How Ras Al Khaimah is navigating the path towards modernisation

In an age in which rapid economic development is reshaping tourism destinations around the world, striking a balance between progress and preservation is crucial. Modernisation and urban expansion often risk overshadowing historical sites and traditions.

Fortunately, many travellers today seek authentic experiences that connect with the history, traditions and people of the places they visit. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, cultural tourism accounts for an estimated 40 per cent of global tourism revenues and is expected to grow by 4.1 per cent by 2030.

From Europe’s mediaeval towns to Asia’s ancient temples, destinations that have maintained their cultural integrity and embraced responsible tourism have seen remarkable success. Case studies from Kyoto’s traditional districts to Peru’s archaeological sites demonstrate that with careful planning and stakeholder engagement, heritage tourism can create lasting value and ensure long-term ecological and cultural resilience.

Cultural tourism has also proven to be a robust economic driver globally, as it significantly contributes to the local economy by supporting small businesses, creating jobs and fostering long-term sustainable growth. As this trend becomes evident in destinations worldwide, it raises a crucial question: how do destinations balance heritage conservation while developing tourism through modern infrastructure?

Balancing heritage preservation with tourism development is a nuanced endeavour. After all, unregulated development poses risk to historical sites and cultural integrity.

To address this, destinations must adhere to sustainable tourism practices, guided by international standards set by organisations such as Unesco. Further, destinations must conduct environmental and cultural impact assessments before initiating any development projects, ensuring that infrastructure enhancements are in harmony with the historical and cultural context of each site.

Ras Al Khaimah is a land steeped in history, its shores, sands and mountains bearing the footprints of civilisations that are more than 7,000 years old. From the ancient Julfar trading port to the majestic Dhayah Fort, the emirate is a living tapestry of heritage with hundreds of tangible and intangible cultural assets.

Tourism currently accounts for five per cent of Ras Al Khaimah’s gross domestic product, with goals to increase this to one third of the economy and attract 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. Cultural tourism is necessary to achieve these goals.

The government of Ras Al Khaimah has recognised the intrinsic value of its cultural assets. With the involvement of key authorities – including Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, and Ras Al Khaimah’s government master developer, Marjan – it has launched the Culture and Heritage Vision 2030.

This comprehensive plan has identified 20 priority heritage sites for preservation and sustainable development in the emirate, including celebrated landmarks and sites that are already on the Unesco World Heritage Tentative List.

These include Dhayah Fort, the UAE's only remaining hilltop fort; Al Jazeera Al Hamra, the last authentic pearl fishing village in the UAE; Shimal, a dense archaeological landscape consisting of more than 100 prehistoric tombs, prehistoric settlements and a mediaeval palace; and Julfar, known to have been the only port in the Gulf providing access to the Arabian Peninsula before the dawn of the Islamic era until the 18th century.

Preserving these heritage sites requires close collaboration with conservation experts, archaeologists and historians to protect historical integrity while adopting sustainable practices that align with global ecotourism goals. Involving local communities is equally vital, grounding preservation efforts in authenticity and protecting both the structures and cultural traditions of each site.

The conservation of Al Jazeera Al Hamra exemplifies this approach. The village is an emblem of Emirati heritage and Ras Al Khaimah’s socio-economic landscape. Once a thriving centre for pearl divers and traders, the village’s coral and mudbrick structures reflect the architectural ingenuity needed to endure the test of time.

Established in the late 16th century by the Zaab tribe, Al Jazeera Al Hamra, meaning “Red Island”, was a tidal island divided into two sections: the northern quarter of Umm Awaimir and the southern quarter of Manakh. The village thrived on pearl diving, fishing and trade. By the early 20th century, the 45-hectare village comprised about 500 houses and was home to around 2,500-3,000 residents.

The village encompasses a variety of traditional elements, including a fort with watchtowers, mosques, a souq and extensive courtyard houses of various designs. The residential structures range from small, simple houses to large courtyard residences, such as the Abdul Kareem House, which features four distinct wind towers. The fort’s complex includes the oldest round watchtower and a rectangular one, providing panoramic views of the town.

Restoration efforts have focused on preserving the village’s traditional architecture using original materials like coral stone, mangrove wood and sand bricks. However, due to the endangered status of some materials, sustainable alternatives have been employed to replicate the original features without compromising authenticity. Modern conservation techniques ensure structural stability while maintaining the site’s historical integrity.

The preservation of Al Jazeera Al Hamra has been a collaborative effort involving local and international experts. Initial conservation work began in 2010, focusing on stabilising the existing structures and preventing their further deterioration. Subsequent phases have included detailed structural assessments, material testing and the restoration of key buildings.

Today, Al Jazeera Al Hamra serves as a living cultural hub, hosting art festivals, educational programmes and cultural events that invite visitors to engage deeply with the emirate’s history. The site offers guided tours, workshops and interactive experiences, allowing guests to explore traditional Emirati architecture and heritage. These initiatives have stimulated the local economy, creating jobs and supporting small businesses and craftsmen, thereby ensuring the village’s cultural and economic sustainability.

As developing destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah navigate the path towards modernisation and attempt to build the destinations of the future, it is imperative to balance the emirate’s economic ambitions with the responsibility of protecting its unique heritage. By doing so, we not only honour its past but also enrich the lives of those who come to explore it today and in the future.