Shimal Archaeological Site RAK: Complete Guide 2026
The Shimal Archaeological Site is the most important ancient heritage site in Ras Al Khaimah and one of the most significant Bronze Age sites accessible to the public in the UAE. The hillside contains dozens of burial tombs dating from approximately 3000–1300 BCE — the Umm Al Nar and Wadi Suq periods of Arabian Bronze Age culture — alongside Iron Age fortress ruins on the higher ground, together documenting 5,000 years of continuous human occupation at this location. Entry is completely free and the site is almost entirely unvisited by tourists.
The Bronze Age Tombs
The burial structures at Shimal are collective tombs of the Umm Al Nar type — domed stone chambers built above ground to house multiple burials from the same community. The construction quality is remarkable: dry-stone walls of carefully selected and fitted limestone, sometimes still standing to their original height. The tombs are distributed across the hillside in clusters that reflect the social organisation of the Bronze Age communities that built them. Pottery fragments, stone tools and occasionally copper artefacts have been recovered from the site — many of them now displayed in the RAK National Museum.
The Shimal community's connections to the wider Bronze Age world are documented in the artefacts found at the site — trade goods from the Indus Valley civilisation and Mesopotamia, copper implements from the Hajar Mountain smelting industries, and ceramics reflecting the distinctive Umm Al Nar artistic tradition. Shimal was not an isolated desert settlement but part of a connected ancient trading world spanning the Arabian Sea.
The Iron Age Fortress
On the higher ground above the tomb complex, substantial ruins of an Iron Age fortress (approximately 1000–300 BCE) document the site's continued military and strategic importance in a later period. The defensive walls and towers are partially visible despite centuries of erosion and stone robbing, and the hilltop position — commanding views across the RAK plain to the Gulf — reveals the strategic logic of the fortress location.
Visiting Shimal
The site is approximately 15 minutes by car from RAK city centre, and is most meaningfully visited in combination with the RAK National Museum (which documents the site's archaeology). The hillside walk takes 30–60 minutes for a basic circuit of the main tomb areas; more thorough exploration takes 90 minutes. The site is unmarked and requires some navigation — the larger tomb clusters are visible from the road, and following the rocky path uphill leads to the most significant structures.
Ticket Prices & Entry
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (3–12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Entry | Free | Free | Always free |
| National Museum + Shimal (combined) | AED 15 | AED 5 | Museum covers site archaeology |
| Guided Archaeology Tour | AED 150 | AED 80 | Via RAK tourism or specialist operators |
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Site | Open at all hours |
| Best visit time | Early morning or late afternoon |
| Best season | October – April |
Best Time to Visit
🟢 Best 🔵 Good ⬜ OK 🔴 Avoid
Insider Tips
National Museum First
The RAK National Museum's Bronze Age section provides essential context for everything you see at Shimal — visit it before the site.
Early Morning Light
The low-angle morning light catches the stone construction of the tombs beautifully — arrive at or before sunrise for the best photography.
Proper Footwear
The hillside is rocky and uneven — proper walking shoes with grip are essential for safe navigation of the tomb areas.
Look for Pottery
Small pottery fragments are occasionally visible in eroded areas around the tombs — these are genuine archaeological artefacts that should be left in place.
Navigation Required
The site is not prominently signposted — use GPS coordinates (Shimal Archaeological Site, RAK) and follow the rocky path from the road.
Combine with Dhayah Fort
Shimal and Dhayah Fort are 20 minutes apart — combining both creates the most complete RAK historical arc from Bronze Age to 19th century.
Nearby Places to Visit
Prices and opening hours are estimates compiled in August 2026 and change frequently. Confirm directly with the venue before travelling. How we research