, and domes reimagined on a modern scale.
• Jebel Jais: An example of eco-friendly architecture, where structures (viewing decks, tourist centres) are minimalist and integrated into the rocky landscape so as not to disturb the natural harmony of the mountains.

Legendary Historical Figures

• Ahmed ibn Majid (15th Century)
  Navigator, Cartographer, and Geographer
  A native of the ancient city of Julfar (the historical name of Ras Al Khaimah), known by the nickname "Lion of the Sea". He is the most famous Arab navigator, whose works and maps revolutionised navigation in the Indian Ocean. Author of the famous "Book of Benefits", describing the principles of navigation.
• Sheikh Sultan I bin Saqr Al Qasimi (1781–1866)
  Ruler of the Al Qasimi Dynasty
  One of the most influential rulers in the region's history, who led the Al Qasimi maritime empire during its peak. He governed vast territories and a powerful fleet, playing a key role in the political confrontation and subsequent negotiations with the British Empire that defined the modern borders of the emirates.
• Al Majidi bin Daher (17th–18th Centuries)
  Poet and Philosopher
  An outstanding classic of Nabati (folk) poetry, whose work forms the foundation of the UAE's literary heritage. He lived in the territory of Ras Al Khaimah; his poems, filled with wisdom and descriptions of Bedouin life, are quoted by locals to this day.

Leaders of the Modern Era

• Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al Qasimi (1918–2010)
  Ruler of the Emirate (1948–2010)
  The founding father of the modern emirate and one of the longest-reigning monarchs in world history. It was he who made the decision for Ras Al Khaimah to join the UAE federation in 1972. He laid the foundations for the region's infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
• His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (born 1956)
  Current Ruler of the Emirate (since 2010)
  A visionary who transformed Ras Al Khaimah into an industrial and tourism hub. Under his leadership, RAK Ceramics (a world leader in ceramics production) was established, and ambitious projects were launched to develop free economic zones and resorts on Al Marjan Island.