National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
The National Museum of Ras al-Khaimah looks after all aspects of Ras al-Khaimah's rich heritage. The Collections consist of archaeological material mostly from excavations conducted over the last 20 years; ethnographic material depicting the traditional way of Ras al-Khaimah's people and natural history specimens such as shells, fossils and rocks.
The building was originally used as a fort in the 17th century. Now it houses a collection of archaeological artefacts, natural history displays of pearls and rocks and displays telling the history of the people of Ras Al Khaimah.
Inside the square of the fort is an amazing garden, where you can sit and listen to the call to prayer in the afternoon, which gives you a real feel for the place. The entry fee is two dirhams per adult and one per child, but if you wish to take photographs you will have to pay an extra five dirhams -- well worth it.
Khatt Hot Springs
Just 20 minutes drive from RAK City, through the lush green agricultural land in Digdaga is the oasis town of Khatt that lies at the foot of the mountains. The resort consists of three natural springs of hot mineralized water, which reaches temperatures of 40 C. Visitors can relax in the therapeutic pools and enjoy the other facilities.
The recent renovation and development of the natural hot water springs in the famous tourist and agricultural area of Khatt to include private pools with attached treatment rooms, plus a café is open for visitors.
The springs healing properties attract many Gulf residents and it has become a tradition and locally popular family picnic location.
The waters of Khatt Springs reach a depth of 90 feet under ground level with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Centigrade. Owing to its mineral content and heat, the water is said to have medicinal benefits for skin ailments such as rheumatic diseases and muscular problems.
The area has grown quite famous and is now visited by people from all over the world for treatment of Dermatoses and Rheumatic ailments.
The spring’s facility will offer additional Spa service by Ayurveda which are complimented by the thermal water. The Ayurvedic treatments will be done by a team of expert doctors and therapists from the world renowned Center par Excellence for Ayurveda.
The word Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit words - 'Ayur' meaning life, and 'Veda' meaning knowledge. This traditional Indian life science is the oldest form of traditional medicine known to man, dating back 3500 years. |
|
Mussandam Peninsula
Mussandam is dramatic and un-spoilt, with breathtaking natural scenery. It is called the ‘Fjords’ of the Middle East with good reason, a trip to Mussandam, is a trip your not likely to forget in a hurry.
As the mountains gain altitude and drop impressively in to the Straits of Hormuz, in the surrounding areas you will see ancient settlements and rock carvings, and abandoned tombs.
The country side ranges from mangroves, sea level sabkha (salt-flats), gravel plains and desert to stunning mountain scenery and the famous ‘fjords of Arabia’, where the mountains plunge steeply into the clear waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Check you have your passport with you to cross over the border, as the area is under Oman control. Therefore if you are touring the area carry your passport with you. We invite you to discover Khasab Fort, Khor Najd Beach or take a Dhow trip along the coast. You are almost guaranteed to see dolphin at any time.
Wadi Bih
Rising to a spectacular 1,000m Wadi Bih is considered to be the ‘Grand Canyon’ of the UAE, offering some of the most amazing views in the country. Starting from the clock tower roundabout in Ras Al Khaimah, visitors can enjoy hiking mountain biking and camping in this area. Wadi Bih can also be reached from the East Coast, the Dibba – Masafi Highway. As you will be near to the border check point, remember to carry your passport with you. There is plenty to see close to Wadi Bih, such as deserted villages, other smaller wadi areas, the carved smooth face of the rock accompanied by a surprising amount of greenery, compliment majestic views of the great outdoors.
Wadi Asimah
A favorite mountain excursion today is along Wadi Asimah, from close to Al Ghail on the edge of the desert area, below the Village of Asimah. Sunny valleys, narrow gorges, lush plantations and gardens, combine with wadi bashing at its best. The village of Asimah is striking lovely, clean and slow paced village. It’s so pleasing to see the children playing in the streets and old folks chatting under the shade of a tree or outside their homes.
|
Dibba
Hiking from the village at Wadi Khab A’ Shamis, which is situated north of the Zighi turn off will provide you with some amazing views down over the East Coast and Dibba.
Jazirat Al Hamra
Jazirat al-Hamra (Red Island) is the last authentic and traditional town still standing in the UAE. Once a small island, its inhabitants subsisted on maritime and pearling trading before they abandoned their houses in the middle of the 20th Century, when the rush to modernize started. An undisturbed picture of life before the discovery of oil is left behind and preserved until today. This whole area is unique for Ras Al Khaimah and for UAE, its shows all the elements of a traditional town, including fortress for the defense purposes, several mosques and a variety of house types. It is one of the best places to study traditional coral stone architecture used along the coast of the Arabian Gulf.
Dhayah Fort
Ras al Khaimah’s rich archeological legacy is distinguished by some unique features and historical attractiveness such as old forts and watch towers scattered along its coasts line. One of these important forts is Dhayah Fort located north of the Al Rams Town. Dhayah has always been a very fertile area and has been settled at least since the third millennium BC. Records show that the Fort, appears to have been built during the 19th Century on the foundations of much older structures. It is the only hilltop fort still in existence in the UAE. Upon climbing to the top, visitors are rewarded with a fantastic view of the lush palm gardens below, the Arabian Gulf to one side and the dramatic Hajjar Mountains to the other. |
|
Sheba’s Palace and Shimal
Much less ancient, though still of a respectable age, is the hill fort immediately above the village of Shimal, know as ‘Sheba’s Palace’. In the reality this fort has nothing whatsoever to do with the Queen of Sheba, who died more than 2,000 years before it was built. So great was her fame in Arabia that her name is often linked to ancient ruins built long after her time. The Palace ruins are accessible via a modern stairway which follows the original medieval approach. It is the only ancient Islamic palace know in the UAE and dates back to the days of Julfar, once the most famous and prosperous trading town in the whole lower gulf.
Dhow Boat Building
Ras Al Khaimah’s fortunes in days gone by were built sailing of dhows. These sturdy wooden boats, made by hand can still be seen in Ras Al Khaimah on the Maarid Beach. The people of Ras Al Khaimah were always great seafarers and their history has been shaped more by the seashore rather than on land. From the earliest of times the people of ras al Khaimah used their boats to fishing, pearling and these transporting their trade as far away as Africa and China.
Parks and Gardens
Saqr Public Park is located in the Suheelah area of Kharran, it has a highly colourful children’s play area. Kharran with its closely built single storey houses, the main street is a hive of activity despite the traffic making its way to the agricultural region the airport. This vast expanse of greenery offers gaming facilities for the whole family. Kharran is also a farming settlement, the goats being as much at home in the main street as the people, and all to ready to jump on the roofs of conveniently parked cars to browse the overhanging Graf trees. |
