Heritage > History
History
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years and boasts an impressive historical and archaeological heritage dating from the Bronze Age. Its strategic geographical location near the Strait of Hormuz made Ras Al Khaimah City (historically Julfar) an important and thriving port well known to regional traders but also a target of raiders and invaders including local clans as well as the Portuguese, Dutch and British forces. This turbulent history is evidenced by the many ruins of castles, towers and fortifications that can be found across the emirate.
Ras Al Khaimah was the last emirate to become part of the United Arab Emirates. Under the leadership of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, father of the current ruler, Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation on 11 February 1972.