Jazirat Al Hamra: A trip back in time

Walking through the town, one can envision what life was like for coastal communities throughout the UAE. Visitors can see how local resources - such as coral - were used for construction.

For a trip back in time, head to the beautifully eerie abandoned village of Jazirat Al Hamra, located about 18 km from Ras Al Khaimah town.
The once prosperous pearling village - that was inhabited by members of the Zaabi tribe - fell on hard times with the invention of cultured pearls in the 1930s, and was totally abandoned by 1968.
Walking through the town, one can envision what life was like for coastal communities throughout the UAE. Visitors can see how local resources - such as coral - were used for construction.
Aside from the family homes, a stroll through the village will reveal various places that were integral parts of life in the community - such as a small store, a row of market stalls, and several mosques. On one side of town are the remains of a large two-story house with tall windows that overlook the Gulf, once the property of a successful pearl merchant.
Be respectful when exploring the village as, despite being abandoned, many homes still belong to families of the original owners, who sometimes come back for a visit or for reunions. Don't take artifacts.
To get there, take the E311 and take a left at the roundabout at the end of the motorway. About five kilometres down the roadway, take a right, from where there will be a number of signs for the Al Jazeera Al Hamra archaeological site.

• UAE