Best At Dubai Holidays

Where? We hear you ask and no surprise as few people have heard of the northernmost point of the United Arab Emirates, tucked in between the Hajjar Mountains on the east and the Persian Gulf to the west, but it has just about everything necessary to make it a top holiday destination and that is just what this emirate has set out to achieve with a strong desire to become an affable and authentic Arabic destination offering a top-class and hugely diverse holiday experience. Although steeped in history, and occupied by the British in the 1800s, Ras al Khaimah is relatively unknown to the UK holiday-maker, but that is changing as it gains popularity and the destination works towards becoming ‘Top of the Emirates’. A Ras Al Khaimah holiday is ideal for those who love deserted white beaches, lapped by calm blue seas, or the more adventurous who seek wildlife conservation areas and sanctuaries. With its incredible history and architecture it is an exciting destination for those looking to broaden the mind further and Ras Al Khaimah tours take you to places of immense interest going back some 200 years BC. With more than 25 miles of outstandingly beautiful beaches it is easy to stay under a palm tree, although there is the opportunity to try camel-racing, golf, and water-sports, which are plentiful, and not many other holiday hotspots offer the chance to rocket into space. That is exactly what Ras al Khaimah is planning with its £200million investment into a commercial spaceport that is aiming to be a leader in space tourism. The main city has a population of around 300,000 and has undergone an amazing amount of modernisation.

That said the traditional life centred on fishing, trading and agriculture is still prevalent and the fusion is almost seamless. Nakheel and Old Ras al Khaimah are either side of a creek and make up the city, each with their own unique character to give the visitor a wide-ranging experience. The old quarter is bristling with shops selling local and designer goods, tax free too as there is no sales tax on goods bought within the UAE. Restaurants are an experience in themselves and it is well worth checking out the traditional Shawarna fare, consisting of a mixed grill of meats with grain and vegetables, spicy and well priced for the budget traveller and low in calories. This also applies to the many chicken stands, whose chicken is eaten with Khubz bread, hummus and relishes, but alcohol can only be consumed in hotels. In between meals a visit to the Ras al Khaimah museum, Dhayah Fort, Shamal and Sheeba's Palace and the ghost town of Jaziret Al Hamra while away the hours so easily and enjoyably. Dhayah Fort is the only surviving fort in the UAE and more history, artefacts and arts are found at the national Museum, ensconced in the former palace of the ruling al Qawasim family. Shamal and Sheeba's Palace is home to the tombs and ruins of an old palace. The old city and souq (market) is a bustling centre with artisan workshops and a mix of modern and traditional shops. A popular three-week festival is held each December or January in the heritage village of Al Awafi, with the highlight being the exhilarating sand dune rides by 4x4. A petting zoo is a popular diversion for the children while music and dancing is a constant. Yachting regattas are frequent with plenty of chances for you to go sailing or just cruising off-shore, with diving snorkelling and lazily swimming a leisurely option. Ras al Alkhaiman has a little bit of everything for everyone, and it’s welcoming locals only add to this magical destination. Flights go into two main airports, with Dubai a 40-mile drive away and Oman the other side of the mountain range. Typically of the Middle East, the weather goes from warm to scorching, although nights can get cool. Now is the right time to go before the secret is well and truly out, although it is unlikely that once you get back you will be able to keep the delights of Ras al Khaimah to yourself.