Jazirat Al-Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 31 km from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Jazirat al-Hamra is an abandoned fishing village situated to the south of Ras Al Khaimah city of UAE. Popularly known as the Ghost Town of Ras Al Khaimah, it is one of the top places of heritage in the emirate of Al Ras Khaimah.

Jazirat al-Hamra is a small rustic fishing village exhibiting the lifestyle of the region before the discovery of oil. Abandoned and left to the work of nature, it is also one of the most well preserved and oldest coastal villages of UAE with roots dating back to the 16th century. It has remained almost unchanged since the inhabitants left in 1968. It's incredible to think that they've withstood the tests of time, through hundreds of years of blazing sun, biting sandstorms and tribal conflicts.

The town of Jazirat Al Hamra was originally a tidal island and, by 1830, was home to some 2000 people mostly occupied in pearl fishing. At the time, it was a dependency of Sharjah. In Arabic, the name Al Jazirat Al Hamra means 'red island' due to the sand upon which it was built. The town has also been called Jazirah Al Zaab, as it was predominantly settled by members of the Zaab. Inhabitants of the village made their living mainly through pearl diving and fishing. It is believed that a tribal dispute with the leader of Ras Al Khaimah forced the villagers to seek safety in their neighbors' land in 1968.

The key highlight of the village is the coral black houses built in the traditional way along with mosques, wind towers, shops, and schools, which are widely believed locally to be haunted. The buildings were built from coral stones, held together by mud and covered by a roof of woven date palms. The haunting landscape of deserted buildings is not only beautiful but filled with history and spooky stories.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free