One of the UAE’s most talked‑about landmarks – the long‑abandoned Al Qasimi Palace, better known for decades as Ras Al Khaimah’s “haunted” mansion, has been listed for sale at AED 25 million. The four‑storey palace in the emirate’s Al Dhait district is open for purchase only to Emirati nationals under local property laws. Current owner Tareq Ahmad Al Sharhan confirmed the listing, noting that his decision is an investment move rather than an attempt to capitalise on the building’s reputation.Built in 1985 by the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, the property originally served as a private residence for members of the ruling family. Spanning 20,000 square metres with 35 rooms, the structure combines Islamic, Moroccan, Persian, and Indian stylistic influences.Construction was reported to have cost over AED 500 million, with interiors featuring Thassos marble floors, French and Belgian chandeliers, hand‑painted ceilings, and frescoes illustrating zodiac constellations. A glass pyramid above the central hall filters sunlight through twin domes, illuminating the ornate marble corridors.Despite these details, the palace was never occupied. Family objections to certain sculptural elements and artworks depicting living figures led to it being left empty soon after completion.
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism drawn by restoration renews haunted heritage
Al Sharhan acquired the property from the Sheikh’s heirs and undertook a restoration programme aimed at preserving its distinctive aesthetic. The renovated mansion, now known as Al Qasr Al Ghamedh translating to “ambiguity” reopened to visitors a few years ago as a cultural attraction.Over the years, its vacant halls and prominent position on a sandy hill turned the palace into a subject of local folklore. Residents spoke of flickering lights and distant echoes, stories that gradually shaped its reputation as Ras Al Khaimah’s “Palace of Ghosts.” While visitors have narrated accounts of strange occurrences, the current owner has dismissed any suggestion of the supernatural.For those who want to visit the mansion, tickets are priced at AED 75 per person and AED 50 for per person with groups, and the site is open daily between 9 am and 7 pm. However, photography remains prohibited inside.
Al Qasimi Palace positions itself as a landmark real estate investment
Real estate professionals see the palace’s public image as both a challenge and an advantage, and the story behind this monument could appeal to collectors or heritage‑minded investors. With architectural detail rooted in regional craftsmanship and decades of myth woven into its name, the Al Qasimi Palace sits at a meeting point of history and curiosity – a landmark once defined by its silence, now looking for a new chapter under Emirati ownership.Serious buyers interested in acquiring the property can reach out directly to Tareq Ahmad Al Sharhan, the current owner of Al Qasimi Palace. As per Ras Al Khaimah’s property ownership regulations, the sale is restricted to Emirati nationals, and inquiries are being accepted via WhatsApp at 052 828 2222.
