"Ras Al Khaimah - Mountains, sea, the desert..." Ras Al Khaimah by EmilianoCV

An adventurous and spell-binding place, Ras-Al-Khaimah is considered as the 'Wild West' of the United Arab Emirates. Its ferocity and beauty is seen in its traditions and scenery. Based on a history that reaches the Bronze-Age, Ras-Al -Khaimah was the hub for advancing civilizations around the Arabian Gulf as early as the Ubaid period which was around 5000-3800BC. The pearl-market was a major income for this place and it suffered greatly when there was a drop in the demand for pearl in the early 20th Century but by the 1980s this emirate received its economical boost after discovering its offshore Saleh oil fields and has become a major industrialist ever since.

The city of Ras Al Khaimah, the capital of the emirate, is divided into two parts by a water gill named Khour Ras Al Khaimah. The western part is known as the Old Ras Al Khaimah and comprises Ras Al Khaimah Museum and some of the governmental departments. While the eastern part, known as Al Nakheel, comprises the Ruler's office, governmental departments and commercial companies. The two parts are connected via a large bridge built across Al Khour that facilitates traffic between them.

An important part of the emirate, is Khour Khuwayr industrial area, that lies about 25 km to the north of Ras Al Khaimah. It comprises various industrial ventures like cement, gravel and marble. It includes also the main export port (Saqr Port), and the Remis district whose inhabitants have been working as fishermen for quite so long. There is also Digdaga district, that is famous for its agricultural projects and houses the biggest pharmaceutical factory in the whole Gulf known as Julphar. Other important districts are Al Hamraniah which is an agricultural area, containing the RAS Al Khaimah International Airport, the Khaat area, a tourist resort that is well renowned for its thermal springs and visited by tourists for treatment, and Masafi district, that is well known for its orchards and natural potable water.

So if one wants to embark upon a journey of cultural experiences, daring sports or relaxing undertakings then come to Ras-al Khaimah and enjoy the ultimate Arabian Experience.

• Pros:Safe & clean city; 1 hour from Dubai; nice views; mountains; the sea
• Cons:Too rustic; no charm at all!
• In a nutshell:An enjoyable place to live and raise a family