Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah
Time & Weather

Ras Al Khaimah is the northern most emirate of the UAE. The Ruler since 1948 has been H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qassimi. This northernmost of all emirates, lying at the foot of the Hajar mountains and bordering the Sultanate of Oman to its north and east, is an important port, besides being one of the main agricultural centers.

Ras Al Khaimah's history extends into antiquity. Archeological excavations reveal that a settlement with an advanced civilization that carried on trade with the Indian sub-continent existed in this region. Later historical records cite that the town of Ras Al Khaimah , then known as Julfar, belonged to early Muslim Caliphs. In the 18th century, after the invasions of the Persians, Portugese and the Dutch, it finally became a part of the Al Qawasim State. It was also once the center of the naval strength of the southern Gulf states.

Ras Al Khaimah means 'head of the tent'. This Emirate is one of the most natural beautiful spots in the country. It is surrounded by sea, desert and mountains. It is known for its camping grounds when the weather is pleasant, natural water springs where there are separate facilities for men and women to bathe in its natural warm waters. The springs are located next to the mountains In Sh'am. There are several very interesting archaeological sites such as The Queen of Sheba's Palace in the Shimal to the north.

The city of Ras Al Khaimah is divided into two sections by Khor Ras Al Khaimah. In the western section, known as Old Ras Al Khaimah, are Ras Al Khaimah National Museum and a number of government departments. The eastern part, known as Al Nakheel, houses the Ruler's office, several government departments and commercial companies. The two sections are connected by a large bridge built across the khor.

Khor Khuwayr is an industrial region situated approximately 25 kilometres to the north of Ras Al Khaimah city. In addition to its major cement, gravel and marble enterprises, it is also the location for Port Saqr, the main export port for the emirate and the traditional fishing district of Rams. Digdagga district, on the other hand, is a well-known agricultural area and houses the Julphar pharmaceutical factory, the largest in the Arabian Gulf.

Other important centres within the emirate include: Al-Hamraniah, an agricultural centre and also the location for Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Khatt, a tourist resort that is renowned for its thermal springs, Masafi which is well known for its orchards and natural springs and Wadi al-Qawr, an attractive valley in the southern mountains.

Digdagga, a town close to the main city of Ras Al Khaimah, has a very big modern agricultural farm.

Fruits, vegetables, milk, poultry are supplied to the other emirates from here. The sea around

Ras Al Khaimah too abounds in tuna fish. The mountains have enabled the set up of stone quarries and a cement factory. Also the oilfield of Saleh, has boosted up the revenues of the emirate.

Mina Saqr, located next to the town of Ras Al Khaimah, is a deepwater port with heavily utilised bulk handling facilities where major amounts of transhipment takes place. It can handle vessels upto 260 metres long and 11.5 metres maximum draught and is ideal for low cost general cargo and container handling.

Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah

Hilton Ras AL Khaimah, PO Box 138663, Ras AL Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
AL Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort , AL Hamra Road AL Jazira Dist, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.