Latest news with #NationalMuseum
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah showcases Emirati history
While many visitors to Ras Al Khaimah head straight to the mountains or mangroves, those looking to understand the emirate's roots would do well to spend a little time within the coral-stone walls of the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah. Housed in a historic fort that's been destroyed at least twice in its lifetime – once in the 1600s and again in 1820 – the museum offers a charming cultural experience. Beyond the thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the beautiful courtyard and fascinating archaeological finds, it's the warmth of the staff – and the offer of Arabic coffee or tea in the majlis before you leave – that makes any visit stand out for us. The fort was once home to the ruling Al Qawasim family before it was used as a police station and later transformed into a museum in 1987. Today, it recounts thousands of years of this region's layered history, from ancient settlements and maritime trade to tribal traditions and pearling life. Why go there? This is for anyone curious about the UAE's heritage, especially the northern emirates. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah may not shout for your attention, but it earns it, offering a quieter, more intimate look at traditional life than the larger institutions in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You'll find archaeological objects from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, including artefacts from the nearby settlements and a rare 17th-century Jewish gravestone, believed to be the only one of its kind discovered in the UAE. Also discover a madbasa, or date press, which was unearthed on the premises, having been forgotten and buried for decades. Ethnographic displays bring to life the emirate's fishing and pearling history, agricultural tools, date syrup production, tribal weapons and traditional jewellery. Access the various exhibits from the spacious, foliage-rich courtyard, stepping inside former living quarters and towers through traditional Arabian doors – much of the building's original charm has been painstakingly preserved. But this museum isn't just about the past. It's also about living traditions, which is seen in the warm welcome you receive from staff, who are happy to share insights, stories and a cup of gahwa before you go. What you'll see Start your visit in the main hall, where you'll learn about the history of the building, before stepping outside into the courtyard and moving into the archaeology gallery, where items dating back to 5,000 BC chart Ras Al Khaimah's role in regional trade and settlement. You'll also see pottery from Julfar (the emirate's old name), bronze tools and artefacts from the pre and early Islamic periods. Other exhibits delve into the emirate's traditional economy, from pearling and boatbuilding to fishing, while a dedicated gallery showcases regional silver jewellery, clothing and weaponry. Currently, there's also a wonderful temporary exhibition on Emirati weddings, taking visitors through the traditional matrimony process, showcasing bridal dresses, ceremonial items and dowry, plus personal stories that highlight the evolution of wedding customs in the emirate. At the moment, some areas of the museum are undergoing renovation to preserve the structure and improve the visitor experience, so certain galleries may be closed or restricted. For part of the year, it's also too hot to properly explore the outdoor areas of the museum, which include climbing up to the roof and taking in the surrounding views of the old city. Star attraction While the museum is rich in historical details, the highlight of our visit is the interaction with the staff. Before leaving, we were invited to sit in the museum's majlis, where dallahs of freshly brewed chai and gahwa were offered as we got to know more about the people who work there. We also loved the small souvenir shop beyond the majlis and made sure to pick up a couple of extremely affordable keepsakes before leaving. What to know before you go It's not high-tech in the least, but more of a traditional museum experience, with simple presentation and bilingual signage. It's done well, though, and this is precisely why it's so charming. If you're in Ras Al Khaimah, we highly recommend stopping by. Allow at least one hour for your visit, depending on how thoroughly you want to explore each room. The museum is located on Al Hisn Road and is easy to reach by car or taxi from the city centre. Free parking is available outside the front door. Ticket price and location Entry is Dh5 per person. The museum is open Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm, and on Fridays from 2pm to 8pm. It's closed on Mondays.
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
20 days out for under a tenner as Scots schools break up for summer holidays
The holidays don't need to pull on the old purse strings SCHOOL'S OUT 20 days out for under a tenner as Scots schools break up for summer holidays WITH the schools finishing up for summer, keeping the youngsters entertained without breaking the bank can feel like a monumental task. But fear not - Scotland is brimming with great budget-friendly activities for the kiddos. Advertisement 1 Here are 20 of the best activities to do this summer for less than £10 Credit: Alamy To help make the most of the long break, we've rounded up 20 of the best activities to do across Scotland all for under a tenner that promise to keep the boredom at bay. GET ACTIVE SMASH IT: Kids can enjoy free tennis camps. Visit RUNNING ON EMPTY: Junior Parkruns offer free 2km jogs across the country for ages four to 14. WHEELY FUN: Find safe family bike rides at 50-family-friendly-cycle-routes-uk. Advertisement SPLASH HAPPY: Cool off at a local splash park with water jets on a sunny day. IN THE SWIM: Some councils offer free swimming sessions during the holidays. Check your local pool, for example: CATCH OF THE DAY: For a quieter sporting day out, consider fishing. See EXPLORE AND DISCOVER MUSEUM FUN: Many museums offer free entry (check booking requirements). The National Museum in Edinburgh has free entry and interactive kids' activities. FIND A FOSSIL: Unearth ancient animal or dinosaur remains. Find locations at Advertisement FIND TREASURE: Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt. Use the Geocaching app or visit Cheapest family holiday destinations for summer 2025 revealed FEELING TWITCHY: Spread your wings and try some birdwatching. Download a spotter sheet and build a bird feeder. A pair of binoculars wouldn't go amiss either. A NATIONAL TREASURE: Discover free-entry historic houses and gardens like Callendar House and Park in Falkirk. DOWN ON THE FARM: Visit your nearest farm for cheap or free entry. Kids under five go free at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride or it's £9 for an annual pass for youngsters. Dalscone Farm in Dumfries is also a hotspot - with entry fees starting at a tenner. TRAIL GRAIL: Look for family trails in your local town or spot statues or sculptures. Advertisement CREATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL PLANT A SEED: Check for free events at your local garden centre. Dobbies Garden Centres are offering free sensory workshops and families can enjoy low prices on soft play and kids can eat for just £1. BOOKWORM BONUS: Visit your local library for the annual Summer Reading Challenge. This year's theme is Story Garden which focuses on nature and the great outdoors. Kids earn rewards and a certificate for reading during the holidays. FIND FREE FOOD: Introduce youngsters to foraging. Look for wild strawberries in July and blackberries in August. GOING POTTY: has free fun, Harry Potter resources for rainy days. EVENTS AND FESTIVALS FREE FESTIVALS: Check out local event sites or your council website for free festivals. Find more options at Advertisement FLOAT YOUR BOAT: Look out for carnival parades and save money by bringing a picnic. UP, UP AND AWAY: The Strathaven Balloon Festival is a free, three-day event in Strathaven Park with hot air balloons, live music, a funfair and stalls. This year it runs from Auust 22-24.
Euronews
3 days ago
- Euronews
Kazakh archaeological wonders draw crowds
Kazakh land was once home to ancient civilizations that thrived here millennia ago. The Saka royal tombs, uncovered in 1998, offer insight into the social hierarchy and burial traditions of the time. The site also holds tombs from the later Turkic era. Today, it's a must-visit destination in East Kazakhstan, drawing up to 15,000 visitors annually. The region is rich in archaeological treasures. One of them is Ak-Baur — a complex of sedentary settlements dating back to the Bronze and early Iron Age. This discovery challenges the stereotype that the Saka were purely nomadic. Kazakhstan's most iconic archaeological find, the Golden Man — or Altyn Adam in Kazakh — is now housed in the National Museum in Astana. The exhibit has toured the globe, becoming a powerful symbol of the nation's ancient legacy.
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman National Museum hosts photo exhibition of 1920s Tunis
Muscat – An exhibition titled Tunisia in Focus 1920 , presented at National Museum, in partnership with Embassy of Republic of Tunisia and Tunis International Centre for Digital Cultural Economy, opened on Monday. It offers visitors a rare glimpse into the daily life, architecture and artistic heritage of early 20th-century Tunis. Inaugurated under the patronage of H E Ibrahim bin Saeed al Kharousi, Undersecretary for Heritage in Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the exhibition will run till July 7. On display is a curated collection of vintage photographs that capture scenes from over a century ago – including Youssef Sahib al Taba'a Mosque, the historic cloth market of Tunis and other landmarks that illustrate the city's layered cultural history. H E Ezzedine al Tiss, Tunisia's Ambassador to Oman, said the exhibition is more than an archival display. ' Tunisia in Focus 1920 reminds us that delving into history is not just remembering but understanding the present and shaping a better future,' he said. He noted that the century-old photographs have been digitally restored to preserve Tunisia's visual heritage for future generations. A notable feature of the exhibition is its use of modern technology. Visitors can scan QR codes beside each exhibit to access virtual reality reconstructions of the original scenes, offering an immersive look at Tunis as it appeared in the 1920s. This blend of historical preservation and digital innovation aligns with the aims of Tunis International Centre for Digital Cultural Economy. Affiliated with Tunisia's Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the centre works to protect heritage while supporting cultural tourism and promoting the creation of original digital content. It also seeks to nurture a new generation of cultural entrepreneurs, positioning creative industries at the heart of sustainable development.
Observer
3 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Omani Publications Corner launched at Russian varsity
Moscow: The Omani Publications Corner was inaugurated at the Chechen State Pedagogical University, on Tuesday. The move comes within the context of cultural cooperation between the National Museum and the university. The initiative is part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation. The Omani Publications Corner aims to empower non-Arabic speaking students specializing in Omani studies and provide them with knowledge related to the cultural and intellectual aspects of the Sultanate of Oman. This will contribute to building bridges of mutual understanding and rapprochement between the two friendly countries and encourage further academic and research cooperation. The corner includes a diverse collection of books and cultural and educational publications in the fields of literature and language, history, science, media, arts, Islamic sciences, geography and the environment.
