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With the varieties of landscapes, Ras Al Khaimah is an interesting and attractive area to visit. The waters of the Persian Gulf and 64 km of sandy coastline form a natural border in the West. The Eastern part has a spectacular mountain range called the Ru’us Al Jibal. It is part of the Hajar Mountains, which start in the Musandam Peninsula and run as far south as Sur in Oman.
Located just 45 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and being well connected by Airport and the National Highway, Ras Al Khaimah enables easy stopovers as well as extended holidays. With its splendid natural treasures and recreational choices, Ras Al Khaimah is a picture-perfect leisure destination that is a must for travelers, looking for the real essence of Arabia.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Travel Guide
Travelers looking for a destination with year-round sunshine, sweeping white sandy beaches, soft adventure and world class resorts are invited to visit Ras Al Khaimah, the northern most emirate of the UAE and located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Ras Al Khaimah is a unique destination for visitors of all ages. With its 416,600 population this rising emirate boasts of beautiful mountains, red sandy desert and lush green plains along with a series of creeks and lagoons. It has a rich heritage dating back 5,000 years, which manifests in numerous historical sites, forts and abandoned villages. The Emirati culture is omnipresent in Ras Al Khaimah and you will be welcomed with the warm Arabic hospitality wherever you go.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) as a Tourism Destination
The Origins of the name Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)
Ras Al Khaimah - meaning the “top of the tent”
The name Ras Al Khaima has not been recorded in old transcripts despite the fact that areas within the emirate such as Joulafar, Rijam and Al Khail have written antecedents. It could be that the name itself is modern or that it is old but not transcribed in history books.
According to Handhal, the other name for Ras Al Khaimah is "Al Seer", which some researchers believe comes from Serah, an old Portuguese name for mountain. Another theory asserts that Seer means "the dynasty" of the Al Qawasim tribe. The grandfather of the Al Qawasim tribe was Qayid Bin Adwan, who set a Khaimah (or tent) at the entrance of Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Budoor tells a tale of a town leader who always noticed that when men went out on a fishing or hunting trip, found it difficult to locate the city while trying to return. To solve this problem, he set up a Khaima with a flag, to help the men pinpoint its location. A statue of an old Khaimah or tent still stands at the roundabout at the entrance of the emirate and the name probably comes from the tent of Shaikh Qayid, Handhal says.
There are legends associated with the name, Handhal explains. "Once upon a time, 2,000 years ago, the Queen of Sheba came to this part of the world and built a tent on top of a mountain. It was said that the Queen resided in the area for some time." Consequently, the area was named Ras Al Khaimah after her stay in the tent.
Historians also refer to old ruins on top of one of the mountains, which were called Qasir Al Zaba'a or Palace of Al Zaba'a.
Engage while in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)
Ras Al Khaimah offers a variety of entertainment and relaxation facilities including exclusive Hotels & Resorts, international cuisines’ restaurants and selective spas, all at great value for money.
With a wide range of activities covering Watersports, Sailing Cruises, Desert camps, Golf courses and Mountain Adventures, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah presents an ultimate outdoor experience for residents and visitors alike. 64 kilometers of coast line with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches are a heaven for all sun-seekers.
Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra - Dubai: 106 Km - 65 mins
Al Hamra - Yas Island: 220 Km - 120/130 mins
Al Hamra - Dubai Int APT: 95 Km - 65 mins
Al Hamra - Al Makhtoum APT: 150 Km - 85 mins
Al Hamra - Abu Dhabi Airport: 230 Km - 130 mins
Al Hamra - Liwa: 384 Km - 210/220 mins
Al Hamra - Sharjah: 112 Km - 60/70 mins
Al Hamra - Ajman: 72 Km - 40/50mins
Al Hamra - Umm Al Quwain: 45 Km - 30 mins
Al Hamra - RAK Old City: 7 Km - 15/20 mins
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (IATA: RKT) Established in 1976, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is midway between Europe and the Far East and is the gateway between Ras al Khaimah and the world. It operates passenger and cargo services to a variety of destinations covering Europe, the Middle East, North & East Africa, Central Asia, Sub-continent and the Far R. The airport began in April 2007 an extensive expansion program including a significant upgrade of the passenger terminal building, public transport infrastructure, and the building of new cargo terminal with state of the art facilities. The Airport is located about eighteen kilometers from the city.
Population: 416,600 (2014 Estimate)
Area: 959 square miles (2,486 sq km)
Ras Al Khaimah Borders
North: Sultanate of Oman / Persian - Arabian Gulf
West: Umm Al Quwain
South: Fujairah
East: Indian Ocean (also called Oman Gulf) & Fujairah
Ras Al Khaimah Port Saqr Port's main activities are its cargo handling interests. Fast, efficient cargo handling and reliable distribution are the key elements to Saqr Port’s reputation for quality. Saqr Port is the major middle east bulk port for bulk cargoes, aggregates, oil and cereals. It has a good commercial and warehousing property portfolio which supports a thriving business community.
 UAE Tourism Guide Ras Al Khaimah |  UAE Tourism Guide Ras Al Khaimah |
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 UAE Tourism Guide Ras Al Khaimah |  UAE Tourism Guide Ras Al Khaimah |
 UAE Tourism Guide Ras Al Khaimah |  UAE Tourism Guide Ras Al Khaimah |
The only RAS AL KHAIMAH EVENT AND TRAVEL PLANNER SOURCE. Find detailed and technical information on Hotels, Venues, Activities and more in Ras Al Khaimah