Ras Al Khaimah is nestled on the outer edge of the United Arab Emirates. As one of the seven collective Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah has a tendency to be overlooked when it comes to international travelers and tourists. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are sure to be more well-known on an international level, Ras Al Khaimah is quickly blooming into a sparkling gem of a country to visit. Let’s take a long walk through the history of Ras Al Khaimah as well as the burgeoning tourism industry fueled by RAK ruler Sheikh Saud. By the end of our discussion, you should have a more comprehensive understanding of Ras Al Khaimah as well as the tourist destinations within it.
Understanding An Ancient Land
First and foremost, Ras Al Khaimah is as old as any spit of land in the entire region. According to historical scholars, Ras Al Khaimah has been home to continual human habitation for more than 7,000 years. Due to the age of the region as well as its constant inhabitation, Ras Al Khaimah has become a true treasure to archeologists and historians looking for a more comprehensive understanding of our world. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah has never had a government beholden to the oil industry. As a result, the emirate has had to flourish by embracing the concepts that make it unique, including the rich history of the region.
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its hot desert climate with scorching summers and typically mild winters. Due to the nature of the environment, travel to Ras Al Khaimah is almost always easy and welcome. Whether you are looking to get away from winter in your home country or you simply yearn for a warm and beautiful destination, Ras Al Khaimah will welcome you.
The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is headlined by its capital city of the same name. The city of Ras Al Khaimah, also referred to as RAK City, is home to just 115,949 people. As the capital city of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK City is where most travelers set their sights when exploring the region. When compared to Dubai’s population of more than 3.31 million people, RAK City almost feels quaint. Yet despite its smaller size, RAK City offers quite an enjoyable experience for travelers to the region.
Visiting Ras Al Khaimah in 2020
By this point in time, you are probably ready to pack your suitcase and book your flight. With that being said, we need to take some time to help you maximize your trip to Ras Al Khaimah. As an older and historically relevant country, there are many amazing places that you should set your sights on. Aiding your endeavors is the fact that ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi has been putting a renewed focus on embracing tourism in the region. Let’s highlight a few interesting places that you should check out thanks to this newly booming tourism industry.
1) Jebel Jais – If you are going to spend any measure of time in Ras Al Khaimah, you must set your sights on Jebel Jais. Jebel Jais is a segment of the Hajar Mountain Range. Located just under 35 miles northeast of RAK City, Jebel Jais sports a newly opened road straight to the top of the tallest mountain in the UAE. If you can stomach the height you will be rewarded with one of the most astonishing vistas in the entire country.
2) Dhayah Fort – For a taste of the historical aspect we highlighted above, make sure to schedule time at the Dhayah Fort. This historical relic is located a short drive out of RAK City where the structure has sat since the 16th century. The Dhayah Fort was famously utilized in the battle of 1891 which featured RAK soldiers confronting British forces. Take the 200-step walk up to the top of the fort to get a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains.
3) Desert Safari – There are no shortages of desert safaris being offered in RAK City, so make sure to do your research when signing off on a package. Many of the desert safari tours in the city will have you visiting an authentic Bedouin Oasis after spending a day riding camels, sandboarding, and enjoying authentic Ras Al Khaimah traditions.
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