The Hidden Gem of The United Arab Emirates
Location:
The United Arab Emirates is a country that is renowned for its spectacular modern cities, luxurious shopping and impressive man-made structures. The UAE is also home to several hidden gems, such as the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It is located on the northern tip of the UAE, directly across the straits of Hormuz from Iran. Ras Al Khaimah is a destination that has a lot to offer visitors, from stunning natural landscapes to historical sites and luxurious hotels and resorts.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of seven Emirates that form a part of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is located to the south east of the Arabian Peninsula. The other six Emirates include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain and Fujairah. You can travel by car easily in one day to every Emirate because the roads in the UAE are so well maintained.
Economy:
Oil has not never been discovered in Ras Al Khaimah, therefore the Emirate needed to establish a far more diversified economy. They have successfully established strong tourism, service industries and real estate sectors. This is reflected in the warm and positive attitudes in the Emirate, which welcomed over a million visitors in 2019.
We visited Ras Al Khaimah recently and were immediately impressed by its beauty and unique charm. We are sharing our experiences in this incredible destination because it might encourage our readers to pack their bags and take a trip to Ras Al Khaimah.
Even though Ras Al Khaimah is a welcoming and liberal emirate a visitor should be culturally aware and equipped with essential information when planning your trip. If you keep in mind at all times the country is cultural conservative it will prevent most anxious moments.
Exploring The Natural Landscapes
Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty is beyond description because it is so different than most other vacation destinations. The emirate boasts of vast desert landscapes, jagged mountain ranges, and stunning coastal vistas.
Unexpected Mountains:
One of your stops should be the Jebel Jais mountain range. It is the highest peak in the entire UAE. The mountain is a sight to behold. The drive up to the top is a thrilling experience. It might also be described as a nail bitter because of the many twisting turns to the top.
The winding road that leads to the summit offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Be sure to stop at the various viewpoints along the way to take photos and enjoy the scenery. At the top of the mountain, you will have a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Unexpected Adventure:
Jebel Jais is also home to the world’s longest zipline, which is the perfect activity for an adrenaline junky.
The Hajar Mountains’ are a natural wonder too. This rugged mountain range offers some of the best hiking trails in the UAE. There are several routes that range in difficulty from the very easy to the very challenging. The Wadi Shawka trail is one of the local favorite because of its winding paths through lush green valleys and towering cliffs. The trail also leads to the Shawka Dam. This is a very picturesque spot where you can relax and take in the scenery.
Unexpected Beaches:
The emirate is also home to several stunning beaches, including the Al Hamra Beach at the Bin Majid Beach Hotel. The beaches offer soft white sands, crystal clear waters, and an array of water sports activities in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Ras Al Khaimah Historical Sites
Ras Al Khaimah has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The emirate is home to several historical sites that provide a glimpse into the region’s past. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is the hands down favorite, partly because it is housed in a 200-year-old fort. The museum has many exhibits showcasing the emirate’s history, including weapons, jewelry, the natural pearling industry and traditional costumes.
Another “must see highlight” is visiting the Al Jazirat Al Hamra Old Town. The town is a well-preserved traditional Arab village dating back over 200 years. The buildings are made of coral stone. The narrow streets offer a glimpse into the region’s past. The town is an excellent place to explore on foot. Here, you can also visit the restored Al Hamra Fort.
A Luxurious Stay
Ras Al Khaimah is home to several luxurious hotels and resorts that offer visitors a taste of Arabian hospitality.We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort! This beautiful resort is located in the heart of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, just a short drive from Ras Al Khaimah City. If you are looking for a luxurious and peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the perfect place for you. It will probably be unlike any other resort in which you have stayed. It was that way for us too.
Accommodation:
The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, each equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, a spacious bathroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rooms are spacious with beautiful Arabic decor, and most importantly, each one is detached from the others, providing ultimate privacy. Guests can choose from traditional villas or modern tented pool villas. The pool villas are particularly impressive because the each have a private pool overlooking the dunes.
Activities:
The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort offers a wide range of activities. These activities include horse-riding, camel riding, archery, and even falconry, the national sport of UAE. The resort offers personalized experiences for everyone, including nature walks, wellness sessions, bird-watching walks, biking,
and much more.
Arabian horses have always played an intrinsic role in Emirati culture. They are seen as a symbol of pride and nobility. Ras Al Khaimah’s love of the Arabian horse goes back centuries with the Bedouins and their equestrian talent. Arabian horses are celebrated in poetry, immortalized in myth, recorded in religious books and famed for their endurance, strength and loyalty. The handsome horses are considered one of the purest breeds in the world. They have a wide flat forehead, soulful brown eyes, a broad, slightly turned-up nose, long, erect ears, a slender neck and a gloriously shiny mane.
Dining:
The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort offers a range of dining options. They include the modern Kaheela Restaurant in the main building complex. This Moorish Restaurant is also located here. The Farmhouse Restaurant is a farm to garden restaurant. It has a rustic, western mountains of North Carolina vibe. The Farmhouse restaurant, however, is surrounded by desert sand.
Spa:
If you are looking for relaxation, you can unwind at the Ritz Carlton’s tranquil spa. You can choose from a range of treatments, all designed to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
In summary:
The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort is the perfect blend of luxury and nature. The location, the surroundings, the attention to little and big details can make it one of the most special travel experiences of your life. The perfect escape from the city, a peaceful retreat for your mind, body, and soul.
The hotel also has a private beach, several swimming pools, and a spa that offers an array of treatments. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf or the Hajar Mountains. The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the emirate’s beauty in style.
Conclusion
Ras Al Khaimah is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you love adventure, history, or luxury, this emirate has it all. From the stunning natural landscapes to the rich history and luxurious hotels, Ras Al Khaimah is a hidden gem that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. I hope that our experiences in this incredible destination have inspired you to pack your bags and discover the beauty of Ras Al Khaimah for yourself.
