Ras al Khaimah and the Musandam region
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On the northern tip of the United Arab Emirates exists the city of Ras al Khaimah and the Musandam region of the Oman peninsula.
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Ras al Khaimah is the northernmost city of the UAE with archeological excavation proving that an advanced civilization existed in its location for centuries previously known as Julfar. The drive to the town from Dubai is nothing short of breathtaking and encompasses dramatic mountain views and the fascinating remains of medieval settlements.
Traditional artifacts from the last twenty years of excavation are exhibited at The National Museum of Ras al Kaimah located in the heart of the city centre next to the main police station. The entrance fee is next to nothing, and the experience is more than worthwhile, particularly if you have an interest in history and culture.
Other things to do in Ras al Khaimah include visiting the many souks in vicinity, and paying a visit to the Shooting Club in the town which is renowned for being one of the best in the UAE. Popular Hotels in the area include the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, the Al Hamra Fort Hotel and the Bin Majid Beach Reasort.
The Musandam region is a limited expanse of around 40km of the Oman peninsula that is defined as territory of the UAE with a population deemed to be less than 40 thousand. The only settlement that can be considered a village is known as Khasab and is centered on a Portuguese fort built at the beginning of the 17 th century to supply vessels with food and water. Some of the local architecture has survived as an impression of this era. Rocky khors and majestic mountains hug the coastline with seas that are teeming with wildlife with little opposition from the local fishermen. In the mountains further inland lie prehistoric carvings on cave walls and archeological tombs awaiting exploration.
From a tourist perspective, the northern region is primarily a diving destination with a new international airport opened recently at Khasab, and one at Ras al Khaimah that is in a later stage of development yet still undergoing constant renovation. Still, don't bother looking for Musandam on most maps- the remote nature of the region and inaccessibility means that enquiries from outside Dubai may prove fruitless. Possibly the best way to reach this region is to take a local connecting flight from Dubai, although traveling by taxi is not entirely impractical on consideration of expense.
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