Sightseeing in Ras Al Khaimah- UAE

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is the epitome of Arabian culture and tradition and mesmerizing natural beauty amidst desert dunes. With a history dating back to 3800 BC, the emirate has taken special measures to preserve the remnants of its past concealed under the heavy sand of time.

Many rcheological excavations have unearthed artifacts, some dating as far back as the 6th Millennium B.C. For the heritage lovers and connoisseurs of history, Ras Al Khaimah has a treasure trove of archeological sites. Following are the places not to be missed while traveling to Ras Al Khaimah;

1: Shamal

A place of historical significance, Shamal is tucked away in the mountains in the north of Ras Al Khaimah. One of the most fertile areas in the emirate, Shamal houses several tombs, one of which dating back to the Umm Al Nar Period, about 4500 years ago. The modern village of Shamal also features the UAE’s only medieval palace which, according to legend, was the palace of the Queen of Sheba.

2: Dhayah

Dhayah Fort, about 15 kms north of Ras Al Khaimah city, located atop a verdant hill, was a strategic military castle that has played a pivotal role in the annals of Ras Al Khaimah. It was here that the last battle between the local and the British troops was fought in 1819. Restored in 2001, the Dhayyah Fort today features two towers that overlook the Arabian Gulf, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the coast.

3: Al Falayah Al Falayah was set up in 18th century as a summer residence for the Al Qawasim family. Scenic palm gardens surrounded the buildings, making this place an ideal retreat for the town people during the scorching hot summer months. AlFalayah also acquired historical significance when the Sheikhs of Qawasim and the British Government signed their peace treaty here in 1820.

Today, two fortified towers and an old mosque survive as the relics of its glorious past.

6: The National RAK Museum

The National RAK Museum, the prestigious repository of the emirate’s precious historical remnants, is itself a relic of its eventful past. Known as the Al Hisin Fort, it was the residence of the Sheikh of Ras Al Khaimah back in the early 19^th century. It was rebuilt and converted into today’s museum in 1987.

Source: www.rakairport.com