Ras Al Khaimah is, perhaps, one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the entire United Arab Emirates. Ostensibly at a disadvantage from the beginning, Ras Al Khaimah has overcome their lack of oil reserves in order to become one of the quickest improving economies in all of 2019. Despite the setbacks that the coronavirus pandemic is prepared to cause, there is a reason for optimism coming from within the borders of Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah relies on a mixed economy due to its lack of oil discovery. As a result, diversification has been intrinsically important throughout the region’s long history. The economy of Ras Al Khaimah is comprised largely of three primary sectors: real estate, tourism, and building materials. From Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics to the Jebel Jais Zipline, there are reasons aplenty for the continued growth of RAK, including the efforts pushed forward by His Highness Sheikh Saud, one of the strongest voices in support of a booming tourism-based economy.
As the world looks toward reopen following the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, international travelers will want to set their sights on a few of the following locations.
Top Destinations to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is home to more than 7,000 years of invigorating culture and history. Home to continuous inhabitation for over seven thousand years, Ras Al Khaimah has been home to a variety of stunning historical moments. From the happenings of the Pirate Coast to the skirmishes fought against British Forces at Fort Dhaya, you can barely turn your head without seeing somewhere fascinating to visit.
While our list of favorite destinations in Ras Al Khaimah isn’t exhaustive, it should definitely give you a great headstart on your planning!
1) Jebel Jais – One of the most striking aspects of Ras Al Khaimah is its diversity of topographical peaks. The Jebel Jais mountain range sits over 1,930 meters above the sea. With a gorgeous view in every direction, you owe it to yourself to visit the legendary peak at sunrise or sunset. There is a long winding road that you can navigate yourself up and close to the summit. As long as you don’t mind making sharp turns, you should be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful drives on the entire planet. For travelers that want to take a quick ride down, consider going on the Jebel Jais Sky Tour. The Jebel Jais Zipline is one of the most harrowing and thrilling ziplines on the face of the planet!
2) Suwaidi Pearls Farm – The history of Ras Al Khaimah must always trace back to its pearl-diving roots. When Ras Al Khaimah couldn’t prosper as an oil-based nation, the residents of the country took to the sea. The Suwaidi Pearls Farm was established by Emirati Abdulla Al Suwaidi in 2005. The first-ever farm of its sort on the Gulf, the Suwaidi Pearls Farm harvests the Pinctada Radiata, or Gulf Pearl Oyster. Al Suwaidi’s family line can be traced back to the 12th century where they also dove for pearls, carrying on the family craft up until the 20th century. Visitors to the Suwaidi Pearls Farm will enjoy an interesting and beautiful look into some of RAK’s most honored traditions.
3) Jazirat Al Hamra – You can’t really see Ras Al Khaimah for what it is until you see the emirate for what it was. Jazirat al-Hamra is a small and out-of-the-way fishing village with roots dating back to the 16th century. As one of the most pristine historical coastal villages in the U.A.E, you will be floored to see just how much history still remains from years past. The village has since been abandoned with nature left to slowly creep back overtop the old buildings. The village has been empty since 1968, though the dry and arid conditions of Ras Al Khaimah have left the establishment almost pristine.
4) Shimal – Today’s focus has been on history, so we shall close out with another great historical destination. Shimal may not look like much at a glance, but this tourist destination is incredibly significant to historians. Located just north of RAK City, Shimal is a small village located at the base of the Hajar Mountains. Home to pre-Islamic tombs dating back to 2000 B.C., there is much yet to learn from the village of Shimal. With great views and history at every angle, you should carve out a large portion of your day to properly take in this destination.
