The Al Qasimi Palace, a lavish yet mysterious landmark in Ras Al Khaimah, has been put up for sale for AED 25 million — but only Emirati nationals can purchase it.
Built in 1985 by the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, the grand four-storey residence spans 20,000 square metres in Al Dhait and features 35 rooms. Its architecture combines Islamic, Moroccan, Persian, and Indian influences, adorned with Belgian and French chandeliers, Thassos marble flooring, hand-painted ceilings, and a glass pyramid that channels natural light into the central atrium.
Despite its beauty, the palace was never inhabited. Family objections to artworks depicting people and animals led to its abandonment, allowing ghost stories and eerie folklore to take root. Over the decades, locals have reported flickering lights, strange noises, and ghostly apparitions — earning it the title of the UAE’s most haunted mansion.
The property’s current owner, Tareq Ahmad Al Sharhan, confirmed to Gulf News that only Emiratis are eligible to purchase it. “The sale is for investment purposes. The palace holds cultural and historical value and deserves an owner who understands that,” he said, noting that its construction cost exceeded AED 500 million.
The palace has a history of attracting attention from curious visitors and even notable figures — including former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto — though no buyer ever finalized a deal. Al Sharhan eventually acquired the estate, restored it, and reopened it to the public as Al Qasr Al Ghamedh — “The Palace of Ambiguity.”
“People come for the legend, but its true worth lies in its craftsmanship and heritage,” Al Sharhan said. The property remains open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. while the sale is under consideration.
