The UAE’s best kept secret, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has been getting attention amidst a class of travellers forever on a lookout for new experiences. Concerning themselves only with Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a royal Emirati experience earlier, the travellers are now looking at Ras Al Khaimah with an awe of a new born for its ability to provide the authentic cultural experience along with a heavy scoop of luxury at the same place. Since the crowds of tourists here are still far and fewer, and the tourists magazines are still to reach its virgin vistas; the gorgeous mountain scenery of RAK seems much more breathtaking than anywhere else in the UAE.
We give you five reasons for which you should book those tickets to Ras Al Khaimah before the rest of the world reaches this amazing country:
For Marvellous Architecture
For admirers of ancient architecture, Ras Al Khaimah present enough delights. Its many forts and palaces take you back in history with their intricate designs and interesting tales associated with them. The 16th century Dayah Fort that served as a military base is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Besides, the Sheba’s Palace, allegedly the oldest palace in the UAE as well as the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah make for interesting stops during your exploration of city’s marvellous architecture. If you are looking for some thrill, visit Al Jazirah Al Hamra, a ‘ghost’ fishing village that was abandoned by the locals a long time ago. You may or may not find ghosts, but you will definitely get to see samples of 20th century Gulf architecture here.
For Exploring the Local Culture
One of the endearing qualities of Ras Al Khaimah is that it holds on to its rich culture and traditions despite the latest bout of tourism initiatives. Hence, the best way for you to explore this youngest Emirate is through its culture. You must attend a traditional camel race for a true Arabian experience. Watching scores of camels leaving trails of dust behind in a bid to outdo each other is going to be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your Ras Al Khaimah trip. You may also choose to stay at the Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp where you will live in tents made of goat hair, walk on Arabian carpets and watch belly dancing sitting on low tables while you consume grilled meat. It can’t get more Arabian then this!
For Climbing the Highest Mountain Peak in the UAE
Ras Al Khaimah is home to the Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE. You can hike to the farthest accessible point of the peak, or you can explore it in the true Emirate style i.e. on a 4×4. Whichever way you choose, be sure to be mesmerised by the breathtaking views of the city and its many landscapes below. The sharp and curvy turns on the 20km long stretch has enough fodder for a thrilling adventure. You may also indulge in rock climbing or ziplining and zoom down 300 metres from the mountain.
For Making a Splash in the Water
The first image to strike when there’s a mention of a country in the UAE isn’t of water, but desert. That is why we are here to tell you that Ras Al Khaimah presents ample opportunities to the visitors to beat the heat. The many luxury resorts of the country arrange for water activities for their visitors including jetskiing, parasailing, paddle boarding and snorkelling. You may also call the beach your friend and spend hours near the white sands and turquoise waters of Ras Al Khaimah that boast 40kms of long coastline.
For World-Class Resorts
Ras Al Khaimah is different from the more popular Emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the sense that it manages to retain its heritage even in the face of fierce development. But one aspect where it matches its glamorous neighbours and even puts up a tough fight is availability of world-class resorts. In fact, most of the tourists to Ras Al Khaimah spend hours at their leisurely resorts getting the taste of true Emirati hospitality. Some of the renowned resorts that have made a name for themselves include Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Rixos Bab Al Bahr Hotel, Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa as well as The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah.
