In 1968 Beatrice de Cardi and Brian Doe carried out the first survey of archaeological sites in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The late Ruler, H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, who had always been interested in a better understanding of the Emirate's history, supported their work from the beginning and invited them to continue their fieldwork in the following years.
These initial surveys were the foundation of archaeological research in Ras Al Khaimah, leading eventually to the inauguration of the National Museum, which was established inside the 'Later Castle' and former residence of the ruling Quwasim family in 1987.
Since then the Department of Antiquities and Museums has enlarged the knowledge of Ras Al Khaimah's prehistory and history through more surveys, excavations of important archaeological sites and the general research of heritage related aspects. In addition to its own studies, the Department of Antiquities and Museums invites experts from all over the world to conduct further scientific research on the archaeology and history of Ras Al Khaimah. All this has produced a better understanding of the past 9000 years in this culturally rich and diverse Emirate.