WHAT TO DO

What to do in Abu Dhabi
What to do in Dubai
What to do in Sharjah
What to do in Ajman
What to do in Umm al Qaiwain
What to do in Ra's al-Khaimah
What to do in Fujairah and on the East Coast
Sport
What's On?
Tour Operators

Ra's al-Khaimah

Ra’s al-Khaimah, the most northerly emirate on the UAE’s west coast, lies on a fertile palm-filled plain overshadowed by the precipitous Hajar Mountains. In the north-east, close to the emirate’s border with the Sultanate of Oman, the sheer rocky slopes seem to rise straight out of the sea.

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. The old fort housing Ra’s al-Khaimah National Museum and the old souq are located in the western section. The port Mina Saqr, lies to the north of the city.

View Larger Map

1. Chill out: Ra’s al-Khaimah is a popular relatively quiet holiday destination with a selection of good hotels, great beaches and golf courses. The Hilton overlooks the Creek and is within walking distance of the city centre. Its sister hotel, Hilton Ra’s al-Khaimah Resort & Spa, is set in a private bay with extensive leisure and beach facilities. A number of other five-star beachside resorts have sprung up in this scenic emirate in recent years; try Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort (with golf course on the doorstep) or the Cove Rotana Resort
2. And if you are still not chilled enough, indulge in the Rainforest Experience in the spa at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi , or try your hand at falconry, horse-riding or camel-riding here. The resort is in a spectacular inland setting.
3. There is plenty of opportunity in Ra’s al-Khaimah for fantastic mountain, wadi and desert adventures but do take the necessary precautions and consult the experts. . About 25 kilometres from the city, a new road runs up the Jebel Jais mountain cluster, which rises to 5,700 feet. Bring your fleece, the summit was covered in snow in January 2009!

4. Behind the Police Headquarters in the old town, the National Museum is in a truly delightful fort, residence of the ruling family until the early 1960s. The museum houses an intriguing collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts – a visit here will give you a real sense of time and place, particularly the maritime past of the region . At one stage, in the early nineteenth century, these shores were controlled by the Qawasim, who had built up a fleet of over 60 large vessels and could put nearly 20,000 sailors to sea. Their activities eventually provoked a British offensive to control the maritime trade routes between the Gulf and India. The fort and harbour were bombarded by the British in 1810 and the area was invaded in 1819 prior to the signing of a General Treaty of Peace between the sheikhs of the region and the British in 1820. The museum also contains finds from the significant archaeological sites in the emirate.

5. Having learnt a little about its history, soak up the leisurely atmosphere of the traditional Old Town
The souqs are well worth a visit, particularly near the fishing port.

7. Visit the scenic reconstructed Dhayah Fort about 15 kilometres from the town. This is a strategic military fortification that played a major role in the history of the UAE. The fort overlooks the village of Shimal, also the location of a significant archaeological site. Nearby, remarkable gold pieces that were hung around the neck were found in long narrow tombs from about 4,000 to 3,300 years ago.

8. The traditional hot springs at Khatt are very popular with the local population. These are due east of the airport and close to Digdagga, a major agricultural area supplying fruit and vegetables to the other emirates. Roadside stalls sell local produce.

9. Archaeological sites in Ra’s al-Khaimah include Julfar, a major medieval trading centre where merchants from east and west came to purchase precious pearls. But as with many of these sites, there really isn’t much for the uninitiated to see on the surface here. On the other hand, Jazirat al Hamra, on the coast between Al Hamra Fort Hotel and the Cove Rotana Resort, where there are ruins of abandoned old stone houses.

Return to top / Return to Recreational Centre - Main Index