RAK announces conservation project in old medina

RAK is about to give the same treatment to 98 houses in the Old City area as it has to 14 towers. Ramesh / Al Ittihad

Ras Al Khaimah is stepping up its efforts to disprove the old saying that “you can’t bring back the past”.

The emirate’s Department of Antiquities and Museums has announced a project to rejuvenate the almost 100 surviving houses in its Old City area, using the original building materials.

Mohammed Al Keit, director general of the department, said the project would preserve the 98 homes around the Grand Mosque, many of which had been passed down through several generations.

Mr Al Keit said the plan to protect the heritage of the area would include a halt to building work and setting up a committee to come up with fair values for the old houses.

RAK is keen to make the area internationally recognised as an archaeological site, and as a tourism destination.

Mr Al Keit said the project included building a souq identical to the area’s old markets, which will include ceilings made from palm fronds.

The souq is expected to draw tourists from GCC countries.

RAK has 1,000 archaeological sites, including graveyards, old homes, castles and towers, Mr Al Keit said.

He said restoration work had been continuing on 14 towers for six months, and some had been completed.