The United Arab Emirates is a country of many dimensions. Spread over seven emirates, the country has natural landscapes that compete with man-made wonders to create awe in every visitor. Cities have been developed as global hubs of international standards, while towns have retained their pristine beauty. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are certainly embellished with unique attractions but occasionally, there is a need to get away from the frenetic pace of city life. UAE has no dearth of such options either. The country is studded with several such places outside the city limits. Whether you are one for adventure or luxury, rest assured that there is a destination designed to suit your every need.
One of the most enjoyable getaways in the UAE is Ras Al Khaimah, literally translated to mean “top of the tent”. Located at the northern tip of the country, Khaimah is just a 45 minute drive away from the city of Dubai and three hours away from Abu Dhabi. With several options in car rental in UAE, finding convenient and comfortable transport is only a matter of minutes.
Ras Al Khaimah(RAK) is set in a landscape embraced by the mighty Hajar Mountains. The emirate boasts history and heritage that dates back almost 5000 years. History lovers are bound to be drawn to monuments such as the Dhayah Fort, a 16th century structure built to fight the British, the National Museum that is a reservoir of information, artefacts and antique ornaments, and the Prehistoric Shimal which is one of the oldest settlements in the region housing remains of ancient tombs and constructions from the second millennium B.C., Sassanian period (300-632AD) and Abbasid era (750-1250AD).
The Bassata Desert Village allows a peak into traditional Arabic culture. A day in this village is packed with exciting desert safaris, camel riding and belly dancing among other indigenous experiences. If you choose to stay overnight, a live barbeque will make your visit all the more worthwhile.
Ras al Khaimah is an emirate known for its water sports and thrilling adventure activities. “Prince of Sea”, a motorized sailing yacht offers many visually pleasing and romantic trips along the coast of the region. There is also a sailing academy for those who want to engage in the adventure more seriously. Apart from this, Ras Al Khaimah offers scuba-diving, water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing among a host of other adrenaline-pumping activities.
If experiencing desert lifestyle is upmost on your to-do list, make sure to visit the Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp –a camp modeled on the lifestyle of the nomadic desert tribesmen known as Bedous. Of unique interest is the Falcon Show in the emirate which has enthralled audiences with its interactive display of falcons, owls, hawks and eagles.
Ras Al Khaimah has everything one can ask for. From adventure and history to culture and fine dining, the temptations are as eclectic as they are wonderful. It is advisable that you make use of Hertz car rental services to wind your way through this land of infinite surprises.
