Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly emirate, Ras Al Khaimah has a unique abundance of flora, so it is no surprise that agriculture is important to the local economy. The emirate also benefits from its stone quarries, and fishing, which is plentiful in the rich waters of the Gulf. Its area takes about 2478 Kilometers which is equal to 3.16% of the total area of the UAE.

It shares the borders with the emirates of Um Al Quawain, Fujairah and Al Sharjah, in addition to, the borders with Sultanate of Oman. It lies to the farther north of the UAE and extended along the Arabian Gulf shore adjusent to the strategic strait of Hermiz. Thus, it is the first of the emirates that overlooks on the entrance of the Arabian Gulf which enables it to have a distinguished natural and geographical location. Relatively, its maritime coast is long which allows it to be a center for maritime and commercial business across the continents sine a long time. Furthermore, it has good mountain ranges, large desert areas and green agricultural areas. Ras Al Khaimah is famous for many important historical antiquities whose history related with many of the events that the region had witnessed and played an important role in formulating its development and future.

Ras Al Khaimah may not be as well known as its UAE neighbour, Dubai, but that’s precisely what makes it a uniquely compelling destination for travellers looking for something a little different. The most northern of the country’s seven emirates, this hidden gem offers a truly authentic Arabian experience, from its golden beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta deserts, to the towering Hajar mountains bordering Oman. As well as its boundless natural attractions and activities, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a number of ancient archaeological sites, giving visitors a fascinating insight to a rich culture that still runs through the very heart of the local population.

Ras Al Khaimah - means the “top of the tent” and is situated in the northernmost part of the UAE (coordinates 25°47′N 55°57′E). It borders the Sultanate of Oman in the North and the emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah in the South and East. In land area, Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth largest Emirate covering an area of 2,486 square km, which is about 2.97 percent of the total UAE land area. With its varied landscapes, Ras Al Khaimah is an interesting and attractive area to visit. The waters of the Persian Gulf and 64 km of sandy coastline form a natural border in the West. The Eastern part has a spectacular mountain range called the Ru’us Al Jibal, which is part of the Hajar Mountains, starting in the Musandam Peninsula and running as far south as Sur in Oman. Formed more than 70 million years ago, the mountain range incorporates Jebel Jais, which at 1,930m is not only the highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah but in the entire UAE.

The Emirate is also famous for its palm gardens and fertile grounds, which have provided food and shelter in the region for many centuries. The red sands of the desert cover the rest of the Emirate. The City of Ras Al Khaimah is the capital of the Emirate and is divided into two parts by a natural creek. RAK City is the old part and mainly consists of government departments, residential neighborhoods and markets. The other half of the city is Al Nakheel which has more of a mix of commercial, administrative and residencies. Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island in the south of the emirate are mixed developments of residential and tourist facilities.