Ras Al
Khaimah has the most scenic and varied topography
of all the seven Emirates. Within its territory
it combines the coast, the fertile agricultural
plains, the desert and mountains. Each of these
environments has given rise to different lifestyles:
the date-palm farmers of the plains, the Bedouin
of the desert and the Shihuh and Habus tribes
of the mountains. All of these groups have
interacted throughout history to make up the
rich and complex society that modern Ras al-Khaimah
is.
The emirate
has witnessed massive development in recent
years and is now a modern emirate with international
schools, hospitals and amenities. However,
distinguishing it from other emirates is its
distinctive local culture.
The emirate made vital contributions to the
formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This northernmost Emirate contains a rugged
mountain border with Oman and can trace human
habitation of this region back to the third
millennium BC.
Archeological
evidence also establishes the existence of
the port city of Julfar as early as the 7th
century, indicating vibrant trade relations
with China and India. This archaeological legacy
explains, in part, why Ras Al Khaimah became
strategically important to the British and
their control over the shipping routes to and
from India.The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah contains
1,684 square kilometers of land including a
coastline of 55 kilometers. It is the fourth
largest of the UAE's seven emirates.
Recently,
Ras Al Khaimah began an ambitious phase of
development including investments in infrastructure
improvement, tourism, shopping, and efforts
to attract industrial and commercial enterprises.
Among the most important of these endeavors
is the establishment of the Ras Al Khaimah
Free Trade Zone. In spite of recent commercial
and infrastructural developments, Ras Al Khaimah
remains a peaceful Emirate in which to live
and work. It is one of the most agriculturally
productive emirates in the UAE and the sight
of green fields is not uncommon.
Its proximity
to natural attractions such as the Hajjar Mountains,
the Musandam Peninsula, and the UAE's east
coast make it an ideal base from which to explore
the natural beauty of the northern Emirates.
Hiking, camping, snorkeling, scuba diving,
sailing, picnicking, desert driving, and many
other recreational activities are easy to organize.
And if you are looking for schools for your
children, Ras Al Khaimah supports excellent
schools that will meet all your children's
educational requirements.
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