Autumn is here, the temperatures are on a downward trend, and now even a vacation in the United Arab Emirates may be a little more tolerable for those who shy away from the scorching sun, and would not think of visiting there in the summer.
Indeed, our not-so-new friend from the east is preparing for the waves of tourists that will hit it in the coming months and provides a variety of experiences, entertainment and attractions in the evening hours - when it is already much more comfortable to leave the air conditioner.
After Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which the Israeli tourist has already gotten to know, another and slightly less familiar saying enters the picture - Ras Al Khaimah ("the top of the tent", in Arabic).
This is the northernmost emirate in the country, which is right on its tip, between Oman and the Persian Gulf (hence its name).
Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth largest of the seven emirates, and it aims to establish its position as an international tourist destination.
It has about 400,000 inhabitants (about 31 percent of whom are citizens, a relatively high figure compared to other emirates), boasts three harbors and is characterized by a mountainous desert landscape that is perfect for extreme experiences.
You can reach Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai in a 45-minute to an hour drive, thanks to the highways that connect them, and there is no doubt that the small emirate offers a different view and atmosphere, and much more calm and relaxing, than the skyscrapers, the huge shopping centers and the cosmopolitan buzz of the larger and more famous emirates (although which also has no shortage of malls, shops and markets, for those who can't do without them).
Another encouraging point: on average, the temperatures in Ras Al Khaimah are ten degrees lower than in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the humidity is lower.
A more relaxed atmosphere.
Skyscrapers in Ras Al Khaimah, photo: GettyImages
Night vacation
So what do you do in Ras Al Khaimah?
First of all, enjoy the view.
In fact, the Ritz Carlton hotel chain, which operates two mega-luxurious resorts in the Emirates (Al Wadi Desert in the desert and Al Hamra Beach located on the seashore), offers guests a selection of activities that begin at sunset and continue deep into the wee hours.
Whether it's guided desert tours where you can meet a variety of animals up close;
in personal meetings with owls and falcons;
riding camels in the moonlight;
in yoga classes accompanied by a desert night breeze;
In astronomy lessons (just look up, the starry night sky is supposed to be clear of clouds) or dining on the roof of one of the gourmet restaurants (some of which will broadcast the World Cup games) - you are set.
There are also luxury mega resorts.
Al Wadi Desert,
making waves
Ras Al Khaimah boasts 62 kilometers of coastline, and some say you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (a significant portion of which belongs to resorts, such as the Ritz Carlton).
Diving and water sports are, of course, recommended for those who prefer to get up from their sunbed and not just wade in the clear water.
Al Hamra Beach and Flamingo Beach are two open beaches that are recommended to visit, and we would not rule out spending a night camping there - in a tent or even under the stars.
The mark
Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in all the Emirates.
Besides a breathtaking view from which you can admire the mountain's observation points, the place offers a variety of extreme activities such as the longest Omega in the world, which rises to a height of 1,934 meters (don't look down), climbing sites and challenging hiking trails.
This is a must visit for nature and adventure sports enthusiasts, and a recommended visit for all others.
The longest omega in the world.
Jebel Jais, photo: GettyImages
Anybody home?
In the town of Al Jazeera Al Hamra you will not be greeted with a smile, nor will they even say hello.
Not because they are not polite there, God forbid, but because no one lives there.
It is actually an abandoned fishing town, a ghost town if you will, that thrived before the Emirates moved to rely on their oil economy, and other industries were marginalized.
You can enter the town free of charge and be impressed by buildings - including residences, shops and mosques - that have become silent and humble historical evidence.
The town of Al-Jazeera Al-Hamra.
Abandoned by residents, photo: GettyImages
That's how you build a wall
Dahiya Fort was built in the 16th century, and was designed to protect Ras Al Khaimah from British attacks.
The hostilities ended a long time ago, the British are not expected to attack soon, and today the fort, built of mud bricks and open to the public, also serves as a spectacular observation point located on a hill.
Falafel and curry
in Ras Al Khaimah is home to a particularly large Indian community, and its influence is evident in a number of areas.
Al Nakheel area, known as "Little India", is characterized by many Indian shops and restaurants.
In fact, even though Emirati does not have a real representative dish, it can be said that the local menu is an interesting combination of Lebanese, Arab and Indian cuisine (which is why you will also find many vegetarian dishes in restaurants).
And yet - shopping
Still insisting on going for a spin in a modern shopping center?
No problem: at Manar Mall, the most popular shopping destination in Ras Al Khaimah, you'll find countless leading international brands, from H&M to Zara to Marks & Spencer (however, it doesn't have any super designer stores), along with plenty of restaurants and shops of known fast food chains from all over the world.
In addition to the immediate American suspects (Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonald's, etc.), you might want to try the Canadian Tim Hortons, or the Philippine Jollibee, just for variety.
Those looking for a slightly more authentic shopping experience are invited to visit the old market of the city of Ras Al Khamia (the capital of the emirate that bears its name, and the sixth largest city in the United Arab Emirates), or the colorful vegetable market located under the bridge in the city.
There is also a famous fish market, but since it is likely that you will not return to Israel with a kilo of fresh tuna, the visit there is more cultural-social).
Either way, it is better to do the significant shopping in nearby Dubai, where you will most likely also visit, land in and take off from.
There should be no problem with this, because Ras Al Khaimah first of all comes to relax.
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