RAK marks 30th year of its national museum

The Department of Archaeology and Museums in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah has celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the emirate's National Museum, which was inaugurated by the late Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi on 19th November 1987.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, RAK DED, Ahmed Obaid Al Tanaiji, Director-General of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Mohammad Al Kait, Advisor at the Emiri Court, Haitham Mattar, CEO of the Tourism Development Authority, and a number senior local officials and owners of private galleries, curators and archaeologists attended the event.

The event featured an array of programmes and activities narrating the story of the old fort which evolved from a seat of the ruling family and residence of the ruler into a national museum. The audience also heard a lecture about the history of the emirate.

The museum's galleries contain a rich variety of archaeological finds, and historical and ethnographical objects, factual information and aspects of the cultural heritage of the emirate.

The artefacts and collections were partly donated by members of the ruling Al Qasimi family and residents of Ras al-Khaimah.

Archaeological excavations, surveys and various scientific research projects have provided further material and significant information about the culture and the traditions of the area.