Ras Al Khaimah Holidays
Information about Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al-Khaimah is one of the United Arab Emirates. It covers an area of 656 square miles (1700 km²). Ras Al Khaimah is in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula.It is ruled by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad al-Qassimi. It is in the northern part of the UAE bordering Oman. The emirate has a population of about 250,000 inhabitants.The city has a population of 102,000 (2003 census estimate). It is served by the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.The city has two main sections Old Ras Al Khaimah and Nakheel on either side of the creek which flows through Ras Al Khaimah.
History of the Ras al-Khaimah
The city was historically known as Julfar. In the early 18th century the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) established itself in Ras al-Khaimah.After British occupation (18 December 1819 - July 1821), Sheikh Sultan ibn Saqr al-Qasimi signed in 1822 the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate keeping the Ottoman Turks out. Like Ajman, Dubai, Umm al-Qaiwain and Sharjah, its position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state (be it of the lowest class: only 3 guns).In 1869 Ras al-Khaimah became fully independent from Sharjah. However from September 1900 to 7 July 1921 it was re-incorporated into Sharjah, its neighbour; the last governor became its next independent ruler.On 11 February 1972 Sheikh Saqr ibn Muhammad al-Qasimi joined the United Arab Emirates.
Ras Al Khaimah’s history extends into antiquity. Archaeological excavations and finds including forts and abandoned villages have proved that the history of Ras Al Khaimah dates back to 5000BC. The city of Ras Al Khaimah, the capital of the Emirate, is divided into two parts by a creek. The western part, known as ‘old Ras Al Khaimah’, comprises government departments, educational institutions and shopping malls. The eastern part, known as ‘Al Nakheel’, houses the Emiri Court, markets and residential areas. The two parts of the city are linked by a bridge and a network of modern roads, making the city and other Emirates easy to explore. Ramadan is strictly observed for one month commencing either September 23rd or 24th 2006 (exact date to be announced). During this period Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, with no food, drink or cigarettes being allowed to pass their lips and some hotel restaurants are closed.
The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah is situated 95 kilometres from the commercial hub of Dubai. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Ras Al Khaimah shopping malls, the local souk and the golf course. All 214 rooms and suites are elegantly furnished with a distinct Arabian feel and offer a city, creek or pool view. The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah has a private beach club which is situated on a private white sandy shore in one of the most beautiful bays and offers a comprehensive range of water sports. The leisure facilities at the Hilton Hotel and at the Beach Club are second to none; guests can relax by the pool, play a game of tennis or enjoy a work out at the fitness centre. There are two restaurants as well as a South American Bar and a Pool bar both serving snack menus throughout the day. There is also a shuttle bus that runs to Dubai where you can experience more shopping. The hotels location and facilities make the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah an ideal hotel to get away from it all but still within close proximity of Dubai.
Located adjacent to the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa offers a slightly more prestige accommodation option. The decor is sumptuously magical, with rich, earthy colours, romantically dimmed lanterns and traditionally designed Arabian villas. The Resort and Spa features superior villa's and junior suite villa's each with tasteful interiors that open onto private patio's or balconies, most with stunning views overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea. Featuring a world class spa facility the Resort and Spa is perfect for those seeking a little more from their stay in Ras Al khaimah.
Ras al-Khaimah, nestled between the Hajar mountains on the east and the Arabian Gulf on the west, the northernmost Emirate of the UAE shares stunning mountainous borders with the Sultanate of Oman. Within its territory it combines the coast, fertile agricultural plains, 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. With superb sandy beaches and a bustling creek, there is a wealth of leisure activities on offer, including the new Tower Links 18 hole golf course.
