Ras Al Khaimah: Authentic Arabian Experience

When travellers think of the United Arab Emirates, they usually picture shining cityscapes, bustling nightlife and luxury shopping destinations, but located less than one hour north from Dubai International Airport, the enchanting Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah awaits those who wish to escape to a truly authentic arabian experience. With its crystal waters, stunning natural surroundings, rich cultural history and myriad things to do, this northernmost emirate continues to grow as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations for all the right reasons.

With year-round sunshine, mild winters and diverse natural landscapes, including golden sandy beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and rugged mountain ranges, Ras Al Khaimah eagerly invites visitors to explore its stunning vistas. For sun seekers who simply want to enjoy a leisure day on the shimmering waterfront, Ras Al Khaimah’s 60 kilometres of scenic coastline and marine views are sure to impress. On the man-made archipelago of Al Marjan, consisting of four picturesque coral-shaped islands, breathtaking beaches are accompanied by world-class facilities, luxury resorts, hotels and clubs.

For treasure hounds and time travellers alike, Ras Al Khaimah presents an idyllic destination for true culture enthusiasts, immersing visitors in over 5,000 years of visible history and heritage. You’re able to saunter through the Old Town, along the seashore and up the main street of Sidroh, where open-air marketplaces, known as souks, offer traditional arabian merchandise at bargain prices, including textiles, handicrafts, herbs and spices.

Whether you are interested in desert safaris or authentic camps, camel riding or falcon shows, fishing, water sports or all of the above, Ras Al Khaimah provides visitors with an array of genuine arabian activities and adventures to enjoy. Interact with Arabian Gazelle, Oryx and other unique wildlife on a dedicated nature reserve, or catch spectacular falcon shows at Banyan Tree Al Wadi desert resort and spa.

For lovers of the great outdoors, the Hajar Mountains provide the perfect terrain for a wide variety of mountain sports and activities, including kayaking, climbing, camping and biking. Or spend Alladin-esque nights by a roaring campfire in the desert at Bedouin Oasis, an authentic recreation of traditional Bedouin life with real goat’s hair tents, soft cushions on the warm sand and an underground oven for an evening barbecue with mezze platters and freshly baked bread.

If you prefer to be pampered in the lap of luxury, treat yourself to a traditional hammam bath, massage, facial and body treatment at The Spa at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa. Or, take a blissful break amidst the rolling sandscape at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi’s new Spa Sanctuary Tented Pool Villas, with a wide selection of soothing massage treatments to choose from. Treatments at the Banyan Tree Spa can also be complemented by The Rainforest, an award-winning, exclusive hydrotherapy facility infused with time-honoured Asian wellness philosophy and traditions. For peace and quiet, the lush greenery and well maintained landscapes of Saqr Park in Ras Al Kaihmah’s Kieran area provide a perfect place to unwind and relax for the evening. For those wishing to escape to a truly authentic arabian experience, where nature, culture and adventure all meet in one place, Ras Al Khaimah welcomes you.

Edith Zamora

From 2^nd February 2016, Qatar Airways will offer flights to Ras Al Khaimah, with services available from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh via Doha, as well as connections from Birmingham (commencing 30^th March 2016). Click here for more information.