Al Qasimi Palace: Inside Ras Al Khaimah's grand 'haunted' house

Al Qasimi Palace, once a grand private residence, is now known as Ras Al Khaimah's haunted house. The property, constructed in 1975, remained vacant for around 35 years, leading to stories of strange occurrences and supernatural entities occupying the building. Built by the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, a member of the ruling family, the palace's exterior is adorned with French, Belgian, and Moroccan influences, while its interior features intricate decorations and artwork.

The palace was open as a museum from 2019 until it was sold for Dh23.5 million. Before the renovation, some of the palace's artwork was damaged by individuals who believed the figurative images attracted jinn. Despite the rumours of being haunted, some of the strange occurrences might have been caused by unauthorized individuals moving around the property during the years it stood empty.

Visitors to the palace may find the atmosphere on the third floor unsettling, as the smell and discomfort experienced could be linked to the ghostly tales. Upon entering the property, visitors will find a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative items, some of which may be worth millions of dirhams. The palace is now available for purchase, with the price including all furnishings and artifacts.