Ras Al Khaimah

dRas Al Khaimah – meaning the “top of the tent” is situated in the northernmost part of the UAE, bordering the Sultanate of Oman in the North and the emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah in the South and east. The city of Ras Al Khaimah is the capital of the Emirate and is divided into two parts by a natural creek. Ras Al Khaimah’s old city usually called RAK City, hosts government departments, residential neighbourhoods and markets. The other part is called Al Nakheel and is the commercial, administrative and residential part of the city. Al Hamra in the south of the Emirate is a mixed development of residential areas and hotels and also the main touristic area. Ras Al Khaimah has been home to a broad variety of cultures and civilisations for more than seven thousand years.

Ras Al Khaimah has always held a position of significance. In the past, due to its strategic geographical location, it was a centre of traditional shipbuilding and trade and more recently, it has become a centre of quarrying, manufacturing and tourism. Since 2003, the government of RAK has invested heavily in education and public utilities and has pursued an economic diversification policy, promoting industrialisation and tourism in the Emirate.

Ras al Khaimah opened the UAE’s first cement company in the early 1970s and is now the UAE’s largest producer of cement. In the 1980s, the Emirate formed Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics, which has become the world’s largest ceramics producer.

During the past few years, Ras Al Khaimah has progressed towards its goal of becoming a serious investment destination, as well as one of the top tourist draws in the Gulf Region. With its varied landscape, including pristine coastline, expansive desert, pleasant wadis and oases in the Hajar Mountains, picturesque Ras Al Khaimah was ranked sixth on magazine’s list of Top 20 Middle Eastern Cities and first on its list of ‘Cities Most Attractive for Foreign Investment,’ followed by Abu Dhabi and then Dubai.

Geography

Ras Al Khaimah covers an area of 2,486 square kms, which is about 2.97% of the total UAE land area, making it the fourth largest Emirate with the variety of landscapes. Ras Al Khaimah is an interesting and attractive area to visit. The waters of the Persian Gulf and 64 kms of sandy coastline form a natural border in the West. The Eastern part has 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 with its 1,930 m is not only the highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah but in the entire UAE. The Emirate is also famous for its palm gardens and fertile grounds, which have provided food and shelter in the region for many centuries. The red sands of the desert cover the rest of the Emirate.

Climate

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah receives year-round sunshine, little rainfall and nearly perfects winter temperatures. It enjoys a moderate, cool and refreshing climate for 8 months of the year between October and May. High temperatures can be expected for the remaining 4 months of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter (November to March) and averaging 12cms per year in most of the Emirate. Temperatures range from a low of around 12°C (50°F) on a winter’s night, to a high of around 42°C (118°F) on a summer’s day. The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah is during winter and mid-season months. The weather is excellent, warm, sunny and generally pleasant.

Attractions

As a Leisure destination, Ras Al Khaimah provides its guests with a choice of exciting activities and places of interest from water sports to desert experiences from golfing to historical sites, from complete relaxation to adrenalin rush and much more.

Bassata Desert Village

fLive the ultimate desert experience with the newly opened Bassata Desert Village! Enjoy a wide range of traditional Arabic activities with dune bashing, belly dancer, Arabic Tanoura, camel riding as well as live barbecue. The village also provides facilities to experience an overnight stay.

Iceland Waterpark

gEscaping from the heat, Iceland Water Park offers thrilling amusement to visitors of all ages. With a wide variety of games, water slides and an extensive food court, Iceland is all about having a fun time. The park also boasts of the world’s tallest man made waterfall, with facilities for guests to actually be in the midst of it!

Ras Al Khaimah Country Club

Located in the middle of a nature reserve, just footsteps away from Banyan Tree Al Wadi Desert Resort is Ras Al Khaimah Country Club. A prestige Equestrian club where adults and children starting from 6 years have the opportunity to learn horse riding by some of the finest riding instructors in the country. Ras Al Khaimah Country Club is the perfect leisure and recreational place with a restaurant and bar along with a swimming pool and a horse-riding arena, offering its guests the ultimate outdoor experience in the beautiful Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club

Under the Patronage of H.H.Sheik Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club – is a member’s club for sailing, yachting and water sports enthusiasts.

The Royal Yacht Club is instrumental in organising activities like on water events and competitions for the Marina. The Marina was the host club to the Alinghi catamaran campaign for the 34th America’s Cup and is one of the stopovers for the International off shore race Sailing Arabia Tour. The Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah is organising and hosting a round of the UAE sailing national championship.

The Al Hamra Marina’s Clubhouse was built to suit the mood and occasions for visitors and water sport enthusiasts. It is the perfect combination of dining facilities and management offices for the Royal Yacht Club.

Falcon Show in Banyan Tree Al Wadi

1One of the famous traditions in the region is raising Falcons. Ras Al Khaimah presents a unique falcon show with an exclusive rapture display in the first desert spa resort of the Middle East – the Banyan Tree Al Wadi. Housing the region’s most diverse and interactive display of Falcons, Hawks, Kestrels, Owls and Eagles, Banyan Tree invites you to be a part of the action at the Falconry Deck or just sit back and be amazed. Resident Professional Falconers fly their team of dedicated birds of prey using both traditional Arabic & “modern” Western techniques. A tour of the world class Falconry Mews, Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre, rounds off this one-of-a-kind experience in style.

Historical Sites

Experience the rich heritage of Ras Al Khaimah, which includes majestic forts and museums — each telling a story of its own. History lovers would enjoy visiting the Dhayah fort, built in the 16th century on a mountain overlooking the Gulf, to fight the British troops.

The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, built in mid of the 18th century during the emirate’s invasion by Persians, was originally the house of the Royal Family until 1964. It includes a number of ancient ornaments, discovered in the Emirate and is considered the wealthiest monumental museum in the UAE.

Water Sports

With a number of beaches and modern equipment, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect destination for water sports. With a wide variety of activities, choose your favourite sport from scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and fishing. Treat yourself to a Kayak excursion on the sea or in the mangroves, where the natural surroundings offer an unforgettable experience.

Light Aviation

It can truly be an amazing experience to fly lightweight airplanes or powered parachutes and please your eyes with the magnificent views of the desert, sea and city area of Ras Al Khaimah. This exciting experience is safe and suitable for every one of normal health.

The Jazirah Aviation Club, established in 1998, is the first Micro light and LSA flying club in the UAE, which is approved by General Civil Aviation. With fleet of 50 different flying machines, the club provides exciting excursions for tourists. The Excursions include Micro-light flying, Gyrocopters, Powered Parachutes & more.

Archery

3Looking for some action with bow and arrow? The Archery Range of Banyan Tree Al Wadi and its tented deck is the perfect location to be guided by professional instructors on the basics of this ancient sport that will challenge your strength and accurateness. The recreational team will make sure that both children and adults will enjoy this exclusive activity.