Al Jazeera Al Hamra Ghost Village in Ras Al Khaimah
The UAE has a rich culture and background with plenty of hidden and unexplored gems. One such site is the Ghost Village RAK, which has piqued the interest of many explorers and paranormal aficionados. Join us as we explore the story of this once magnificent pearling town.
GHOST VILLAGE RAK – AN OVERVIEW
Dubbed the ghost town in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazeera Al Hamra, which translates into Red Island, was once a bustling pearling town. The village was founded in the 1600s and quickly became a naval prowess. By 1831, it had a population of 4,100 residents who owned 22 fishing ships, 20 pearling ships and 12 bateel trade ships.
Shortly before the formation of the UAE, the families on the island moved away for a better lifestyle. However, they retained ownership of their houses and other buildings. This is why the town wasn’t transformed in the post-oil era.
Today, the ghost town of Ras Al Khaimah offers a peek into how people lived hundreds of years ago. You can see the change in architecture. It is also one of the best places in the UAE to study the coral-stone architecture up close.
WHAT TO SEE AT THE VILLAGE?
There is plenty to see in Ghost Village RAK. Here’s a quick roundup of all the fascinating sites you can visit.
THE FORT
There are two forts in Ras Al Khaimah Ghost Village. Although little has survived of both the forts, the remains give you a glimpse into the magnificent past of this town.
One of the forts is rectangular-shaped, and the other one is round. The rectangular fort is easily accessible, and you can enjoy serene views of the town from up there.
THE WIND TOWER HOUSE
The Ghost Village RAK has several houses with wind towers. The compound with these houses lies closer to the former seashore. The houses are grouped around a courtyard where wealthy families once resided. A couple of years ago, this courtyard was used by Dubai Television for the production of historical dramas.
THE MOSQUE WITH A SPECIAL MINARET
Although the town has several mosques, one especially stands out due to its minaret, built in a unique conical form. The mosque lies close to the market area.
A PEARL MERCHANT’S RESIDENCE
Among the must-visit attractions at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Ghost Village is Ahmed al-Omran’s house, famously known as the pearl merchant house. Its architecture boasts the importance of the owner. High arches and hints of traditional Arabic aesthetics are seen throughout the house.
FAQS ABOUT RAS AL KHAIMAH GHOST VILLAGE
IS THE TOWN HAUNTED?
There have been many speculations about the alleged presence of jinns in the town among the locals, but no one knows. However, it is advisable to visit during the daylight.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE GHOST VILLAGE RAK?
Please note that it is a heritage site, and visitors cannot climb or venture into the buildings as many are unstable. It is also forbidden to remove anything from the protected site.
And with that, we end our guide to the Al Jazeera Al Hamra haunted village in RAK. We hope you have a fun time exploring this one-of-a-kind town.
Many abandoned places throughout the UAE are perfect for adventure buffs to explore. You can also treat your inner paranormal investigator at Al Qasimi Palace, whose inhabitants left due to certain mysterious occurrences.
Looking for more things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? You can visit the Dhayah Fort, the National Museum of Ras al Khaimah and the historical village of Shimal.
If cultural sites excite you, we recommend visiting the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre in Sharjah.
Featured Image Credit: Official website of Visit RAK.
