Shimal Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most important archaeological sites in the UAE, located about 8 km northeast of Ras Al Khaimah city at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. It is home to Bronze Age tombs from the Umm an Nar period (around 2600 to 2000 BCE), more than 100 Wadi Suq era graves, and the hilltop ruins known as Queen of Sheba’s Palace, a medieval residence linked to the old trading town of Julfar. Shimal is free to visit with no ticket needed. The Department of Antiquities and Museums, which manages the site, advises visitors to arrange access with its team, so it is worth checking before you go.
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Table of Contents
Shimal at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shimal village, about 8 km northeast of Ras Al Khaimah city |
| Drive time | Around 15 to 20 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah city, and roughly 90 minutes from Dubai depending on traffic |
| Main highlights | Umm an Nar tombs, Wadi Suq graves, Queen of Sheba’s Palace |
| Historical periods | Bronze Age (from about 2600 BCE) and the Julfar period (13th to 16th century) |
| Managed by | Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras Al Khaimah |
| Entry and access | Free, no ticket needed. Access is arranged through the Department of Antiquities and Museums team |
| Best time to visit | October to April, early in the morning |
Why Shimal Ras Al Khaimah Matters
Shimal Ras Al Khaimah tells more than 4,000 years of human history in one valley. Archaeologists have found at least 250 graves here, and some tombs held hundreds of burials because families reused them over many generations. Finds from the site include pottery, beads, soft stone vessels, and bronze and copper weapons, which show that Shimal was part of wider trade networks across the Gulf.
The site is also closely connected to Julfar, the famous medieval port that once made Ras Al Khaimah a busy trading centre. This makes Shimal a rewarding stop for history lovers, families with older children, photographers, and anyone who wants to see a side of the UAE that goes far beyond malls and skylines.
The Shimal Tombs: Umm an Nar and Wadi Suq
The tombs are the oldest part of Shimal Ras Al Khaimah and the main reason archaeologists know Shimal so well.
Umm an Nar tombs (about 2600 to 2000 BCE): These are large circular stone tombs used for group burials. One of them, known as Unar 2, measures about 14.5 metres across and is recorded as the largest Umm an Nar tomb found so far. Another, Unar 1, held around 300 burials.
Wadi Suq graves (about 2000 to 1600 BCE): More than 100 megalithic graves stretch across the area. They were built from large stones and are often long and narrow, showing how burial customs changed over time.
When you stand among these stones, with the Hajar Mountains behind you and the date palms below, it is easy to understand why Shimal is often described as one of the richest archaeological landscapes in the country.
Queen of Sheba’s Palace in Shimal Ras Al Khaimah
On a ridge above Shimal village stands Queen of Sheba’s Palace, also called Sheba’s Palace or Husn Shimal. Despite its name, the palace has no historical link to the Queen of Sheba. The name comes from local folklore.
The palace dates to the Julfar period, between the 13th and 16th centuries, and is believed to have been the home of the ruler of Julfar. Key features include:
- A rectangular residence measuring about 15 by 35 metres with round towers at the corners
- Two rows of rooms separated by a central corridor
- Plastered floors and walls
- Rainwater reservoirs, including an arched cistern in the southwest corner that was restored with help from German specialists
After the 16th century, the building was used as a refuge for local people during times of danger. Today, a modern staircase follows the original medieval path to the top, and the summit offers wide views over the Shimal date palm oasis, the plains and the coast.
How to Visit Shimal Ras Al Khaimah
Planning ahead makes your visit smooth and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps, or contact White Sky Travel and Tourism and we will plan the whole trip for you.
- Contact White Sky Travel and Tourism. The easiest way to visit Shimal is to let us plan it for you. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and our team will arrange your transport, hotel stay and Ras Al Khaimah itinerary, and guide you on checking access to the site before you go. You can pay in installments with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards for up to 12 months.
- Check access first. Shimal is free to visit, but the Department of Antiquities and Museums advises arranging access to the archaeological site and Sheba’s Palace with its team, so confirm before you travel.
- Pick a cool month. October to April offers the most comfortable weather for walking and climbing.
- Go early. Morning light is softer for photos and temperatures are lower.
- Dress for rocky ground. Wear closed, sturdy shoes, a hat and light layers.
- Carry water and snacks. Bring at least one litre of water per person, as the site is in a natural, open setting.
- Respect the site. Do not climb on walls or tombs, and never move or take stones, pottery or other finds.
What to Pack for Your Shimal Visit
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Sturdy walking shoes | The paths and staircase are rocky and uneven |
| Water | There is little shade on the hill |
| Hat and sunscreen | Sun exposure is strong even in winter |
| Light jacket | Winter mornings can feel cool on the ridge |
| Camera or phone | The views from Sheba’s Palace are some of the best in the emirate |
Heritage Rules at Shimal
Shimal is a protected heritage site. Visitors are expected to follow all signs and the guidance of the Department of Antiquities and Museums staff. Taking or damaging artefacts is not allowed. Professional filming, drone use or large group visits usually need separate approval from the relevant Ras Al Khaimah authorities, so check this in advance if it applies to you. Camping, fires and barbecues are not suitable at the tombs or the palace. If you want a camping or BBQ experience, Jebel Jais and the desert camps of Ras Al Khaimah are much better choices. Keep children close at all times, especially near slopes and the edges of the ridge.
Places to Visit Near Shimal in Ras Al Khaimah
A visit to Shimal Ras Al Khaimah pairs well with other heritage and nature spots in the emirate:
- National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: Housed in a historic fort, it displays finds from Shimal and other sites, so it is a great way to see the story behind the ruins.
- Dhayah Fort: A hilltop fort a short drive north with lovely views over the palm gardens.
- Jebel Jais: The UAE’s highest mountain, ideal for cooler weather and adventure activities.
- Al Marjan Island and the RAK beaches: Perfect for relaxing after a morning of exploring.
Plan Your Ras Al Khaimah Trip with White Sky Travel and Tourism
Want to explore Shimal Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the emirate without the stress of planning? White Sky Travel and Tourism, a Dubai based travel agency, can put together your RAK getaway with hotel stays, transport and sightseeing, and guide you on arranging your visit to the Shimal site.
You can also spread the cost of your trip with flexible payment options. Pay in easy installments with Tabby or Tamara, or choose installment plans of up to 12 months with UAE credit cards.
Ready to plan your trip? Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and our team will help you build the right itinerary for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shimal in Ras Al Khaimah?
Shimal is an archaeological site and village about 8 km northeast of Ras Al Khaimah city. It is known for Bronze Age tombs from the Umm an Nar and Wadi Suq periods and for Queen of Sheba’s Palace, a medieval hilltop residence linked to Julfar.
Is Shimal free to visit?
Yes. There is no entry ticket for Shimal. The Department of Antiquities and Museums, which manages the site, advises visitors to arrange access to the archaeological areas and Sheba’s Palace with its team, so it is worth checking before you go.
Can I camp or have a BBQ at Shimal?
The tombs and Sheba’s Palace are a protected heritage site, so camping, fires and barbecues are not suitable there. For camping and BBQ, Ras Al Khaimah has better options such as the camps at Jebel Jais and the desert camps, which White Sky Travel and Tourism can include in your trip.
How old are the Shimal tombs?
The Umm an Nar tombs date from around 2600 to 2000 BCE, making them more than 4,000 years old. The Wadi Suq graves date from around 2000 to 1600 BCE.
Is Queen of Sheba’s Palace really connected to the Queen of Sheba?
No. The name comes from local legend. The palace was built during the Julfar period, between the 13th and 16th centuries, and is believed to have been the home of Julfar’s ruler.
How far is Shimal from Dubai?
Shimal is roughly a 90 minute drive from Dubai, depending on traffic, and about 15 to 20 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah city.
What is the best time to visit Shimal?
The best time is between October and April, in the early morning, when temperatures are cooler and the light is good for photos.
Is Shimal suitable for children?
Older children who can walk on rocky ground will enjoy it with close supervision. The paths and staircase are uneven, so the site is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Where can I see artefacts found at Shimal?
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah displays archaeological finds from the emirate and is a good place to learn more before or after your visit.
Can I book a Ras Al Khaimah trip in installments?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism offers flexible payment options with Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit cards with installments of up to 12 months. Contact the team on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Shimal Ras Al Khaimah is a rare chance to walk through thousands of years of UAE history in a single morning, from Bronze Age tombs to a medieval palace with sweeping views. Plan your visit in the cooler months, check access before you go, and let White Sky Travel and Tourism take care of the rest. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to start planning.
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