Shimal Archaeological Site & Sheba's Palace
شمل وقصر الزباء
One of the UAE's most important archaeological areas, with a Bronze Age burial site and the medieval 'Queen of Sheba's Palace' castle ruins on a ridge.
The Shimal site has been inhabited for roughly four thousand years. At the foot of the hills are stone communal tombs from the Umm an-Nar and Wadi Suq periods. The castle ruins on the ridge are known locally as the 'Queen of Sheba's Palace', but they are in fact a defensive palace dating from the 13th to 16th centuries. Climbing up offers views over the date palm groves and the coastal plain. Since 2024 the site has been restored under a World Heritage nomination project, with trails and interpretive signs in some areas. The mountain paths are rocky, so wear non-slip shoes and bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
Daytime (follow on-site management)
Nearby sights
- Suwaidi Pearls
- Dhayah Fort
- Al Qawasim Corniche
- National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Falayah Fort
- Jais Flight
- Jais Sledder
- Jebel Jais