Ras Al Khaimah Hotels

Ras Al Khaimah Rundown

Beyond a shadow of a doubt and with good cause, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai overwhelm the global conversation on the United Arab Emirates. Despite the impressive hegemony of the handsome capital and the shiny home of the Burj Khalifa, however, one must not lose cite of the fact that the Persian Gulf state is made up of seven emirates. From Sharjah to Fujairah, Al Ain to Jebel Ali, the rest of the U.A.E. deserves a nod too. ... Read more »

Ras Al Khaimah, or the “Top of the Tent”, is a critical enclave of the country on the border of Oman. Home to under 300,000 people, the emirate is a short drive from the likes of Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Dubai. Despite the dearth of conspicuous mega-projects and ambitious real estate endeavours, the city of Ras Al Khaimah has some latent allure as a temporary deviation from the U.A.E.’s perpetual all-stars. Primary points of interest in the northern emirate congregate between the Old City and Nakheel. The two precincts on either side of a small waterway provide favourable glimpses of the Hazar Mountains; that most blatant topographical anomaly in the vast Arabian Desert landscape. Attractions of note in Ras Al Khaimah include Shama and Sheeba Palace, Jazirat Al Hamra, Al Qasimi Corniche, the National Museum and Ras Al Khaimah Suq.

RAS AL KHAIMAH'S TOP 10

10. Saqr Park is ground zero for leisure and recreation in Ras Al Khaimah.	5. Shama and Sheeba Palace contain medieval royal ruins and tombs.
9. Manar Mall is arguably the most popular congregation point in the city.	4. Jazirat Al Hamra is a legacy town with some impressive ruins.
8. Al Qasimi Corniche Road borders the Persian Gulf.	3. Ras Al Khaimah Old City is diminutive but unfurls some fine heritage architecture.
7. Ras Al Khaimah Suq is a vital nerve centre and the place to hunt for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.	2. Al Falayah was the one-time summer residence of the powerful Al Qawasim family clan.
6. Dhayah Fort is the only hilltop citadel in the United Arab Emirates.	1. National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is the foremost archive and cultural institution in the emirate.

RAS AL KHAIMAH EVENTS

Awafi Festival is one of the premier annual events in the United Arab Emirates. The spring bash commemorates the ethnic and cultural heritage of the country via myriad theatre performances and outdoor sports events held in the Awafi district of Ras Al Khaimah.

WHEN TO GO

Like the rest of the United Arab Emirates and the Persian Gulf, Ras Al Khaimah has a telltale arid climate with scant rainfall and very high temperatures throughout the year. Conditions on the fringes of the desert can come as quite a shock in July and August, when temperatures soar past 105°F (40.5°C) on a regular basis. For those accustomed to milder climates, precautions in the face of the oppressive midday heat are a must.

Nonetheless, December to February offers some welcome relief. Winter temperautres range from 57°F (14°C) to 79°F (26°C) and early spring and late fall are reasonably comfortable as well.

GETTING AROUND

Ras Al Khaimmah International Airport is puny in comparison to the mighty airline hubs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai but offers some international flights of note. Routes on offer include Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Istanbul, Muscat, Milan-Malpensa, Cairo, Chittagong, Doha, Jidda, as well as various charters throughout continental Europe.

The emirate city is a relatively short drive from Dubai (1 hour, 15 minutes) and Abu Dhabi (3 hours, 15 minutes).

Visitors will need to rely on a private car or taxi for transport within Ras Al Khaimmah proper.

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