Ras Al Khaimah Zones

Ras Al Khaimah has a unique archaeological legacy and archeological excavations and finds in the region have revealed the existence of a settlement with an advanced civilization that carried on trade since 5000 BC. Within its territory, the emirate combines the coast, the fertile agricultural plains, the desert and the mountains. Each of these environments has given rise to different lifestyles: the traders, fishermen and pearl divers of the coast. Ras Al Khaimah is a blessed rich rugged land with lofty mountains, fertile plains, sandy deserts, coastal areas, lush green plains, historical sites, creeks and lagoons all of which call for celebration.

Attractions:

The mountains of RAK, a unique natural feature, rose to a height of 2000 meters. Plenty of pretty wadis traverse through the mountains. Starting from Wadi Buh, these steep sided valleys go towards Masafi and then to a row of wadis like Ghayl, Shawka, Assumes and so on. The terrain is tough, rocky and challenging, calling for some adventurous trekking.

The mangroves that flourish in and around RAK city are an added attraction. These mangroves run northwards along the coast in sheltered inlets and teem with birds and sea life. Considered to be the most fertile emirate, a town close to the main city of RAK, Digdaga, has a very big modern agricultural farm. Fruits, vegetables, milk and poultry are supplied to the other emirates from here. The sea around RAK too abounds in tuna fish. The mountains have enabled the setting up of stone quarries and cement factories.

To the west of Digdaga, the impressive red dunes run in a northerly direction. Camel camps, farms, oasis and beautiful valleys are added values on the desert pass. Nestled in the lee of the mountains in the north of RAK, Shamal has several tombs whose historical background dates back to about 4,500 years ago. The modern village of Shamal houses the palace of the Queen of Sheba.

Leisure and sports:

There is a close relationship between the nature of RAK and the pastimes and activities practiced in the region. The long range of mountains extends as far as the Mossandam peninsula. The Khatts springs oasis is famed for its hot springs of sulphuric water, which has relaxing and therapeutic properties. A lovely tourist attraction surrounded by palm trees, which add to the beauty and charm of the place, the Khatts Springs is also home to almost 170 archeological sites and many tombs. The Khatts Springs Resort is a major tourist attraction.

For ski enthusiasts, the RAK Water Skiing Club is the perfect place. Situated in the area of Khuzam, the club provides all necessary equipment for practicing the pleasant sport of skiing. The Emirates Center for Diving and Water Sports offers the charm of scuba diving in the Persian Gulf. The RAK Shooting Club, a 20 minutes drive from the RAK Airport has a vast rifle field to test shooting skills.

RAK also has one of the UAE's best camel tracks in the Al Sawan area. A ten-kilometer track, it is equipped with a modern round platform situated at the end of the racetrack. Races are run from the middle of September to the end of April every year. Golfing being another added attraction for tourists; the Tower Links 18-hole Golf course provides challenges for all standards of play.

Nestled between the Hajjar Mountains on the East and the Persian Gulf on the West, sharing mountainous borders with the Sultanate of Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah ranks fourth among the seven emirates of UAE in terms of area. Covering an area of 656 square miles (1700 km²), Ras Al Khaimah is in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

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The Emirate Ras Al Khaimah is a fascinating and a relaxing haven offering calm blue seas with clean white beaches, dramatic desert dunes and the majestic Hajjar Mountains. It has numerous fascinating tourist landmarks, beautiful wildlife conservations and sanctuaries and golf courses.

Recent archeological excavations show that Ras Al Khaimah was the seat of ancient civilizations. The Ras Al Khaimah Museum displays old clay ecstasies, which are believed to be the oldest relics of their kind ever found in UAE. Some of these relics date back to the sixth Millennium B.C.

The city was historically known as Julfar. Sources say that Julfar was inhabited by the Azd during the eighth and ninth centuries AD, and that the houses of the Azd were built of wood. The famous Arab navigator, Ibn Majid of Ras Al Khaimah, aided Vasco due Gamma in his historical voyages to India across Cape Horn. He was the author of many books too. Ras Al Khaimah remained for centuries stead fast in its resistance of foreign invaders and navies, as testified by the old forts, which spread in various strategic parts of Ras Al Khaimah.

In the early 18th century the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) established itself in Ras al-Khaimah. After British occupation (18 December 1819 - July 1821), Sheikh Sultan ibn Saqr al-Qasimi signed in 1822 the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate keeping the Ottoman Turks out. Like Ajman, Dubai, Umm al-Qaiwain and Sharjah, its position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state. In 1869 Ras al-Khaimah became fully independent from Sharjah. However from September 1900 to 7 July 1921 it was re-incorporated into Sharjah, its neighbour; the last governor became its next independent ruler. On 11 February 1972 Sheikh Saqr ibn Muhammad al-Qasimi joined the United Arab Emirates.