Sightseeing in Ras al Khaimah - what to see. Complete travel guide

Ras al-Khaimah, the most northern and smallest emirate, is a tourist center of global significance. It has many unique features, due to which it has gained fame and popularity. Nowadays, the picturesque emirate attracts admirers of very different kinds of recreation. The variety of landscapes situated on the territory of 1 700 square meters should be primarily noted. There are large desert areas that are so typical for the United Arab Emirates, as well as green oases buried in exotic plants and being a location of the most popular resorts.

Today, fertile lands are covered with spacious plantations. Visitors of the emirate have an opportunity to walk along picturesque orchards. Of particular interest for vacationers is a coastal zone of the emirate. The total length of beaches of Ras al-Khaimah is more than 60 kilometers. Almost all plots of the coast are built up with large hotels. The coastline of the emirate is a single extensive resort and entertainment center.

Taking into account the diversity of landscapes described above, different kinds of recreation are available for guests of the picturesque emirate. There, you can peacefully relax at the coast or do a positive introduction to scuba diving, go for a walk along the desert or take a closer look at flora and fauna in one of the tropical forests, enjoy natural splendor far from noisy resort districts or immerse into the bustle of lively streets. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Known historically as a prosperous trade center, the emirate was located at the crossroads of significant trade routes. The first settlements in the area, where the emirate is located now, appeared in the prehistoric period, what is evidenced by multiple archaeological finds. For travelers, the region is interesting not only due to its first-class beach hotels and nature attractions, but also multiple great markets and shopping centers. Admirers of excursion tourism will be impressed with a diversity of historical sites and unique archaeological expeditions.

One of the main symbols of the emirate is healing thermal springs called Khatt. Within the area around springs there is an upscale wellness center that attracts guests from all over the world. The Khatt district is famous for its picturesque landscapes and relaxing atmosphere. This resort area is popular with older people and tourists who prefer calm recreation.

Shopping admirers are more interested in the center district of the emirate where they can visit amazing markets and shopping malls. The supermarket called Carrefour is at the peak of popularity. It still remains the oldest shop in Ras al-Khaimah, as there you can buy absolutely everything you want. Also, the diversity of culinary venues should be noted. In the emirate, there are different culinary directions. Small street cafes and outdoor stands where you can buy cheap and interesting treats, such as pizza, kebab and pastry, are quite popular with most of tourists.

Over the past decades, the tourist infrastructure of the emirate has significantly changed. Today, this is a location of upscale resort hotels. Travelers can visit fully equipped beaches, excellent water parks and many other venues where they can enjoy wonderful family recreation. This is important to take into account that Ras al-Khaimah is one of the free emirates in terms of local laws and rules, so foreign guests won’t feel uneasy and confused.

A visit to the National Museum is an essential part of any vacation in Ras al Khaimah. The museum is open in a beautiful old fort that was built yet in the 18th century. Right from the moment of its building and until 1970, the fort was the main residence of local rulers. Later, it was decided to turn it into a large cultural center. Nowadays, the fort exhibits the collection of a large museum that includes ethnographic, archaeological, historical, and art artifacts. This is the place where one can see unique findings of local archaeologists that were discovered in an ancient port nearby.

Travelers interested in exciting water entertainments will find it amusing to visit Ice Land Aquapark. The complex started as an aquapark and steadily turned into a multifunctional entertainment center. Nowadays, it features not only swimming pools and water slides but also numerous restaurants and cafes, and even a large shopping center. The aquapark has become internationally famous because of a gorgeous manmade waterfall, the height of which is 36 meters. There is also a beautiful artificial water reservoir with coral reefs.