It is well known from historical sources an ‘Early Fort’ existed inside Ras Al Khaimah Old Town in close proximity to the Mohammed bin Salim Mosque. The ancient documents and letters inform us that it was at least destroyed twice, in 1621 by the Portuguese and in 1820 by the British. Serving as a residence for the ruling family it was eventually given up around 1920 for a bigger one, just 700m to the south. This ‘Later Fort’ had originally been built between the British attacks of 1809 and 1819 outside the town-wall and Ras Al Khaimah Old Town. Drawn on the ancient British maps as a squarish defense structure strengthened with three round towers and a single big tower, it was eventually developed into a larger fortified complex. It served as the residence of the ruling Quwasim family until 1964, when the late Ruler, H.H. Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed al-Qasimi, moved to a modern building in Mamoura. Later it became a police head quarters and a prison, before it was finally converted into the National Museum in 1987. Reflecting an eventful history it has been continuously enlarged over time, displaying a rich diversity of traditional architecture. Today the ‘Late Fort ‘ exhibits historical, ethnographical and archaeological material relating to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and provides an interesting insight into the history and traditions of this area.
