The coastal town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, located to the south of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), is a living embodiment of the term “the land that time forgot,” as it has become a shadow of what was once a flourishing pearl fishing town.
Although it can hardly be found on any tourist maps Al Jazirah Al Hamra, commonly referred to as the Ghost Town of Ras Al Khaimah, has continued to pique the interest of curious visitors over the years.
The town is covered with a layer of red desert sand and it is perfectly reminiscent of RAK’s history. However, the rusty colored sand coating is not the only thing associated with the town; there have also been rumors of paranormal activity. It has even been the focus of a 2013 horror movie titled “Djinn” which was partly shot at the town.
Why Was Al Jazirah Al Hamra Abandoned?
The former tidal island was mainly home to about two hundred people belonging to the Zaab tribe, who had developed the area into a famous fishing and pearl trading center by 1830. The settlement gradually grew in its size, reaching almost two thousand people by the 20th century. But by 1968 everyone had abandoned their homes and the town was totally deserted.
Now, you may ask, what caused the occupants to suddenly abandon their homes? Well, there is still much controversy as to the cause. Some say the abandonment of the town was related to the tribal conflicts with the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Others say the occupants ditched their town due to the discovery of oil and the lure of the luxury in Abu Dhabi. Other reports claim that supernatural activities such as the sighting of ghosts and hauntings caused them to leave. However, no one truly knows the reasons.
However, one sure thing about a visit to this ghost town is that it provides an enticing experience and gives some insight into how life was here towards its end.
What does the future hold for Al Jazirah Al Hamra?
Now a forgotten patch of land in southern Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazirah Al Hamra remains deserted while old villages surrounding it have been repurposed and new cities have emerged. In that sense, this ghost town now is one of the last remaining villages before the discovery of oil.
Most of the land in the town is filled with rubble. One can tiptoe through them but at their own risk as there are no tour guides, no guards, no warning signs, and no fences; one can wander in and take in the history that this town has to offer without any reprimand.
However, the families of the former residents of this town still own their properties and are keen to protect the village and their heritage. Once a year, they return to the town to host reunion parties.
Efforts have even been made to bring the city back to life. Recently, the annual Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, a nonprofit initiative created to showcase art talents and exhibits, held an outdoor large scale visual arts and sculpture exhibition in the town. This created some renewed interest from all over the UAE. However, signs of reclamation and making a modern dwelling of it cannot be seen. Maybe this is due to the quest to preserve its ancient history.
How to get to Al Jazirah Al Hamra from Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Travelling to Al Jazirah Al Hamra is not that easy. In fact it is best to take a cab if you are staying in Ras Al Khaimah, or rent a car when you are travelling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Most taxi drivers in Ras Al Khaimah will know the way and will be happy to wait for you if you pay them a little extra. A visit will not take longer than 20 minutes.
Renting a car in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
Renting a car in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is pretty straight forward. You can use websites such as rentalcars.com to book a car which you can then pick up at the Airport or which will be delivered to your address or hotel.
Driving to Al Jazirah Al Hamra
Driving from Dubai to Al Jazirah Al Hamra will take about an hour while it will take about 2 hours when leaving from Abu Dhabi.
Follow the Sheikh Zayed Road (tolls) or the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (can be very busy) out of Dubai and into Sharjah. From here on you follow the signs for Ras Al Khaimah – pretty much straight ahead.
The little village lies close to the Al Hamra Golf course. If you use Google Maps (I would recommend doing this as there is hardly any signage) you can enter Al Jazirah Al Hamra Old Town as a destination.
If you have any questions about heading to Al Jazirah Al Hamra or want to know about my own experiences in this ghost town, you can always contact me!
Take an Al Jazirah Al Hamra Tour
You can visit Al Jazirah Al Hamra with a tour of Ras Al Khaimah. I can highly recommend taking these tours as Ras Al Khaimah is known for its beautiful mountains, forts and amazing preserved heritage.
I have found 2 tours you can take that include a visit to the ghost town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
Private Ras Al Khaimah Guided City Tour
This private tour of Ras al Khaimah will take you to the following Ras Al Khaimah cultural sites.
- Ras Al Khaimah National Museum (tour and tickets included)
- Dhayah Fort (tour and tickets included)
- Corniche Ras al Khaimah (tour by car + photo stop)
- Fish Market (visit + photo stop)
- Visit Mohamed Bin Salem Mosque and Heritage Village
- The Ghost Town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra (visit + tour)
Your tour guide will pick you up from your address or hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. The tour takes about 5 hours and costs $211.07 per group of up to 6. This means it will cost you about $35 per person for a group of 6.
Ras Al Khaimah Private City tour
Another tour you can take is this Ras Al Khaimah Private City tour which is best if you are looking for a full day tour that includes pick up from your hotel in Dubai.
In this tour you will
- Visit the Al Hisn Fort
- Visit and tour the Ras AL Khaimah National Museum
- Visit and tour Al Jazirah Al Hamra
- Visit Falayah Fort
- Have a local lunch
This is a full day tour that takes about 8 to 9 hours including lunch and pick up from your hotel in Dubai. It will cost $110 per person which is reasonable since transfers and lunch are included.
Hotels near Al Jazirah Al Hamra
There are quite a few nice hotels near Al Jazirah Al Hamra. Ras Al Khaimah has long been a favourite destination for people who love the luxury of the UAE but are looking for cheap accommodation and pristine – empty beaches. I have listed three great hotels near Al Jazirah Al Hamra you can book a stay at.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
The Ritz-Carlton in Ras Al Khaimah near Al Hamra Beach is one of the best hotels in the area. The hotel has a beautiful private white sandy beach with beach cabanas and rooms on the beach. This is the perfect place to book if you are looking for a place to have a bit of a chill on the beach.
Marjan Island Resort & Spa Managed By Accor
Marjan Island is a man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah with some great hotels. The island is known for its great beaches and blue sea waters. The Marjan Island Resort and Spa by Accor is the perfect hotel for you if you like water sports and are looking for a family friendly resort.
Wake up to the beach view – Airbnb near Al Jazirah Al Hamra
If you are looking for an Airbnb near Al Jazirah Al Hamra, this one is a great pick. The gorgeous terrace has a broad view over the ocean and the beach while inside you will find an oasis of rest in this modern 1 bedroom apartment. The apartment also has a fully equipped gym and a beautiful pool.
