Ras al-Khaimah is a Persian Gulf Arab emirate and a member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its name means “Top of the Tent”. The emirate is in the northern part of the UAE, bordering Oman‘s exclave of Musandam. It covers an area of 1,684 square km. The capital city and home of most residents is also called Ras Al Khaimah. The city has two main sections, Old Ras Al Khaimah and Nakheel, on either side of a creek. It is served by the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. It consists of a northern part (where the city of Ras al-Khaimah is situated), and a large exclave in the south (near Hatta), and a few small islands in the Persian Gulf. The current total population is estimated at 260,000.
Ras al-Khaimah has been the site of human habitation for several millennia and there are many historical and archaeological sites throughout the emirate dating from different time periods, including remnants of the Umm an-Nar Culture (3rd millennium BC). Ancient graves were found in the Emirate in October 2012. The city was historically known as Julfar. Archaeological evidence has demonstrated that the settlement known as Julfar shifted location over time as harbour channels silted up. Excavations of a sizable tell, which revealed remnants of a Sassanid era fortification, indicate that early Julfar was located in the Shamal area, not far from other sites of historical/archaeological interest such as Sheba’s Palace and the largest Umm an-Nar tombs found on the Arabian Peninsula. Sources say that Julfar was inhabited by the Azd (a branch of the Kahlan tribe) during the eighth and ninth centuries AD, and that the houses of the Azd were built of wood.
Al Jazirah Al Hamra – an old coastal town with numerous real estate projects and industrial zone
Ar-Rams – a coastal town; in the past, a typical fishing and pearl-diving village
Khawr Khuwayr – an industrial zone, with the largest port in Ras al-Khaimah and numerous companies such as a cement factory
Diqdaqah – a village known for agriculture activities
Khatt – a village surrounded by mountains, famous for its thermal springs and palm gardens
Masafi – a town in the south, on the border with Fujairah; well known for drinking water
Huwaylat – a central village in the south
Ras al-Khaimah is becoming a new destination on the tourist maps. Ras al-Khaimah is home to five star hotels and beach resorts including Hilton, Rotana or Banyan Tree. It has a number of 4 and 3 star accommodations. In September 2010, the first water park Ice Land was opened to offer leisure opportunities for both residents and visitors and more new tourism projects are under construction. Numerous new residential areas, offices, commercial buildings are constructed in Ras al-Khaimah.
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