Located between the imposing Hajjar Mountains in the east, and the Arabian Gulf to the west, lies the jewel in the crown of the Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah. It shares a rugged sky hugging boarder with the Sultanate of Oman and shares other borders with Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Sharjah.
Ras Al Khaimah is quickly becoming the core of Middle East tourism. The sparkling blue sea with spotless white beaches stretching lazily for over 40 Kms, invite and welcome visitors from all over the world with the special warmth of well renowned Arab hospitality. This is a place that can offer everything a visitor could wish for. A melding of past and present provides a unique backdrop to the perfect holiday. A huge variety of tours present the visitor with the opportunity to really discover first hand what an uncrowded and unpolluted country Ras Al Khaimah is.
Its spectacular landscapes present a challenge for hikers. For the more adventurous, there is the chance to ‘walk in the clouds’, taking in the tallest peak in the Musandam. Purge away the troubles of the day, aches and pains in the Khatt Springs, a thermal spa well known for its curative properties.
Or it is possible to enjoy the silence that these wonderful peaks can offer as you watch the sunset from a camp which uses renewable resources. You can get there using environmentally friendly transportation – donkeys! Areas of great scenic beauty hide old abandoned, tucked away villages, which give a unique glimpse into what life was like in the past. Alternatively a safari trip can offer the chance to enjoy the wonders of the sand with plenty of photo stops and even a spot of camel racing.
The city of Ras Al Khaimah is the capital and is divided into two parts by a creek and is linked by a bridge and a network of modern roads. The western part is the old city and here there is a distinctive feeling of the past. The National Museum was originally an historic fortress and was the residence of the ruling families. There is a good variety of rare relics on exhibition here.
There is a traditional fish market and the catch is used for local consumption. The Old Souk and bazaars have played a very important role in the country’s trade and it is still possible to do some traditional shopping buying goods ranging from spices to carpets. Ras Al Khaimah also provides an ultra modern shopping experience with shopping centres that have everything under one roof. Bargain hunters will certainly find good value for money.
Climate
The Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet at the Strait of Hormuz and it is here that Ras Al Khaimah lies’ enjoying the continuous breeze caused by these vast stretches of water. The nearby imposing Hajjar mountains reduce the humidity of the region resulting in ideal summer weather. In the summer temperatures range between 25°C and 40°C and in the winter they rarely drop under 12°C even at night.
Getting There
Ras Al Khaimah is the first of the seven emirates which overlook the approach to the Arabian Gulf and is easily reached from Europe, The Middle East, Africa, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East. Just seven hours flight time from the UK and flying from all major UK airports on all major airlines, it is possible to get a huge range of discounted flights to Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah has an International Airport which serves the nearby city very well. It is also possible to travel to Dubai which is 40 minutes driving transfer from Ras Al Khaimah. This is a destination that is also very well served from most major European cities.
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