The Ultimate Guide to Ras Al Khaimah!
Header image Copyright (c) Joel Anderson Photography 2011
Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates’ very own “top of the tent”, can be found on the northernmost area bordering Musandam, Oman. It is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. The capital of Ras Al Khaimah is divided into two parts by a natural creek – Nakheel and Ras Al Khaimah City. Both offering outstanding contrasts, there’s never a dull day in this emirate!
Consisting of a desert and coastal, mangroves and mountains, Ras Al Khaimah is truly a paradise for nature lovers. Here's why Ras Al Khaimah is Dubai-local’s (and resident’s) number one escape from the city.
Adventure sports
Dominating Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning scenery, the Hajar Mountains is perfect for outdoor adventure and nature lovers. With numerous activities to enjoy like hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling and mountain biking, this area is known to many as R’us Al- Jibal, or the “heads of the mountains”. The geologists find the Hajar Mountains incredibly interesting as it has the world’s greatest surface exposure from igneous rock from the oceanic crust. Aside from that, it is said that abandoned villages and remains of ancient civilization can still be found up in these mountains.
Historical
Believed to be “run with the spirits”, Al Jazeera Al Hamra is a popular site for those looking for something utterly mysterious. Al Jazeera Al Hamra is an abandoned fishing village that has slowly decayed as years passed by, ever since the source from the drinking water dried out.
Mostly known for its hill top fort, and old tombs and settlements, this village played a vital role in the history of Ras Al Khaimah. Al Dhayah Fort is a defensive military tower showcasing the remains of the war with the British forces during the 19th Century.
To know more of Ras Al Khaimah’s history through rock engravings, Al Sha’am is the place!
For one of the most picturesque wadis in the UAE, Wadi Bih has what was left of old settlements and graveyards. Here you will also find the tributary where the Jebel Al Jais Mountain Resort is built.
Cultural
An 18th Century mosque was destroyed during the British occupation and was replaced into a newer architecture. But on 2013, the Mohammed bin Salem Mosque restored back its original minara and removed any modern additions.
Enjoy a variety of traditional Arabic activities such as belly dancing, henna, falcon show, dune bashing and even an overnight stay at a desert at the Bassata Desert Village!
Relaxation
The Khatt Hot Springs are real mineral hot water springs that are located adjacent to the Hajar Mountains. Noted for its therapeutic treatments, travelers come here to relax. It is also home to an estimate of 170 archeological sites.
Enjoy winter all year long at Ice Land Waterpark! Living up to its theme, the Penguin Home Land, some of the attractions to this waterpark are Penguin Falls, Rocky Polar Mountains, Penguin Bay, Aqua Soccer, Rain Dance Pool, Arctic Wave Pool, Eddy Pond, Kids’ Cove, and Tundra Baths. Be sure to wear your swimming costume though! For more, you may visit http://www.icelandrak.com
Note from the author: This was originally posted on passportbites.wordpress.com, dated March 15, 2018
