Co-existence of these geographical factors has given a very special shape to the culture and heritage of the Emirate.   It has been found that Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) that an advanced civilization that carried on trade existed in this region since 5’000 BC.

Places to visit and things to do in Ras Al Khaimah

Khatt Hot Springs Spa

A quick 20 minutes drive from RAK City towards the Airport, through the lush green agricultural land in Digdaga is the oasis town of Khatt that lies at the foot of the mountains. 

The spa has three natural springs of hot mineralized water, which reaches temperatures of 40 C.  Visitors can relax in the therapeutic pools and enjoy the other facilities.

The springs healing properties attract many tourists from the region and it has become a tradition and locally popular family picnic location. 

The waters of Khatt Springs reach a depth of 90 feet underground level with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Centigrade. Owing to its mineral content and heat, the water is said to have medicinal benefits for skin ailments such as rheumatic diseases and muscular problems.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

Perhaps the greatest insight to the archaeological wonders and the long standing history of Ras Al Khaimah can be gained by a visit to the National Museum, formerly the fort and once the residence of the Ruler of the Emirate.

Located in the old town part of Ras Al Khaimah city, the Museum houses many ancient and fascinating archaeological items all of which are found in RAK. Visitors can explore the natural history room with its extensive collection of shells and other sea shore creatures, see everyday equipment, jewellery, weapons and costumes clothing items used in early Islam times, and visit the Quwasim Room, to trace the history of the British expedition against Ras Al Khaimah in 1809.

Wadi Bih

Rising to a spectacular 1,000m Wadi Bih is considered to be the ‘Grand Canyon’ of the UAE, offering some of the most amazing views in the country. Starting from the clock tower roundabout in Ras Al Khaimah, visitors can enjoy hiking mountain biking and camping in this area. Wadi Bih can also be reached from the East Coast, the Dibba – Masafi Highway. As you will be near to the border check point, remember to carry your passport with you. There is plenty to see close to Wadi Bih, such as deserted villages, other smaller wadi areas, the carved smooth face of the rock accompanied by a surprising amount of greenery, compliment majestic views of the great outdoors.

Dibba

Hiking from the village at Wadi Khab A’ Shamis, which is situated north of the Zighi turn off will provide you with some amazing views down over the East Coast and Dibba.

Souq Shopping

The souq, situated between the Ras Al Khaimah Museum and running parallel to the sea, is alive with shoppers in the mornings and late afternoons selling everything from fabric, gold and kitchen items. While further along the creek on the western shore visitors can visit the fish market, which is supplied each day by the fishing boats moored along side. A number of interesting dhows anchored which make for interesting photo opportunities. There are also a number of tea houses where the friendly locals love to chat with visitors about the days gone by. Close by there is another smaller souq area selling an interesting array of hard to find Arabic souvenirs.

Camel Racing 

Camels are still a common sight in the sandy desert areas of Ras Al Khaimah. In some villages it is quite common to see them nibbling their way down the main street. In Digdaga and Hamraniya, surrounded by dunes and sheltered by thickets of Ghaf trees, visitors can find the Ras Al Khaimah camel racetrack. The race track is one of the liveliest places to visit in the emirates through the winter months. The area is busy with trainers and colorfully clad camels with their blankets and muzzles to prevent them from eating anything but their specially prepared nutritious race diet. On weekdays, groups of camels trot easily up and down the track, training and building up stamina for the big races to come on the weekends. Racing is usually on Thursday afternoons and early on Friday mornings.

Parks and Gardens

Saqr Public Park is located in the Suheelah area of Kharran, it has a highly colourful children’s play area. Kharran with its closely built single storey houses, the main street is a hive of activity despite the traffic making its way to the agricultural region the airport. This vast expanse of greenery offers gaming facilities for the whole family. Kharran is also a farming settlement, the goats being as much at home in the main street as the people, and all to ready to jump on the roofs of conveniently parked cars to browse the overhanging Graf trees.

Treat your Taste buds

Bread

Bread is one of the main items of food in many parts of the world. In Ras Al Khaimah there are many types of breads, Khammer (Leavened) Bread, Mejassef, Chabab Bread, Mahalla, Regag (Wafer-thin) Bread, Mutammar (dates bread), blouch and Sifa’s are among the various kinds of bread in the area.

Rice is the main dish for many people in the UAE.  It is widely served and highly consumed as an item.  The types of rice are many such as Karda,  Bu Kraisha, Al Zeerah, Basmati, Rishti, (Zanklooni).  These varities were know since early days, usually differ in terms of cost and the best types are preferred by well off families at that time.

Other dishes

Among the other kinds of foods and dishes there re Al areseyah, (mainly rice and meat).  Al mudhrobah (made of flour and salted fish), al harees (consists of wheat and meat or chicken), al fareed or Al thareed which is made of bread with meat and soup, or chicken and soup.

Sweet Dishes and Desserts

Many sweet popular desserts are served with food in many occasions.  The varieties include very sweet dessert made with dates, sugar, oil and flour.  Al Medabes which is a mixture of dates, dates honey, (dibbs) and sesame.  This sweet dish is a preferred winter dessert which supplies the body with energy, vitality and warmth.

International Cuisine

There is a wide range of cuisines from around the world available in the Ras Al Khaimah, from pub grub to fine dining experiences.  Check with the guest relations at your hotel if you have need to more about what is available near to where you are staying.

Dress code

When you plan to visit this Emirate remember that Ras Al Khaimah welcomes the different cultures and codes of conduct and dress but visitors must respect the traditions and cultural of local communities.
 
When you go out to public places a reasonable decorum with regards to dress code is expected and shows respect for the Muslim culture in which we are residing.

References: raktourism.com