ras al khaimah the forgotten emirate

Which is the first place that pops into your mind when you talk about UAE? I bet it's Dubai. But do you know there are other places which are there in UAE that you've not heard of? Well, one out of those is Ras Al Khaimah. Settled on the majestic Arabian Gulf, Ras al Khaimah is one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. This emirate is home to many of the residents and is also the capital of the emirate. Ras al Khaimah city is known to have two parts in its city: one being the Old Town and the other being Nakheel. The northwestern Hajar mountains surround the creek which is home to mangroves. Ras Al Khaimah is known to have the most fertile soil among all of the Emirates of UAE. 

While one can surely get a lot of glittery, shiny nights in Dubai with a lot of luxury and vibrant life, one could also definitely have a peaceful night in the Emirates of Ras al Khaimah. With a vast band of beaches, mangroves, forests, deserts, and mountains, this place is definitely your go-to destination. Ras al Khaimah housing archaeological evidence which dates back to the 3rd century BC will surely have a lot of adventures ready and up for you. 

Ras al Khaimah has had a continuous population for 7000 years. This is really rare in any part of the world. This is why there are many remnants from way back and there are many historical and archaeological sites that date from various eras. There are also remnants of Umm Al Nar culture which dates back to the 3rd Millenium BC. The area also has the burials of both Wadi Suq and Umm Al Nar preserved. There is another burial that is peculiar due to the presence of about 18 fine bronze arrowheads and has been gaining a lot of attention. Recently there have been studies regarding the four-thousand-year-old human remains which are being conducted. 

The world's longest zipline

Jebel Jais which is home to the highest mountain in UAE is now considered to have the longest zipline which was certified by the Guinness World Records. People from worldwide come for this thrilling experience. All adventure seekers make sure that they visit this place at least once in their lifetime. You can have your own thrilling adventure by traveling through the zipline at speeds that zoom in up to 120 kph to 150 kph. This zipline is located at a height of 1680 meters which makes it one of the sports that one with a faint heart can't handle. This total flight takes up to two to three minutes just for one way trip and then the participant can land on a platform before getting on another zip line for their way back flight. This zipline extends to a total of 2.83 kilometers. It usually costs around 650 dirhams per person. 

Tips you can use while going for the zipline sport:

1. You can participate in this sport if you're a minimum of 40 kg and a maximum of 130 kg and you should have a height of a minimum of 122cm. 

2. The participants who are under 18 and still meet all of the conditions can go ahead and participate. However, it is to be noted that the participant needs a guardian or a parent to accompany him or her during this sport. 

3. You should also have good health and medical condition. 

4. It is mandatory for you to present the original passport or the Emirates ID at the counter. 

5. You can wear any sort of athletic clothing which makes you comfortable. 

6. Wearing running or some sturdy shoes is recommended which will help you gain some support. 

7. If you are coming during winter it is recommended to wear thick jackets which will help against the extreme weather in the mountains. 

8. You can get access to free car parking, toilets, a cafe, a gift shop, and lockers all on-site. 

Suwaidi pearl farm

One place you want to go fishing while finding some precious stuff? Then Suwaidi pearl farm is the place! With a majestic backdrop of the most dramatic mountains and as the horizon slopes slowly into the water, Suwaidi pearl farm is located alongside the sea and mountain that Al Rams settles. This place is extremely known for its fishing activities. One of the reasons this place is internationally famous is due to its pearl farm and its age-old preservation of this farm. Pearling was once considered a pillar of the country's economy. This pillar was first created by Abdullah Al Suwaidi in 2005 which had seen a high rise in pearl production with much quality that even royals, nobles, and celebrities from faraway land used to covet these. It is after Abdullah Al Suwaidi that this place got its name of Suwaidi pearl farm. Suwaidi being the last one in the line of generations is still trying to preserve this pearl farm which would have otherwise gone and forgotten by the world up about a century ago. 

One can see the men who dive into the waters in search of pearls and weaving nets and cleaning up after their work is done. One can also get a wonderful taste of culture, nature, and turquoise waters, the mangroves all in one place. The incredible luster of the pearls which are collected makes them the most exquisite among the others found in the world. This is due to the environment in which it is bred. It is said that a good environment will ensure the good quality of the pearls. The freshwater from the mountains which lowers the salinity in the water is one of the secrets which gives an ideal situation for growing healthy pearl oysters. 

Pearl farming is definitely one of the hardest works, as it needs a river to be out in the sea for months and months together. They survive amidst the sea by having only one meal a day. The dive lasts for 60 seconds and to find a good amount of pearls, these divers need to dive at least fifty to two hundred times per day. The only protective gears they sport are a pair of nose clips and finger guards. They need to ensure that they collect as many pearls as possible before they run out of breath. This pearling is one of the works which finds its way back to 7500 years ago when it was one occupation that helped people gain their wages. 

Here is what you can do at Suwaidi pearl farm: 

1. Kayaking 

2. Pearl diving 

3. Take some experience in oyster opening 

4. Touring around the mangroves 

5. You can also enjoy the traditional lunch prepared by the Emarati women from the village 

6. You will also get a brief history of the pearl farm and also about its culture and the ways through which it is processed. 

Al Wadi Nature Reserve

Now that you've had your vacation full of starry shiny nights and it's time to go back, but you still want more of nature then Al Wadi Nature reserve is a place to soothe all your wishes. It's time to take your tents out and go for a nature camping trip here at Al Wadi Nature Reserve. This place is a marvelous 1235-acre area that is protected within the Wadi Khadeja in Ras Al Khaimah. With the nature-friendly reserve, you can surely enjoy a lot and get relaxed and stay away from all of the worries you've been through. You can take your much-wanted rest here while embracing nature and wildlife at its best. This reserve is sure to send you back with a lot of memories to hold on to for a lifetime. The reserve houses the Ritz-Carlton-managed resort Al Wadi Desert in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Here are 3 things that you'd want to do once you're at the nature reserve: 

1. Camel caravan ride: Well, what better way to enjoy an exquisite Arabian desert sunset than to hop onto the back of a camel and set on a camel caravan ride! This journey will take you deep into the desert and away from the daily hustle-bustle. You can also take a full view of the sand dunes and also get some pictures clicked. The wave-like dunes are sure to soothe your eyes and give you a peaceful evening. The sundowners will also enhance your trip to the level best. 

2. Horse riding: Once you're at the Equestrian center, you can take a full tour of the stables which are a house to over 30 horses and some camels as well. After which you're free to go on a desert tour. You can ride either on horseback or a camel safari will also do. Lessons are also given for the first-timers while the experienced riders can also saddle up and ride onto an enchanting experience. Pony rides have also been made available for the little kids to enjoy. 

3. Under the star dine: You can certainly see the stars even in the city but once you're at the nature reserve you sure see it differently. Beauty can only be admired when you actually take out time to admire them. Get a nice spot with a wonderful view and set up your dinner to enjoy a dining experience that you'd probably not get again. You can count the stars as well while dining under a roof full of them. 

Would you still love to have some reasons to visit Ras Al Khaimah? Then here are 5 reasons why you'd definitely want to add it to your list: 

1. Get a perfect place to set up your camp. The camping experience at Ras al Khaimah is like none other. 

2. For all the horror fans out there here's a chance to visit the real haunted village at Ras Al Khaimah. 

3. The rich history and diversity make it one of the places you'll love to go. 

4. Watch out for the wide variety of desert fauna while you're at Ras Al Khaimah 

5. Adventures? You've got it right out handed to you! From hikes to zip-lining you've got the bucket list almost checked out!