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Ras Al Khaimah Why Ras Al Khaimah? Location and Facts • The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah lies on the northern end of the UAE, on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It shares borders with the emirates of Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Fujairah, as well as with the Sultanate of Oman from the South and Northeast. • Its coastline, being long in distance, makes it an important center for maritime navigation and commercial activity since ancient times. • Covers approximately 1,684 km², which constitutes 3% of the total area of the UAE. • Population: 300,000 Climate The weather in Ras Al Khaimah is hot and arid during summers and mild in winter. The average temperature is 18 to 25 °C (64 to 77 °F) in January and 29 to 43 °C (84 to 109 °F) in July. However, temperatures often reach 45 °C in summer, with the highest recorded temperature standing at 48.8 °C (119.8 °F). Humidity is usually high in the summer months. Rains and thunderstorms occur rarely and only in winter. Snow has been reported twice in the high mountains of the emirate. Temperatures as low as -3 °C have been measured at the peak of Jebel Jais. Ras Al Khaimah Landmarks RAK National Museum Dhayah Fort RAK Pearl Museum Khatt Springs Hajar Mountains Saqr Park Iceland Waterpark Jebel Jais Landmarks RAK National Museum The Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum is located in a fort that used to be the residence of the ruling family up until the early 1960’s. The museum houses an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts. The Qawasim Room on the 1st floor is particularly interesting for its collection of documents, manuscripts and treaties between the rulers of Ras Al Khaimah and Great Britain. There are also exhibits of traditional weapons belonging to the ruling family and archaeological displays about the earliest settlers in the area up to the late Islamic period. The museum's ethnographic section displays traditional life in the emirate, including architecture, pearl diving, date growing, farming and fishing. Dhayah Fort This 16th century mud-brick fort was built on a strategic hilltop facing the Gulf. As a defensive military tower, Dhayah Fort played an important role in the history of Ras Al Khaimah. Other ruined fortifications and watchtowers can be seen towards the south of the hill. A battle in 1891 between the emirate and British forces resulted in the destruction of much of the fortifications here. Landmarks RAK Pearl Museum Ras Al Khaimah was once known for its Pearl diving industry. The Pearl museum does justice to this through its fascinating display of equipment used for diving and harvesting of pearls, along with some magnificent collection of pearls. Khatt Springs Khatt Springs is an area of mineral-rich hot pools, where the water is noted for its relaxing and therapeutic properties. The resort lies amidst a palm-tree strewn oasis, backed by mountains. It is a popular attraction for locals as well as tourists. The surrounding area is home to approximately 170 archaeological sites. Items uncovered in the area include prehistoric tombs and 19th century mud-brick fortification towers that point to the long and continuous settlement of this area. Landmarks Hajar Mountains The rugged and raw Hajar Mountains presents a wonderful contrast to the Ras Al Khaimah landscape and creates a majestic area to head out on a nature-themed day trip. With the surrounding desert characterised by constantly changing rust-coloured sand dunes, the mountains on the other hand feature an awe-inspiring jagged surface. The Hajar Mountains are of great interest to geologists as they have the world's greatest surface exposure of ophiolites (igneous rock from the oceanic crust). The highest point of the mountains is Jabal Yibir (Yiber Mountain) standing at 1,537 m. Saqr Park A favourite of local families as well as visitors, Saqr Park was Ras Al Khaimah's first amusement park. It is the perfect place for kids to run wild for a few hours, with a roller-coaster and Big Splash Ride to keep them entertained. Landmarks Ice Land Waterpark Ice Land Water Park is heaven on a scorching hot day, thanks to its ‘Arctic’ themed rides. If you don't fancy the crowd, steer clear on weekends when the park is packed with families all trying to escape the summer heat. The water park is spread over an area of 103,000 m², with attractions such as the Penguin Home having a capacity of up to 10,000 guests. Besides traditional water park rides, it offers other unique attractions such as Penguin Falls – said to be the world’s largest man-made waterfall; the Rocky Polar Mountains with the largest assortment of waterslides; Penguin Bay; 6000 m² of rain dance pool; a one-of-a-kind Aqua Soccer; and Coral Isle - a snorkeling pool. Amongst other thrilling experiences are the Arctic wave pool, Tundra Baths, Eddy Pond and the Kids Cove, a dedicated area for the kids. The waterpark also offers a variety of dining options via a foodcourt and souvenir shops to take home fun items from this fun trip. Park Timings: 10am - 6pm, Daily Landmarks Jebel Al Jais Standing tall at 1,910 metres, Jebel Al Jais is the tallest mountain in the UAE and lies within the border with the Sultanate of Oman. The most thrilling way to reach this mighty mountain is to embark upon a road trip with family & friends. According to estimates, the road cost the emirate a whopping 300 million dirhams. Even though it has only been a while that the road was opened, it has already become quite popular amongst long- boarders, sightseers and enthusiastic drivers. There are a good number of viewing points along the way that are worth stopping for pictures. Once at the top, the views are simply breathtaking. Ras Al Khaimah Events & Festivals Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Terry Fox Run RAK Awafi Festival RAK Ramadan Festival Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival Events & Festivals Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon February The RAK Half Marathon is the world’s fastest half marathon and one of the few races in the Middle East that has been certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathon and Distance Races). Since its inception in 2007, the RAK Half Marathon has brought the world’s fastest runners and local community together to participate in the region’s leading half marathon. www.rakmarathon.org Terry Fox Run RAK Ras Al Khaimah Corniche The yearly charity run is organized to support cancer research in the UAE. The event is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE. The event is open to the public and all money raised is donated to the UAE University in Al Ain for continuing Terry Fox Run-funded Cancer Research projects. The run is held on the RAK Corniche. www.facebook.com/TerryFoxRunRAK Events & Festivals Awafi Festival Winter The event features a host of popular sporting championships that bring together teams representing various UAE companies, institutions and communities. A football tournament is also held at the Awafi Stadium and a Jiu Jitsu championship at the closed hall of the UAE Club in Saih Al Brairat. “Arm wrestling" and "bench press" championships are the other highlights of the event. RAK Ramadan Festival Ramadan RAK Ramadan Festival is an important event for both residents and tourists during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This event presents a set of activities such as a children’s circus, heritage shows, and an exhibition that showcases the UAE’s hand-made products tradition. Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival February Launched in 2013, the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival is organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The four-day event is attended by Emirati and expat Arab artists. It includes two exhibitions of photography, movies and painting, with the participation of several photographers, artists and Emirati short and documentary movie directors. Ras Al Khaimah Recommended Hotels Rixos Bab Al Bahr Waldorf Astoria Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa Marjan Island Resort & Spa Banyan Tree Al Wadi The Cove Rotana Resort Al Hamra Residence & Village Recommended Hotels Rixos Bab Al Bahr Perfect for families, All-inclusive package Located on the pristine beach of Al Marjan Island, Rixos bab Al Bahr is a combination of modern luxuries and traditional Turkish hospitality. The resort comprises three pyramid-shaped buildings that architecturally stand out. The resort if 70 km away from Dubai Airport and 25 km away from Ras Al Khaimah’s city centre. Hotel amenities include: • 650 rooms and suites enjoying spectacular views of the crystal blue Arabian Gulf • One of the resort’s pyramids is a dedicated adults-only zone and configured into suites to suit larger group of friends and couples • Rixy kids club (4-12 years) includes daily activities such as arts & crafts, magic show and cinema • Sports tournaments and indoor soft playground area • Teen’s Republic (10-19 years) features X- Box 360, Playstation, pool table, electronic darts, table soccer, and board games such chess, checkers, Jenga and UNO, INTERNET ACCESS WITH LAPTOP • The spa features comprehensive spa treatments, Turkish Hammam, sauna, steam room, ice fountain and pool Recommended Hotels Waldorf Astoria Family friendly Inspired by the palaces of the Arabian Peninsula, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah brings the legendary true Waldorf service to the charming beachfront location that is ideal for leisure getaways and weekend escapes.