Ras Al Khaimah: History, Places to Visit, Location & More

Ras Al Khaimah has developed into a popular tourist destination because it is not as populated as the other cities in the Emirates and yet it has the desert, the hot weather, the city life and the beaches. Ras Al Khaimah is also known for its historical and cultural importance, the adventure activities an avid tourist can take part in, the natural landscapes that are mesmerizing in their essence and for other family friendly amenities.

History

The history of Ras Al Khaimah dates back to 7000 years ago. It is believed to be the oldest place and the place longest settled in. It is rich in the archaeological remains of sites that are scattered all over. The Umm Al Nar tombs, Sheba’s Palace which is the oldest palace in the Emirates, Shimal burial sites called the Wadi Suq. The location of the place was convenient for developing trade and commerce in the regions, as per the Mesopotamian evidences. The excavations from Wadi Suq, Umm Al Nar and Haffet are now exhibited in the Ras Al Khaimah Museum. In those days, pottery trade from the Ras Al Khaimah region was the most important form of trade for hundreds of years.

5 Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah

1. Jebel Jais Mountain

• Jebel Jais mountain is at a height of 1934 metres and it is the highest peak in the Emirates.
• You can have great views of sunset and sunrise from the mountain.
• The mountain has the longest zipline that attracts tourists from all over the world.
• You can get picturesque views of deep gorges, canyons, hairpin bends on the mountain that gives scope for world class photography for photo enthusiasts.
• You can allot four to five hours to this trip.

2. Jazirat al-Hamra

• A visit to this rustic village will take you back to the 16^th
• The village showcases the lifestyle of Arabians before the discovery of oil.
• It is the oldest coastal villages where the inhabitants make their living through fishing and pearl diving.
• The coral black huts along with the shops, towers, mosques and schools offer a wonderful scenic view.
• You would require two to three hours to visit the village.
• There is no entry fee to enter this village.

3. Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum

• The national museum has a vast collection of historical and archaeological artefacts.
• This is a great place for history buffs. Visitors are fascinated and mesmerized with the heritage it represents through the excavated findings.
• The museum’s exhibits throw light on the fact that Ras Al Khaimah has a rich history of 7000 years.
• The Natural History Room at the museum displays weapons, costumes, jewellery, clothing, sea creatures, equipment of farming, fishing and date farming.
• The Qawasim Room contains a lot of documents, manuscripts between Great Britain and Ras Al Khaimah rulers.
• The Ethnography room exhibits the life of the Emirati people with insight on date growing and architecture.
• The timings for the museum are Monday to Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm.
• You need to allot two to three hours for the visit.
• The entry fees for adults are AED 3 and children are AED 2.

4. Shimal

• Shimal, the small hamlet in the Ras Al Khaimah has a great historical importance.
• Tourists are interested to visit the small village near the Hajar Mountains.
• It has many pre-Islamic tombs in the area and many items like weapons, pottery, beads and stone vessels were unearthed during excavations.
• The visitors are awed to find the circular tomb of the Umm al Nar times.
• The Husn al Shimal Fort perched on the hill top is a landmark in this place.
• This is a great place for history buffs.

5. Hajjar Mountains

• The Hajjar Mountains are a picturesque backdrop to the Ras al Khaimah.
• The place is a great source of attraction to the tourists for its wonderful scenic views.
• This area is also called ïRuÍus Al-JibalÍ meaning Head of the Mountains in the local language.
• The majestic landscape around is covered with sand dunes and endless desert.
• Tourists get a magnificent view of the desert from the top of the Hajjar Mountains.
• Jabal Yibir is a noteworthy point for geologists, at a height of 1537 metres, a highest point in the mountains which is also visited by tourists from all over the world.

6. Dhayah Fort

• This is a hilltop fort in the UAE.
• When the British attacked Ras al Khaimah in 1819, this fort was a point of refuge and for keeping up the resistance against the Britishers.
• The fort was demolished by the Britishers but it was later rebuilt with brick and mortar.
• The way to the fort zigzags up to rich palm gardens and a mesmeric view of the mountains and the sea.
• The fort is located on the Rams-shaam Road in Ras al Khaimah.
• The timings are 9 am to 5 pm but the fort is closes on Fridays and Saturdays.

Location

Ras Al Khaimah is located in the north east of Dubai. The distance is 130 kilometres. It is an easy way to travel from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah by a highway.

How to get there

You can reach Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai by taxi. It takes one hour and eight minutes to reach there and the fare is approximately AED 230. If you want to reach by bus, the 103 buses can take you there. It takes 3 hours and 26 minutes to reach by bus and the fares are AED 45 – AED 75.

Conclusion

The Ras al Khaimah is a popular tourist destination nowadays and it is easily reachable by bus or taxi. It is an ancient place with 7000 years of historical significance that add a lot of interest from tourists and travelers. The place has been unearthed and excavated to bring forth the story of long back. Besides the historical and cultural significance that is portrayed in the museum there is a lot more to it. It has a wonderful picturesque view of the mountains and the sea, the rustic village, the palm garden and the great Hajjar mountains. Ras al Khaimah is a must visit for tourists who are looking to retire to offbeat destination for a retreat. The place is sure to fit the bill for such onlookers.