The Emirate Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates is located in the most remote part of the Arab world, in the very north of the country near the Strait of Hormuz. In Arabic the name of the Emirate means "tip of the tent"; certainly Ras Al Khaimah is the pearl of United Arab Emirates. We advise you to learn more regarding this charming Emirate, and submerge into the atmosphere of this Arab tale.
Ras Al Khaimah - official data and statistics
The capital of the Emirate is the city of Ras Al Khaimah. It is divided by Ras Al Khaimah Khor bay into two parts. The western part is the old town, which is a home for government offices and the National Museum of the Emirate. The residence of the Governor of Dubai and numerous commercial companies are located in the eastern part of the city of Al-Nakheel. The two main parts of the Emirate are connected by the bridge that stretches over Al Khor and ensures efficient transportation.
The Emirate also includes the following areas:
- District Al Hamranya - the international airport of the Emirate is located here;
- District Masafi - known for natural drinking water;
- Haat tourist area – mineral healing springs.
The population exceeds 300 thousand people, half of which are local residents and the total area of the Emirate is about 2.5 million square kilometers. The population of Dubai is actively engaged in fishing and agriculture, development of production of cement and ceramics, pharmaceuticals production. However, economic pillar of Ras Al Khaimah Emirate is oil industry.
In the north-east and south the Emirate borders with the Sultanate of Oman and includes several islands, Smaller Tunub and Bigger Tunub.
The history of the Emirate Ras Al Khaimah
Ancient settlement in Ras Al Khaimah is mentioned in historical chronicles in 695 AD – at that time it was a home for the largest shipping port Dzhulfar. In ancient times the port-town Dzhulfar was known to all pearl traders. Since ancient times, the city of Ras Al Khaimah is the largest shopping center in the region. Thanks to, above all, convenient location and open trade routes.
If you investigate the history of the Emirate Ras Al Khaimah, you can see that in ancient times the city was unofficially called "pirate coast". This place was very popular among pirates. Today conical watchtowers keeps evidence of those troubling times, through which local residents fought back against the raids of pirates. If you visit watchtowers, you will realize that it is not only effective defense facility against pirate attacks, but also a reliable lighthouses for sailors.
Tourists can visit the old fort and enjoy the atmosphere of water fights and coastal battles. Here you will find interesting exposition, including household items, ancient artifacts and archaeological findings. In you visit National Museum, you will have an opportunity to know ethnography of the Arab people and cultures. Until the mid-20th century, the fort was the official residence of the Governors of the Emirate, and more recently, it has become a museum that cherishes the memory and history of Ras Al Khaimah.
Special attention shall be paid to the unique ancient mosque Jazirat Al Hamra, made of coral material. If you travel outside the capital, you can visit many interesting and curious historical sites. So for your attention there are palm groves and picturesque ponds in Wadi Azim, ancient fort Digdaga, tombs in the Wadi Cavr dated to the Iron Age.
Large water park Ice Land shall be mentioned here among modern tourist facilities, for its astonishing scale. There are great number of fascinating amusement attractions, artificial pools, plenty of greenery and many other peculiar entertainment options of international level for visitors and tourists here.
Certainly, the Emirate Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most beautiful places in the UAE. It is worth noting that soil of the Emirate for centuries remained the most fertile, which together with the most favorable climate, has transformed modern Emirate into a blooming oasis in the vast desert. Water of excellent quality and mild climate allowed to developed agriculture and attain a position of the Emirate, growing various vegetables and fruits.
Ras Al Khaimah Emirate today
For visitors and tourists the Emirate offers comfortable hotels thaa comply with high international standards. In the Emirate Ras Al Khaimah you can find hotels and resorts of different categories, which are affordable for tourists with different incomes. Apart from delicious food and leisure facilities, modern hotel complexes have fitness centers and spa facilities. Here you can always rely on impeccable service and friendly attitude of local population.
Like in other cities of the United Arab Emirates, there is a great variety of modern shopping centers, stores and traditional retail shops here. In the center of the Emirate you can visit the oldest shopping center Manar or such malls as Al Hamra and Safeer.
Fans of gastronomic tourism will find here a lot of interesting and exciting things. Local restaurants and cafes are ready to offer you a variety of culinary delights. You may choose to relax in cozy atmosphere and test traditional national dishes and drinks.
There is the feeling of oriental culture everywhere in this city and it can impress ant guest. Staying in this picturesque Emirate you will fully dive into mysterious oriental atmosphere and learn all the features of Arab culture and their way of life.
Nowadays, it is not a secret that the United Arab Emirates are the most popular tourist destination, which more overseas travelers choose. Do not stay aside and enjoy great beach holiday to maximum extent. If you have any questions, please visit other sections of our website and learn everything you would like to know about this magic country.
