RAK Destination Summary Overview From mountains, deserts and ancient cultural sites to beaches, mangroves, water sports and more, Ras Al Khaimah is a truly unforgettable Arabian experience. Only 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, this oasis of nature and tranquility is the UAE s most northern emirate, bordering Oman.
Families Whether you re young or young at heart, there s plenty for families to do in Ras Al Khaimah. The beaches and hotels offer a variety of activities while the desert and mountains are ideal for safaris and nature trails. The emirate s malls are also a popular destination with a host of dining choices, multiplex cinemas and retail outlets.
Culture & Heritage Overview Ras Al Khaimah s culture and heritage are very much the product of a desert dwelling, seafaring and Islamic way of life. Traditions of literature, camel racing, falconry, art, fishing and pearl farming are still a key part of local life. The cultural exchange brought about by trade routes has further enriched the emirate s appeal. The many local museums and forts are a good way to get a glimpse of the emirate s cultural life, history and heritage.
Dhayah Fort This 16th century mud-brick fort was built on a strategic hilltop position facing the Gulf. As a defensive military tower, the Dhayah Fort played an important role in the history of Ras Al Khaimah. Other ruined fortifications and watchtowers can be seen to the south of the hill. In 1891, a battle with the British resulted in the destruction of much of the fortifications here.
Al Jazirah Al Hamra This abandoned fishing village, just outside Ras Al Khaimah city, with its coral-block architecture is a reminder of the simple local life before the oil boom. The Emirati inhabitants here would have made their living from pearl diving and fishing, but the villagers all left in the 1960s. The dry desert climate has helped preserve the buildings giving the whole place a lost-in-time atmosphere.
Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque is the largest surviving traditional mosque in the UAE, and is still in use in Ras Al Khaimah Old Town. Archaeological excavations revealed the presence of an earlier mosque, dating back to the second half of the 18th century (date as indicated by preliminary analysis of the finds). Historical records indicate a mosque was at this place since the 16th century, but earlier versions could not be found owing to the confined test trenches. With respect to the later 18th century mosque, excavations revealed that it was destroyed during the British occupation between 1819-1820 and that the current mosque was built on its foundations. It has undergone several renovations and expansion phases up to the present day.
National Museum The museum has an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts. Items of particular interest are a variety of documents, manuscripts and treaties between the rulers of Ras Al Khaimah and Great Britain. There are also exhibits of traditional weapons belonging to the ruling family, and archaeological displays about the earliest settlers in the area up to the late Islamic period. The museum s ethnographic section introduces traditional life in the emirate, including architecture, pearl diving, date farming, agriculture and fishing.
Landscape Beaches The pristine private beaches of Ras Al Khaimah s resort hotels are quite exquisite. The emirate also boasts a number of natural lagoons and spectacular stretches of open coastline. This offers water sports lovers a huge choice of activities from windsurfing, sailing and banana boat rides to wakeboarding, water skiing, fishing and much more.
Desert Ras Al Khaimah s unique terracotta desert is also one of the most fertile in the region owing to higher than average rainfall. Visitors can get an insight to the life of the Bedouins at various desert camps or take part in a variety of activities including four-wheel drive safaris and horse or camel treks.
Mountains In the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah is a spectacular mountain range called the Ru us Al Jibal. It is part of the Hajar Mountains, which start in the Musandam Peninsula and run as far south as Sur in Oman. These mountains were formed more than 70 million years ago. Jebel Jais at 1,930 m is not only the highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah but in the entire UAE. A key feature of the mountains is the abundance of wadis and hiking and mountain bike trails.
Mangroves Mangroves and salt flats form a large part of the coastal and inland landscape. The mangroves, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingoes, extend right into the centre of Ras Al Khaimah bringing a rich sense of nature into the city. Visitors can explore the mangroves by taking kayak excursions and literally lose themselves in the natural beauty.
Flora and Fauna - Wildlife Overview Ras Al Khaimah consists of sandy deserts, coastal strips, salt flats, mangroves and mountains. All these areas have different eco-systems which makes it a fascinating place for nature lovers. Apart from cultivated plants there are three categories of flora the salt loving vegetation of the mangroves and mountain and desert plants, which are plentiful after rainfall. The emirate is also home to a number of reptiles, camels, foxes, jerboas or wildcats as well as hundreds of bird species.
Birds Bird life in Ras Al Khaimah is as diverse as the landscpe. Wadis and mountains host wheatears, partridges, warblers, falcons and even vultures. Larks, wheatears, babblers and ravens often inhabit the desert. A birdwatcher will also find birds in towns and on plantations such as rollers, sunbirds, bee-eaters, hoopoes and ring-necked parakeets. Along the lagoons and coastline, shorebirds abound with waders, sandpipers, plovers, herons, terns, gulls, flamingoes and cormorants.
Plants A large diversity of plants have adapted to Ras Al Khaimah s climate. The desert vegetation consists largely of shrubs, bushes and trees. Of the trees the most common are ghaf trees, acacias and so called desert thorns. The desert is also home to many plants such as desert ephemerals, hyacinths and thumbs, which flourish mainly during the winter and spring season turning the desert into a sea of blossoms. After the rains of winter, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah burst into colour with purple lilies, wild irises and white daisies. The sidr, a tree, highly appreciated for its medical use, can also be found in the wadis. Its pollen also attracts bees that produce excellent honey.
Mammals The most common mammals in Ras Al Khaimah are camels, goats and feral donkeys. However there are also wild mammals that choose the desert or mountains as their habitat. They often go unseen, as many of them are nocturnal. Rodents are the largest group and include jerboas and a few species of gerbils and jirds. Other common animals are foxes (the Arabian red, Blandford s and sand fox), bats, hares and wildcats (the Gordon s wildcat and the sand cat). The Arabian sand gazelle, Mountain Gazelle and the Oryx, although very rare, can sometimes be spotted in the wild.
Marine Life The waters off the UAE s coast host over one third of the world s 80 species of whales and dolphins, around 700 species of fish and four reported species of turtles. And Ras Al Khaimah is no exception. A number of excursions and dive specialists. operate in the area and the cooler months are an ideal time to see the rare green turtle.
Accommodation Overview Authentic and generous hospitality is an essential component of Arabian culture. This sentiment is beautifully reflected in Ras Al Khaimah s diverse collection of hotels and resorts, ranging from boutique to luxurious five-star properties.
Luxury For those who are looking for a premium weekend getaway or planning their vacation, Ras Al Khaimah offers two of the UAE s most luxurious hotels in the beachfront Waldorf Astoria, The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach as well as The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert in the heart of the desert.
Spas From desert retreats to beachfront properties, Ras Al Khaimah s hotels and resorts offer an array of signature treatments to stimulate your senses. With tranquil surroundings, expert therapists and rejuvenating massages, every spa experience is sure to restore the balance of mind and body.
Unique Experiences Ras Al Khaimah boasts a number of unique visitor experiences. Among these are a natural hot spring, rich in minerals, known to possess therapeutic properties. There is also the pure escape of The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert situated on a private nature reserve in the terracotta desert. An oasis of indulgence, it is the first hotel in the region to offer integrated facilities, including spacious all pool-villas and 3,999 sqm of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities.
Dining Overview From traditional Arabic cuisine to the finest steakhouses, eating out in Ras Al Khaimah has much to offer. Whether you are looking for an elegant dinner in a five star hotel or a little local fare along the Corniche, there is something for every taste and budget.
Local Cuisine Ras Al Khaimah s cuisine is known for its delicious dishes and recipes passed from one generation to another. Being seafarers and merchants for centuries, the local people brought exotic plants, spices and recipes from all over the world. Therefore, traces of Indian, Egyptian, Iranian and Turkish influences can also be found in local dishes.
Activities & Attractions Overview Whether you are looking for a leisurely sea cruise or something a little more exciting, Ras Al Khaimah has something for all energy levels, both onshore and offshore.
Water Sports Situated on the north east coast of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah offers the ideal location for all water activities. The clear blue waters of the Gulf provide the perfect conditions for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and water skiing. For lovers of nature, kayaking through the mangroves or at sea offers an unforgettable experience.
Desert Camps Ras Al Khaimah is famous for its many beautiful camping spots, where people can enjoy picnics and barbecues under the stars, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can go it alone or visit one of the traditional Bedouin camps and discover a fascinating way of life that has changed little over the years.
Golf Ras Al Khaimah boasts two world-class golf courses. Al Hamra Golf Club has an 18 hole course with five tee options incorporating open water lagoons and desert landscapes. The other course is Tower Links which is a 7,199 yard, Par 72, 18 hole layout set against the backdrop of the Hajar mountains amidst a mangrove reserve.
Ice Land Water Park A perfect escape from the heat, the Iceland Water Park is an ideal family entertainment destination for visitors of all ages. Providing a wide variety of games, water slides and an extensive food court, Iceland Water Park offers visitors the ultimate in fun and amusement.
Climate Annual Overview The climate is sub-tropical, semi-arid with warm temperatures, infrequent rain fall and blue skies most of the year. Between November and April, the average day-time temperature reaches 28 degrees centigrade whereas in the summer months between June and August temperature rises above 35 degrees centigrade with high humidity.
Areas of Interest Al Marjan Island Al Marjan, a series of four connected man-made islands, is located in the west of Ras Al Khaimah. Extending a vast 4.5 kilometers into the sea, the island covers an area of 2.7 million square metres. With waterfront homes, quality hotels and resorts, marinas, private beaches for residents, leisure, retail and recreational facilities, this ambitious development is a truly unique destination.
Al Hamra Al Hamra Village is a luxurious integrated community, located in Ras Al Khaimah on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The development covers an area of 77 million square feet and includes 1,500 kilometers of pristine beaches, over 1,000 villas and townhouses, nearly 2,500 residential apartments, five hotels, an 18 hole golf course, a marina and a shopping mall.
Shopping Overview Malls From Al Hamra Village right to the city centre, Ras Al Khaimah currently has five shopping malls packed with all the leading brands, cinemas and restaurants. The largest of them, Manar Mall is scheduled for a major extension due for completion in late 2017. Souqs A more traditional way to shop, The Souq in Ras Al Khaimah is essentially two adjoining streets featuring stores and stands selling mainly Arabic and household goods. Prepare to haggle!
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