
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Ras al-Khaim – translated from Arabic “top, head of the tent” – takes us to the days when the fire, lit at the highest point, served as a reliable beacon for sailors.
The northernmost of the seven emirates has abundant greenery, making Ras Al Khaimah one of the most beautiful places in the UAE without exaggeration. It is located in the far north of the emirates. The favorable climate and fertile soils have made it a real flourishing oasis on the border of the mountains, which come close to the seashore.
The capital of the emirate – the city of Ras Al Khaimah – is divided into two parts by the Khor Ras Al Khaimah Bay . These parts are connected by a large bridge built across Al Khor to streamline the traffic flow between the parts.
According to GRE Test Centers, the nature of the emirate is characterized by lush vegetation, and the significant water resources available here are used to grow vegetables and fruits. Although the contribution of Ras Al Khaimah to the economy of the UAE is small, it can be said that the emirate is very determined to improve the economic mechanism.
History and Geography
Considered the oldest in the country, Ras Al Khaimah is located next to the Strait of Hormuz at the eastern end of the Arabic-speaking world. Scientists and archaeologists have convincingly proved the fact of the origin of early civilizations at the location of Ras Al Khaimah. Its importance as a seaport was well known from the coast of Bombay (now Mumbai), India, to the main trading ports of East Africa.
This emirate with a population of over 150 thousand people is famous for its rich trading past. Here was the ancient city of Julfar, previously known as a flourishing pearl trade center. Nowadays, this city is a site of active archaeological excavations.
Port of Ras Al Khaimah was recognized as the first on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, the local residents were considered the best navigators. It is no coincidence that navigation was one of the first professions here, which, in particular, was confirmed by archaeological finds of 4-5 thousand years ago.
Ras Al Khaimah is surrounded by the emirates of Sharjah, Um Al Quwain and Fujairah, and also shares a common border with the Sultanate of Oman. Ras Al Khaimah is the capital of the emirate. It is divided into two main parts: the old Ras Al Khaimah on the west side and the Al Nakhil area on the east, which are connected by a modern bridge. Between them is a bay where sea ships anchor.
Attractions
The old city of Ras Al Khaimah is a wonderful place for walking. The charm of the old market is especially unique.
The most interesting attraction that attracts the attention of tourists are conical towers, used in the old days to protect the emirate from enemy raids. These towers are today memorials that remind us of the glorious historical past of Ras Al Khaimah.
In the old part of the city there are residential buildings, schools, educational institutions, as well as sites where archaeological excavations are carried out, ancient forts and clock towers. The Al Nakhil area houses the Emir’s Court, government offices, schools, hospitals, markets, the Exhibition Center, etc.
Here it is National Museum. Its exposition consists of excellent photographs of the Hajar mountains, ancient household items, ancient jewelry, fragments of ancient vessels, incense smoking vessels, and bronze items. Also in this area are some government offices, while the eastern part, known as Al Nakhil, is the office of the Ruler, government agencies and commercial firms.
Another area is called Al Hamranya, where Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is located, the Haat tourist area southeast, and the Masafi area, famous for its natural drinking water.
One of the attractions is a hot spring in the town of Hatta, whose water enters the pool for taking healing baths (admission is paid, separate for men and women).
Fort Falaya is also worth a visit, where a treaty was signed between the British and local sheikhs in 1820. It stands east of the internal road running from Al-Nakhil to Haran
Entertainment
A few kilometers from the emirate is the Dreamland water park. This water park was built recently and is considered the largest in the Middle East. Both adults and children will be delighted with the rides. Swimming pool with artificial waves, “Erupting Volcano”, “Black Hole”, “Kamikaze”, “Lazy River” and others. Kids will be able to splash around in the children’s pools, slide down the children’s slides. In the near future, we will witness the bright and rapid rise of this quiet region in the economic and social life of the country.
The city of Ras Al Khaimah is very beautiful and can offer tourists entertainment on the water, walking in the mountains or admiring the twinkling stars in the bottomless black sky.
There is no such sky in our latitudes. But what prevents us from admiring it in the United Arab Emirates?