A GUIDE TO Introducing Ras al Khaimah

Unique in its character and the experiences it offers, Ras Al Khaimah is globally connected yet authentic, mixing gorgeous beaches, mountains and desert scenery with luxury resorts all in one place. Whether you want to relax, indulge, actively explore or discover the heritage and ancient traditions – or a blend of some or all of these – Ras Al Khaimah offers a combination of activities and experiences available nowhere else in the UAE, despite being just 45 minutes from the global hub of International Airport.

Being so varied, Ras Al Khaimah appeals to all types of travellers, including couples, groups of friends, families, beach-lovers, adventure seekers and culture vultures (its rich history goes back some 7,000 years). Its fabulous choice of hotels and resorts similarly embraces something for all tastes.

Population 417,000 Official language Arabic

Country UAE Time zone GMT +3

Currency Dirham (AED) Flight time JHB - DXB 8 hours 15

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Ras Al Khaimah is home to the highest Ras Al Khaimah has a rich history dating back mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais, standing tall to the Bronze Age. It’s one of the few places in at 1,934 metres high. the world that has been continuously settled for over 7,000 years.

The emirate boasts 64km of white sandy beaches with clear blue water and watersports The abandoned fishing village of Al Jazirat Al aplenty. Ride a banana boat, go body boarding, Hamra, just outside Ras Al-Khamah city, is a or even master the arts of wakeboarding. fascinating insight into local life before the booming oil industry.

The Arabic name ‘Ras Al Khaimah’ means ‘top of the tent’, referring to its location in the Northern most part of the UAE. Recipe: Machboos

Ras Al Khaimah’s cuisine is known for its delicious dishes and recipes passed from one generation to another. Being seafarers and merchants for centuries, the local people brought exotic plants, spices and recipes from all over the world. Therefore, traces of Indian, Egyptian, Iranian and Turkish influences can also be found in local dishes. The food in Ras al Khaimah is reminiscent of wider UAE food traditions. Here’s how to make the national dish of the :

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon curry powder, medium or hot • 4 teaspoons cooking oil • 3 bay leaves • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 tablespoon paprika • 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped • 4 cardamom pods • 4 fresh tomatoes, chopped • 4 cloves • 2 chicken stock cubes • 5 black peppercorns • 1 whole skinned chicken, cut up • 1/4 tablespoon crushed dried lemon • 700ml water • 1 cinnamon stick, broken into a few pieces • 390g basmati rice, washed in water a few times

METHOD Prep: 20min › Cook:1hr › Ready in: 1hr20min

1. Mix the curry powder, bay leaves, paprika, cardamom, 5. Once the meat is fully cooked, and enough salt added, cloves, black peppercorns, crushed dried lemon and add the rice. Bring it up to the boil, stir it every 2 minutes cinnamon stick into a small bowl. for approximately 5 minutes. Then turn the gas down to the lowest flame possible, put a lid on and allow it to slowly 2. Add the cooking oil to a frying pan and fry the onions simmer, stirring every 3 minutes. As the rice is cooking, the on medium heat. As the onions are almost half way to water will slowly disappear. becoming brown, add the bowl of spices to the onions and mix together well. 6. When you can see the water is almost completely gone, taste the rice to see if its fully cooked. If the rice is 3. After approximately 1 minute, add the chopped garlic. still not fully cooked, add a little drop of water, allow it to Once the onions are brown, add the tomatoes, chicken cook further. Taste again, and continue this process until stock cubes and chicken. Fry the chicken until its fully the rice is fully cooked (carefully add a little water at a time sealed. Continue to fry the chicken for about 4 minutes on to avoid soggy rice) medium heat after the meat is sealed. 7. Once the rice is fully cooked then it's simply a case of 4. Add the water, stir well and simmer until the chicken just serving and enjoying! is no longer pink at the centre, stirring every few minutes. Taste the juice and add salt accordingly. Action-packed adventures

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES: WATER ADVENTURES:

The majestic mountain range of Al Hajar With 64 kilometres of stunning coastline, Ras offers myriad adventure activities, including Al Khaimah is the ideal location for water mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking. activities and the clear blue seas provide the Standing as the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel perfect conditions for mumerous motorised Jais is also home to the world’s longest zip and non-motorised water sports, including line – the Jebel Jais Flight, where you will scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and water reach speeds of between 120-150kph over skiing. For nature lovers, don’t miss the its 2.83-kilometre course. Jebel Jais is also chance to kayak in the mangroves – it’s sure home to the Middle East’s first commercial to be an unforgettable experience. Via Ferrata, where you can get your blood pumping with three thrilling zip lines as you DESERT ADVENTURES: traverse over 1km on this exciting mountain adventure. The golden-red terracotta sands of the desert offer the perfect environment for a variety of For less adrenaline-fuelled pursuits, the activities, including four-wheel drive safaris, as Viewing Deck Park lets you watch family and well as camel and horseback riding. friends take on the Jebel Jais Flight whilst you relax with a refreshing drink and a bite to eat. Featuring seven viewing decks complete with twelve binoculars, you’ll be able to marvel at the superb vistas of the glittering Arabian Gulf and Al Hajar Mountain valley below. Fascinating culture

SUWAIDI PEARL FARM: ICONIC LANDMARKS:

For a glimpse into the emirate’s incredible era Explore Ras Al Khaimah’s captivating of pearling, don’t miss a trip to Suwaidi Pearls landmarks and historical sites, such as – it’s the only pearl farm in the region that Dhayah Fort and Mohammed Bin Salim offers an insight into this unique tradition. Mosque, in addition to its wealth of Located at the foot of the majestic Al Hajar fascinating museums and galleries, including mountain range in the northern town of Al the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum. , your excursion starts as you board a traditional pearling boat to reach the pearl BEDOUIN OASIS CAMP AND farm itself. The undoubted highlight of your tour though will be the array of immersive BASSATA DESERT VILLAGE: activities that are on offer, including an oyster opening experience, a fascinating mangrove Enjoy a magical desert experience at tour and a traditional lunch in the village. You the Bedouin Oasis Camp - an authentic can even enjoy an underwater dive to find and reproduction of Bedouin life just as it used keep your very own pearl. to be. Take a thrilling drive across the sand dunes in a 4x4 or enjoy a camel ride, before rounding off your incredible day with a traditional Arabic dinner and entertainment around the campfire. You can also choose to stay overnight and sleep under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent. Another place to indulge in the ultimate desert experience is the Bassata Desert Village, where you can enjoy a wide array of authentic Arabic activities, including belly dancing, falcon shows, camel and horseback riding, and a stunning sunset barbecue dinner. Family-friendly fun

Boasting a wealth of fantastic family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, Ras Al Khaimah’s luxurious accommodation offers great value for money, with 5* hotels available at 4* prices.

Many of the adventure activities here are suitable for all the family, including the Jebel Jais zipline, where there are no minimum age requirements; only weight and height restrictions apply. The beaches are lovely and swimmable, and the emirate is regarded as being extremely safe for tourists, making it the ideal choice for your next family holiday. Spending Money

How much should you expect to pay for the regular everyday necessities during a trip to Ras al Khaimah? As of May 2020, R5,06 = 1 UAE Dirham

100AED 7.50AED 10AED

Three course meal for two Bottle of beer Taxi starting price

8.50AED 2.20AED IDR 50,000 One way-ticket on local transport 1 litre of petrol Our recommendations

Take a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique experience of Ras Al Khaimah.

“I stayed at the amazing Waldorf Astoria. It was originally built as a palace, and the generous rooms sizes reflect this. With the beach one side and the golf course the other, and with a new shopping mall a short walk away. The hotel is well placed to enjoy all that Ras Al Khaimah has to offer as a beach destination, but travel inland and you are greeted by desert and mountains.

In the desert we watched the sun go down with a glass of fizz and had a falconry display, followed by an evening of traditional entertainment and food at a Bedouin oasis camp.”

Natalie, Travel Counsellor

“From discovering ancient traditions and fascinating culture to being able to take part in some of the most exciting activities in the UAE – Ras al Khaimah truly offers something for everyone. I can’t wait to go back!”

Joseph, Travel Counsellor www.travelcounsellors.com Travel Counsellors Pty Ltd, 11th Floor, Norton Rose Fulbright House, No 8 Riebeek Street, Cape Town, 8001 Registered in South Africa under company number 2007/010456/07 VAT Registration Number 4580237768