With thousands of years of recorded human history, Ras Al Khaimah is steeped in rich Arabian culture and a fascinating Bedouin heritage. From an experiential point of view, the Emirate is very much a combination of desert dwelling, seafaring and Islamic way of life. Traditions of literature, camel racing, falconry, fishing, local museums, forts, abandoned towns and art are key parts of the local existence.
It was only when I started chatting with our driver-cum-guide on our way to Ras Al Khaimah, from the Dubai International Airport, it struck my mind what does Ras Al Khaimah mean? Promptly replied the smart Slovenian, it means ‘the top of the tent’ referring to its location in the northernmost part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the rest of our drive we saw that the Emirate has beautiful mountains, terracotta sandy dunes, lush green plains along with a series of creeks and lagoons.
A new destination
Ras Al Khaimah is a lesser known neighbour to the more famous Dubai and is trying to cut a mark as an emerging destination. A significantly large number of Indians travel to Dubai throughout the year for various purposes. Taking cue, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, two other Emirates have already picked up Indian tourists in recent years. Being a new player in the market, Ras Al Khaimah is doing quite well for mainly three reasons – strategic positioning, unique offerings, and value for money. Only a 45-minute drive from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah offers tranquillity, which is something one will not get in the big cities and at a much cheaper rate.
Having a rich heritage dating back 7,000 years manifested in numerous archaeological sites, forts, and abandoned villages, the Emirati culture is omnipresent in Ras Al Khaimah with the best of Arab hospitality.
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