Due to its geographical location at the northern tip of the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is literally translated to ‘top of the tent’ and was initially known as ‘Julfar.’
Its strategic position at the crossroads between the East and West has helped establish it as a trading and services hub between the Far East and Europe. Ras Al Khaimah has a coastline of 64 kilometres. It is the sixth-largest emirate in the UAE.
Here are ten great reasons why you should visit:
Water Adventures
Situated on the west 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, snorkelling, sailing and water skiing. For nature lovers, kayaking in the mangroves of Ras Al Khaimah or at sea offers an unforgettable experience.
Al Hamra Marina & Royal Yacht Club
The Al Hamra Marina is the ideal destination for visitors and water sports lovers to enjoy the beauty of the sea. It has a restaurant and offers charter boats. The marina also provides maintenance and training and charter boats.
The Al Hamra Marina comprises 200 wet berths up to 100 feet provided with a power supply and fresh water. It is the last significant fuelling stop for vessels in the Arabian Gulf. Al Hamra Marina also hosts the Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah, and as well organizes water activities and amazing competitions.
Golf
Ras Al Khaimah offers a choice of two 18-hole championship Golf courses, Al Hamra Golf Club and Tower Links Golf Club. Both systems offer outstanding golfing facilities including lessons for beginners and the opportunity to play golf under the stars and are famous for participating and hosting Regional Golfing Championships.
Bassata Desert Village
Among the beautiful desert of Ras Al Khaimah, comes “Bassata Desert Village” which offers its visitors the ultimate desert experience with a wide variety of traditional Arabic activities including belly dancing, Egyptian Tanoura, falcon show, henna lady together with camel and horseback riding. The live Arabic barbecue dinner during sunset would be the perfect ending for an unforgettable day.
Camel Race
Camel races are a traditional heritage activity in Ras Al Khaimah. A winter pastime, the camel races take place at weekends. On the camel racetrack, surrounded by dunes and sheltered by the thickets of Ghaf trees in Digdaga and Hamraniya. On weekdays the racetrack is usually busy with camel trainers and colourfully clad camels which trot up and down the track, building up their stamina for the weekend races. The official camel races are held on Thursday afternoons and early on Friday mornings from October throughout the winter season.
Falcon Show
Falconry is a traditional pastime in Ras Al Khaimah. At the Banyan Tree Al Wadi, the first desert spa resort in the UAE, visitors can enjoy a spectacular show of falcons in the natural desert environment. Home to Arabian gazelles and the Oryx the desert spa resort has a nature reserve which spans over 130 hectares.
Iceland 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 maximum fun and amusement.
Khatt Springs
A natural hot spring, Khatt Springs is renowned for its healing properties. The waters, rich in mineral content reach a depth of 90 feet underground. And with temperatures approaching 40C° degrees can cure a number of skin ailments and problems associated with rheumatic diseases. Khatt Springs also offer additional Ayurvedic spa treatments which are complimented by the thermal water. With private pools, treatment rooms and a café offering a variety of refreshments, visitors to Khatt’s Hot Springs can enjoy one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most famous picnic locations.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Built-in the middle of the 18th century during the emirate’s invasion by Persians. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah was originally the house of the Royal Family until 1964. In 1987, the late Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohamed Al Qassim opened the museum which includes a number of local ancient monuments and an intriguing collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts.
Dhayah Fort
Built as a strategic military castle in the 16th century on a mountain overlooking the Gulf. Dayah Fort witnessed a battle between the local people and the British troops. Here, its towers were set on fire and later destroyed in 1819. The Fort was restored in the 1990s and its strategic location provides outstanding views of Ras Al Khaimah.
Archery
Perfect your aim with our range, specially designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment. Our Instructors guide you on the basics of this ancient sport at the perfect location, the Archery Range and its tented deck.
Seawings
The Seawings Urban Experience takes off from the pristine shores of Ras Al Khaimah. On an exciting 45 minutes aerial tour of the city, giving you picturesque views of the emirate before flying to Dubai. Departure & Arrival: Ras Al Khaimah – Dubai.
Prince of the Sea
Named after the first Arab Seaman Ahmad bin Majid, the “Prince of Sea”, is a motorized yacht which offers visitors a variety of sailing trips around the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. Introduces you to an amazing sailing journey with valuable heritage and Arabian hospitality.
Various excursions including daytime, sunset and dinner cruises offer visitors various activities covering swimming, snorkelling and the opportunity of spotting one of the rare green turtles at Al Marjan Island while enjoying delicious barbecued seafood, and watching a folkloric show with a belly dancer.
Information Courtesy Tourism of Ras Al Khaimah
