Ras al Khaimah's "Haunted" Al Qasimi Palace Finally Opens to the Public

Before visiting RAK's latest attraction, here is the spooky story behind the infamous palace on the hill

Long been a site that intrigued many in the UAE, the mysterious Al Qasimi Palace in Ras Al Khaimah has finally opened its doors to the public. The brave and the thrill-seekers can explore the abandoned home until April 2020 - at AED 75 per person.

Built in 1985, the empty palace has since been shrouded in speculation and secrets for decades.

Infamous as a local campfire tale among RAK residents and visitors, the rumour goes like this: the property was built for the family of the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, who one night fled the home after they said it was haunted. The family claimed they experienced an unexplained movement of furniture, heard strange noises, and saw ghostly faces appearing in windows and reflections, then disappearing in a blink.

Those who wish to explore the four-storey Al Qasimi Palace and seek the terrors that allegedly haunted the original owners must know taking photos and videos inside the property is prohibited, and those caught doing so will be slapped with an AED 200 fine.

Visitors will find 35 abandoned rooms with crystal chandeliers, lavish statues, artwork, murals, marble pathways, and lux furniture coated in dust.

The home has seen many "ghost chasers" in the past, though at the time not even the watchmen and his crew wanted to step beyond the entrance hall at night, much less venture deeper into the halls.

Regardless, Al Qasimi Palace is a magnificent piece of architecture, offering insight to the Middle East's mid-1980s vision of blending modernity with Arab luxury.

Tickets can be purchased on-site, with group access available at AED 50 per person. Residents and tourists can visit Al Qasimi Palace from 9 am to 7 pm (Sunday - Thursday).