Al Qasimi Palace
Al Qasimi Palace, (Arabic: قصر القاسمي) also known as Al Qasr Al Ghamedh, located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, is a 4-story palace known for its mixed cultural design and haunted stories. The palace that was built by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, in the mid 80s and abandoned after just one night, for being haunted.
History
The late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, who was a member of Al Qasimi royal family, decided to build this palace. Construction began in the 1970s and was completed in 1985. The royal residence was meant to present a blend of international craftsmanship and architectural elegance. But the Al Qasimi never really lived there, they fled after just one night. Later people declined to live there, because of the animal and human art in the palace, so it was abandoned soon after it was finished.[1][2][3]
As time passed, the abandoned palace was associated with tales of hauntings and jinn. Its imposing position on a sandy hill and eerie nighttime silhouette contributed to Ras Al Khaimah's folk legends.[2]
Architecture
Al Qasimi Palace is four stories high and has 35 ornate rooms, that present a blend of Islamic, Moroccan, Persian, and Indian design influences. Its floors were decorated with marble floors imported from Greece's Thassos island, Belgian and French chandeliers, and ceilings delicately painted with twelve zodiac constellations.[1][2] A unique glass pyramid sits on top of the palace, letting light into the main hall through two central domes. Around the palace there is a landscaped garden, a big fountain, and an artificial lake.[2][3]
Culture and myths
For many years, local ghost stories shadowed the palace's beauty. Locals said they saw flickering lights, ghostly children, and strange noises at night. These tales made it known as Ras Al Khaimah's “Haunted Palace.” Despite the ghost stories the palace is recognized as an important part of the emirate's cultural and architectural heritage.[4][2] In 2019, the palace's owner, Tareq Ahmad Al Sharhan, reopened it to the public, under the new name Al Qasr Al Ghamedh, meaning “the Palace of Ambiguity.” His restoration aimed to preserve its artistic features while reframing its legacy as a heritage museum rather than a haunted site.[2][4]
Latest news
In 2025, the palace that still operates as a museum, was offered for sale, at a price of Dh25 million. The only condition for the sale is that the buyer must be Emirati.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b Khan, Samrina (19 January 2025). "The Mystery of Al Qasimi Palace: A Haunted Reality or a Hoax". Property Finder Blog UAE. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ali, Aghaddir (21 October 2025). "Ras Al Khaimah's 'Haunted Palace' for sale at Dh25 million". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ a b Sharma, Neha Tandon (22 February 2025). "A UAE prince spent $140 million building an extravagant 35-room palace outside Dubai filled with stunning artworks. But the royal and his wife discovered their dream home was haunted and abandoned it and never returned after spending one scary night in it". Luxurylaunches. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ a b Zacharias, Anna. "Favourite haunt: the royal palace with a ghostly past lifting spirits in Ras Al Khaimah". The National. Retrieved 21 October 2025.