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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Ra’s al-Khaimah
Ra’s al-Khaimah, the most northerly emirate on the UAE’s west coast, has an impressive 64km shoreline. This is backed by a fertile palm-filled plain which is overshadowed by the precipitous Hajar Mountains to the east. In the north, close to the emirate’s border with the Sultanate of Oman, the sheer rocky mountain slopes seem to rise straight out of the sea. The area of the emirate is equivalent to 2.2 per cent of the UAE’s total landmass. Ra’s al-Khaimah also possesses a number of islands including those of Greater and Lesser Tunb, occupied by Iran since 1971.
A winding creek, Khor Ra’s al-Khaimah, divides the city of Ra’s al-Khaimah into two distinct areas connected by a large modern bridge. A road to the south also joins the two parts of the town along the water’s edge. The old fort housing Ra’s al-Khaimah National Museum and the old souq are located in the western section, Old Ras al-Khaimah whilst the eastern area, Al Nakheel, is where hotels, offices and modern shops are to be found, mostly on Oman St, between the Hospital and Cinema roundabouts.
Despite many new developments, the city retains an old-world sleepy atmosphere, accentuated by its low rise buidlings. For centuries Ra’s al-Khaimah depended on seafaring, fishing and agriculture and these occupations are still important today, but with a distinctly modern twist. Digdagga in the fertile hinterland is now a major agricultural area supplying fruit and vegetables to the other emirates. Mina Saqr, to the north of Ra’s al-Khaimah City, is an important modern port and, fishermen from the traditional fishing district of Rams now ply their trade in motorized fishing boats. Stone quarrying in the mountains and oil production from the offshore Saleh field have also helped to fund prosperity.
A new port is being built to the west of the city and the coastlinebetween the city and Umm al Qaiwain to the south is undergoing extensive development.
National Museum of Ra’s al-Khaimah (07 2333411 nmrak@emirates.net.ae)
Situated behind the Police Headquarters in the old town this is a truly fascinating fort, residence of the ruling family until the early 1960s. The museum houses an intriguing collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts.
Old Town
The Old Town is a delightful area to take a walk and soak up the leisurely atmosphere of a traditional centre. The souqs are well worth a visit, particularly near the fishing port.
Around Ra’s al Khaimah
The island of Hulaylah, Julfar, Kush, Shimal, Dhayah and Ghalilah are all important archaeological sites to the north of Ra’s al-Khaimah City. Digdagga agricultural area with a camel race track, Khatt, a hot springs and Nud Ziba are all located to the south.
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