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Dubai and Abu Dhabi may have become tourist favorites, but the United Arab Emirates’ fourth-largest city, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), is working hard to establish itself as an attractive tourist destination. In recent years, RAK has demonstrated a strong policy of economic diversification, becoming a manufacturing hub for industries such as ceramics, pharmaceuticals, building materials, automotive and petrochemicals. It is the headquarters of well-known global companies such as RAK Ceramics and Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (also known as Julphar). While the existence of free zones and industrial zones undoubtedly attracts foreign investment, it is tourism that is growing rapidly. The emirate has also been named the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council.
A fusion of luxury and Arabian glamour
While some other emirates have become lavish, modern urban centers, RAK is more of a hidden gem and has tried to stay true to its roots, promising a more authentic Arabian experience for visitors. That being said, the emirate does offer a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious seaside resorts to family-friendly and affordable hotels. These include the expansive and luxurious Cove Rotana along a private beach, combining dining and relaxation with Arabian charm. Apart from Rotana, holidaymakers can also choose to stay at other world-class hotels such as the Waldorf Astoria, DoubleTree by Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, Radisson Blu and Mina Arabia InterContinental. The emirate is beautiful and diverse, including sand dunes, pristine beaches and mountains, and has a hot and dry climate for most of the year.
November to February is the best time to travel, as the temperature is usually below 30°C.
No holiday is complete without a taste of the local delicacies, so a visit to RAK means you absolutely must indulge in Emirati delicacies such as machboos (meat or fish cooked with rice and special spices) and fareed (bread stewed with vegetables). Besides local specialties, the emirate is a cultural melting pot, offering everything from Lebanese and Italian to Thai and Indian. While RAK is a meat lover’s paradise with juicy steaks and delicious roasts, it also has plenty for vegetarians and vegans. Most restaurants offer a nice mezze platter, so this should be a must when you’re in RAK.
DISCOVERRAK
If you have limited time and are looking for an exciting local experience, head to the Bassata Desert or Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp for an unforgettable Arabian experience in the sand dunes, including Egyptian dancing, fire dancers, camel riding and henna painting . One of the highlights of the experience is the authentic Arabic sauce, which includes a variety of meats, rice, hummus, and more.
For those seeking adventure sports, the UAE’s highest mountain, Jebel Jais, should find a place on your itinerary. It is recommended that you spend a full day here as there is so much to do, from hiking and mountain biking to sledding on Jais Sledder (an exhilarating sleigh ride through the mountains).
Adventure lovers should try Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline (a Guinness World Record), which returns you to the surface at about 150 km/h. Also check out Puro 1484, which sits atop the UAE’s tallest restaurant, Jebel Jais, which offers a variety of international cuisine and refreshing cocktails, not to mention breathtaking views.
Visitors can explore the region’s pearl farming history at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm established by Abdulla Al Suwaidi in 2005.
The farm is located at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains, first boarding a traditional pearl boat to go sail Walk through the mangroves to the floating pearl farm. The experience is immersive and offers fascinating insights into how pearls are cultivated and harvested.
If you want to learn more about RAK, the artifacts and antiquities housed in the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum can give you a glimpse into the region’s rich culture and history.
If you’re looking to buy clothing, fabrics, perfumes, shawls or even gold jewellery, before you head home, take a look at the local souks (local markets).
(The author is hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and IndiGo, staying at Cove Rotana)
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