'Haunted' UAE palace now open to public

A Khaleej Times journalist visited the villa in 2016, and here's what she saw.

You can now step into the 'Haunted Palace' of Ras Al Khaimah and take a tour to explore the enigma that pervades it! The palace - one of the most mysterious, old buildings in the northern emirates lying abandoned for years - is now open to the public.

Built by the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi in 1985, the palace was meant to be a stunning architectural wonder. But the place assumed a ring of horror and suspense.

It took 10 years for the four-floor structure, constructed on a highland at Al Dheit area, to be completed. An attempt to turn it into an institute fell flat.

The palace is replete with spectacular antique artifacts and paintings. Consisting of 35 rooms, it has a glass pyramid on the top to let the sun in, and add more beauty to the palace - which is mostly decorated with Islamic, Moroccan, Indian and Persian designs.

The many glass chandeliers, especially imported from Belgium and France, reflect a lustre mixed in four colours.

The marble paths, statues, and stuffed animals lend a strange charm to the palace.

Those interested can visit the palace from 9am to 7pm. The fee is Dh75 for each individual, and Dh50 per person in a group.