This is useful to know. Who's there at the bottom? The resort of Ras al-Khaimah is almost the Bahamas in the Persian Gulf. Is the water in the Persian Gulf salty?

Traveling to the United Arab Emirates includes excursions to modern attractions, shopping and beach holidays. But tourists and independent travelers know little about the latter. Before your trip, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the sea in the UAE and the weather conditions.

About the Persian Gulf

It belongs to the Indian Ocean, but has its own climatic characteristics, although the bay is not called a sea in the UAE. The total length of the coastline is more than 900 km. The main resorts of the Emirate are located on it - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. Due to sea currents, the water warms up unevenly. In one place the temperature in summer can reach +30°C, in another – +24°C.

This location of the state on the Arabian Peninsula is convenient for winter recreation. The special climate affects the water in the Persian Gulf. It is always warm, there are no cold currents. A beautiful view of the resort from the beaches is an opportunity to take good photos. The disadvantage is that every year there are dust storms from the desert.

Features of sea holidays in the UAE:

• Most of the Emirate's beaches are owned by the sheikhs. There are villas and private houses here.
• There are few fish and vegetation in the UAE sea. This is due to sudden temperature changes. For diving, choose places with clear water and a unique bottom topography.
• The beach area of ​​hotels in the Emirates is small. Therefore, hotel complexes have many different swimming pools, including ones for children.

The advantage of relaxing on the beaches of the Persian Gulf is the gentle approach to the sea. There are no sharp changes in depth here, as in other seas. The UAE is convenient for families with children - the country has a developed security system, and there is a lot of entertainment for teenagers and adult tourists.

How to relax in the Emirates

The best time to travel to the sea in the UAE is winter. At this time of year, the air temperature rarely reaches +30°C, and the sea in the UAE cools down to +20-22°C. The only drawback is windy weather. However, the waves on the coast are small, since the bottom is flat.

• Sun beds and umbrellas are provided free of charge to guests of hotels and inns.
• There are few public beaches in the country; a dress code is required on them.
• Visiting time: morning or evening. During the day it may be too hot to relax.

Water and other soft drinks can be taken from the hotel room. You cannot pour water from the tap; in the Emirates it is technical, obtained by processing sea water. The longest sea beaches in the UAE are in Sharjah and Ajman. There are public recreational areas that are free to visit.

Ecological problems

The Gulf is facing significant changes due to rising sea temperatures, and research shows the world's oceans are warming faster than previously thought. Dr Yves Plancherel said the UAE's sea waters would be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Research by Chinese and American scientists shows that the world's oceans are warming about 40 percent faster than previous estimates by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The findings, published in the journal Science, are based on an ocean observing system called Argo, which involves measurements by thousands of robots drifting across the world's seas. The robots dive every few days to record temperatures.

Dr Plancherel, an oceanographer and lecturer in climate change at the Grantham Institute, part of Imperial College London, warned that the UAE's seas would also be affected by these changes. This will lead to an increase in moisture evaporation and worsen the climate of the Emirates.

The waters in the Persian Gulf are already very warm: in summer the sea temperature in Dubai and Abu Dhabi averages around +33°C, and even in winter the average sea temperature is around +21°C.

Every visitor to the Emirates should familiarize themselves with the rules of conduct in this Arab state. Many violations in the UAE have serious consequences. Large monetary fines and even long prison sentences. Dangers can await you in water and on land. Tochkamira will tell you about the three main dangers in the United Arab Emirates and tell you how to avoid them.

The first danger is hot climate

In summer in the Emirates, the maximum temperature can exceed +45ºС. Residents of the UAE are accustomed to such conditions, but Europeans literally find no place for themselves. Therefore, air conditioning is located in all public places, including bus stops.

To move around the city, it is better for tourists to choose public transport or a rented car, they have an air conditioning system.

It is better to postpone hiking until the evening, when the sun is ready to go below the horizon.

In order to protect yourself from dehydration and sunstroke, you must:

• Regardless of the time of day, it is worth applying sunscreen to your body, because the sun in the Emirates is active even at sunset.
• Take a dip in the pool or sea at least once every half hour so that your skin cells are nourished with moisture.
• It is better to go to the beach in the morning or evening. The hottest part of the day is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At this time, the sun is at its zenith, and it is not worth staying in the sun for a long time.
• You need to drink as much liquid as possible so that your body does not suffer from dehydration. Finding a kiosk with drinking water is not a problem; there are a lot of them on the streets, inside malls and on the coast.
• Clothes should be made from the “right” lightweight materials, such as linen or cotton. These fabrics are able to pass air through themselves and provide natural ventilation.
• You should avoid invigorating drinks such as coffee, alcohol or sweet mineral water. It is not recommended to eat a lot of meat and deep-fried foods. Drink more liquids!

The second danger is exotic reptiles and inhabitants of the seabed

Another important problem that you may encounter in the UAE is exotic reptiles and inhabitants of the seabed. On land, tourists may be at risk of snakes and scorpions. In turn, the sea can bring an unpleasant surprise in the form of predatory fish and poisonous jellyfish.

Danger on land

On land, a tourist may encounter three main dangers:

• snakes;
• camels;
• Scorpios.

Snakes

The United Arab Emirates began to develop only at the end of the last century. Until this point, sparse settlements and nomadic families lived among the dunes and shifting sands. Many now popular resorts have grown up in the middle of the desert, and along with this, snakes have migrated to the metropolis.

Mostly the snakes here are harmless, but there are also some that cause panic not only among tourists, but also among local residents. These include:

• Arabian cobra;
• false-horned viper;
• horned viper, etc.

The venom of these snakes is extremely poisonous. One bite is enough to cause devastating consequences in the human body. Most often, poisonous reptiles can be found on deserted beaches, in remote resort towns and in the private sector. They usually hide inside air conditioners or in the bathroom.

Camels

Camels seem harmless at first glance. However, with closer contact they can injure an inexperienced tourist. Bruises, abrasions and scratches can easily be caused by falling from the back of an animal.

Scorpios

Scorpios are found all over the world, but in the UAE they are harmless. Of course, the tourist is guaranteed the effect of shock and numbness when meeting a scorpion, but this is only from surprise. They live in the desert, and are afraid to approach people, but when traveling through the sands, you need to carefully look at your feet.

Danger in the water

All crowded beaches in the UAE are equipped with a special shark net that prevents predatory fish from swimming into the tourist area. But there are a lot of them in open water, so you should behave carefully there. Thus, 4 main dangers can await tourists in the water:

• water snakes;
• jellyfish;
• sea ​​urchins;
• crabs and sharp stones.

Water snakes.

Snakes, just like people, suffer from dehydration in the summer, so they can often be found in the water. In such an environment, snakes are harmless, since they themselves enjoy the process of bathing. But it’s still not worth swimming closer to them, you never know.

Jellyfish

Unlike the Black Sea jellyfish, which only amuse tourists with their presence, the Persian Gulf jellyfish can seriously harm everyone who comes across them. The most dangerous of them wash up on the coast in September-October; they sting everyone who touches them and create burns on their bodies.

Sea urchins

These are the most dangerous inhabitants of the seabed in the UAE. They are found on all the beaches of the Emirates and these meetings can result in serious consequences. The sea urchin is poisonous and if you step on it, you may not immediately notice it; all symptoms will appear within an hour.

Crabs and spicy shells

There are plenty of small sharp shells and shy crabs in the shallow waters. In general, they are not poisonous, they do not bite, but they hurt in other ways. Stepping on a sink can cause a deep wound that will hurt for at least several days.

To prevent your vacation from becoming a headache, you should wear rubber flip-flops when entering the water on the beach. Shoes will reliably protect a person from meeting the “prickly” inhabitants of the seabed.

The third danger is the mentality of the country

Any tourist planning a vacation in the UAE must understand that he is going to an Arab country with its own rules, laws and prejudices, which include:

• Arab-Israeli conflict;
• alcohol consumption;
• religious prohibitions.

Arab-Israeli conflict

The Arab-Israeli conflict arose back in the 40s. last century, echoes of it still exist today. Some tourists may simply not be allowed into the country and sent back home at the airport. And all because of a banal visa in the passport - an Israeli visa.

In the UAE, the road is closed to everyone who has a stamp in their document about visiting Israel and to those who have a passport of this state. You will have to postpone visiting the Emirate until you receive a new passport.

Alcohol consumption

The Emirates is the only country in the world where alcohol is strictly prohibited. Bringing it into the country, distributing it and drinking it in public places can result in a prison sentence.

If the craving for alcohol is great, then you can try exclusive brands in the 5* hotel bar and special bars. Naturally, you cannot take it with you, and its cost is simply prohibitive.

Religious prohibitions

The Emirates is an Islamic country, so it is worth honoring the religious affiliation of the local residents. Girls are not recommended to wear revealing outfits or tight-fitting clothing. Ladies should behave modestly and with restraint; residents of the UAE speak negatively about public hugs and kisses. There have been cases when tourists were given real prison sentences for kissing in public.

On city beaches you can often see a banner prohibiting women from:

• sunbathe topless and expose your breasts;
• wear swimsuits with thong bottoms;
• Wear cotton underwear, which becomes see-through when wet.

Ideally, all girls should wear a traditional Arabic swimsuit, similar in appearance to diving clothing. Fortunately, you can buy it in any shopping center upon arrival in the country.

• It is prohibited to film religious and government sites without special permission. You are also not allowed to take photographs of local residents.
• You must enter the mosque and other religious institutions barefoot; shoes, as a rule, are left at the entrance. Women should definitely cover their heads with a headscarf.
• During the holy month of Ramadan, it is dangerous to be in a religious country, because even chewing ordinary gum can cause a barrage of criticism against you.

It is best to go to the beaches of the Persian Gulf in the off-season - from October to March, at which time the unbearable heat subsides and you can relax comfortably on the golden sands of the Middle East.

United Arab Emirates

Best time to visit UAE: October-March.

The coast of the UAE is washed by the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The only emirate that has access to the Gulf of Oman is Fujairah, the other six are located on the coast of the Persian or, as it is also called, the Arabian Gulf. And although the resorts of the emirates of Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain are located on the same coast, the differences between them are very large.

Most resort hotels are located on the coastline, and all of them, without exception, have their own private beaches. Those who vacation in 3 and 2 star hotels far from the coastline can use the private beach of another hotel for a fee or go to the municipal city beach.

Traditions carry a lot of weight in the UAE, so be prepared to adhere to certain standards of behavior. This applies to alcohol, clothing (both men's and women's), and public displays of affection.

As for the beaches, it is necessary to remember that in the UAE there are “women’s” days - at this time men are strictly prohibited from coming to the beach. Plus, don’t forget that if you are on a closed hotel beach, then you (again, in most emirates) are allowed to sunbathe in a swimsuit and swimming trunks. Well, if you come to the municipal beach, it would not be amiss to ask to what extent it would be decent for you to be naked.

The name “Dubai” is simultaneously borne by both the most visited emirate and its administrative center, a city that is most liberally disposed towards tourists and their whims. Actually, the city is divided into three large areas - the oldest area of ​​​​Deira, the shopping area with many shopping centers, Bar Dubai and Jumeirah - where the most upscale hotels are located.

Hotels located in the beach area undergo annual re-certification and have a classification similar to the requirements of European standards, with the vast majority being 4* and 5* hotels. They all have their own beaches, mostly closed to outsiders. The most famous hotel in Dubai is the famous Burj Al Arab, which is nicknamed the “seven-star” hotel for the luxury of its interiors and service, as well as the scope of its construction. Another masterpiece of modern hotel construction is the artificial islands of the Palm Jumeirah, a structure that has become a symbol of the United Arab Emirates.

Those who live in city hotels remote from the beach area usually use two beach complexes - Jumeirah Beach Park and Al Mamzar Park. Entrance to both beaches is paid, as is the rental of beach accessories. However, the infrastructure on both is excellent: bars, restaurants, rentals of everything your heart desires, and Al Mamzar Park even has its own swimming pool.

There is always a warning system on the beaches of Dubai; you should pay attention to the flag on the beach - yellow means there is no danger at all, but if you go swimming under a red flag, you may be fined, because the sea is unsafe on such days.

In Dubai, as the most democratic region of the UAE, the “prohibition law” applies only to the streets and beaches, but no one will forbid you to enjoy beer or something stronger in cafes and restaurants. So the nightlife in Dubai is perhaps the liveliest in the whole country. There are many clubs open here, one of the most famous is “Catharsis”; hotel discos are constantly organized - for example, the famous “Planetarium” or “Scarlet”. The latter takes place on the top floor of the Emirates Towers Hotel. When going to any disco, be sure to check at the hotel reception what documents you need to take with you - they are often checked.

During the day, you can visit the Wild Wadi water park and the Jumeirah Beach Park amusement park, go with your children to the Wonder Land amusement park or play golf on the excellent courses of the Emirates Golf Club located in the Jumeirah area or the Dubai Creek Golf Course located on the shores of the Creek.

In principle, diving can be done on almost any beach, but divers chose Jumeirah Park, where two old fighter jets were specially sunk for their entertainment.

The smallest of the emirates is Ajman. Those who want a relaxing holiday come here. Despite the fact that the tourism business in Ajman is developing slowly, there is a five-star Kempinski hotel, small shops, cozy cafes, and also the only store in the entire UAE where you can purchase alcoholic beverages without restrictions (but taking them out of the emirate is strictly prohibited ). The beaches in Ajman are sandy, and on weekends you can often meet locals who like to have picnics on the beach.

The Emirate of Sharjah is located on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and borders Dubai. Sharjah is the most conservative emirate, here any alcohol is prohibited, the punishment for violation is very strict, local law enforcement officers do not get away with a single offense. Carrying even one bottle of beer in your trunk, you risk breaking the law and being punished to the fullest extent, despite the fact that you are a foreign tourist.

The choice of hotels here is smaller than in Dubai. Three hotels are located on the coast of Khaled Bay, nine on the shores of the Persian Gulf. That's probably all.

There are no entertainment venues, bars or discos in Sharjah, but in the evening you can plunge into the cultural traditions of the country and go to an Arab nightclub where national Arab music plays. For tourists who crave nightlife and adventure, there are taxis that will take you to neighboring Dubai, where the nightlife is in full swing.

Sharjah also includes the city of Khorfakkan, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Divers come here to admire the beauty of the sea, as well as those tourists who want to relax peacefully on a picturesque beach.

The emirate is located on an island and consists of the city of Abu Dhabi and the small cities of Liwa and Al Ain. The main city of Abu Dhabi has so much green space that the air temperature here is always several degrees lower than in the surrounding desert.

The largest park area is located on The Corniche embankment, where the famous fountains “Swan”, “Pearl”, “Coffeepot” and other masterpieces of landscape art are located. Those who have visited the UAE call this place one of the most picturesque in the entire country.

Most hotels in Abu Dhabi are located on the beach. All beaches on the island are sandy; hotel beaches are cleaned daily of ocean debris.
Abu Dhabi is actually the capital of the UAE, and therefore there is a lot of entertainment here, and you definitely won’t be bored. Here you can go on a trip through the desert - in jeeps or camels, visit the local hippodrome and watch exotic camel racing, visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fort Al Jahili, and the ethnographic museum “Historical Heritage Village”. For lovers of elite entertainment, golf courses are open and falconry is held.

As for alcohol, it can only be found in some hotel restaurants; in city restaurants you will not find alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages is also prohibited in public places and on beaches.

The Emirate of Fujairah is famous among tourists for its historical monuments and attractions. Here are the ruins of the old fort and the remains of its settlement. In the museum you can see interesting archaeological finds from excavations near Binta and Kidfa. Divers come here to scuba dive in the Indian Ocean and explore the coral reefs. Most diving centers are located near the Oceanic Hotel.

Tourists staying at one of the hotels in Fujairah will never get bored. There is everything for an active holiday - exotic tours along dry river deltas (they are filled with water only during the rains), excursions introducing you to the culture of the Middle East and mountain climbing.

Ras al Khaimah is the northernmost of the emirates. The mountains in this picturesque place touch pristine, clean sandy beaches. There is no prohibition in the emirate, but you should still not drink alcohol on the city streets or on the beach. In the main city of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ice Land water park recently opened, which is designed not only for adults, but also for children.

Umm Al Quwai is a quiet emirate consisting of the Old and New Cities. The emirate is located on the most picturesque coast - in this place the waters of the Persian Gulf form many bays and lagoons.

The spirit of an ancient Arab settlement has been preserved in the Old Town, while modern houses and shopping centers are being built in the New Town. There are also several small hotels here. Umm Al Quwai's isolation from other emirates makes it attractive to tourists who want to immerse themselves in the traditions and culture of the Middle East.

You can have fun by visiting the nautical club and Dreamland water park, as well as the first flying club in the Emirates.
The club hosts championships in parachuting and skydiving. Anyone can see the UAE by taking off in an inflatable balloon or learn to fly airplanes and other air vehicles.

Oman

Best time to visit Oman: October-March.

Oman is washed by the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The exoticism of Oman begins with its name - it is a sultanate, and nothing else. This state combines Arab charm and secular democracy, remaining peaceful despite all the unrest that now and then shakes the Middle Eastern community.

There is everything for relaxation here - picturesque nature, tropics, savannas, sandy beaches and warm seas, national parks, nature reserves, preserved Arab identity and a rich excursion program.

Oman's hotel base is small, but can satisfy any request. The principle for determining the level of service is the same as in Europe: the more stars a hotel has, the closer its location to the beach area. Most beaches are municipal, some are assigned to hotels. On weekends - here it is Thursday and Friday - there are quite a lot of locals on the beaches.

People go to the resorts of the capital of Oman - the city of Muscat - mainly for a quiet beach holiday: you won’t find nightlife or noisy parties here. The city is divided into several districts, each of them performs a specific function. The main bazaar is located in the Muttrah area, the Sultan's Palace is located in the Muscat area, the Ruwi area is the commercial district, and the main beaches and hotels are located in the Al Qurum area.

All Muscat beaches are sandy. Municipal beaches are open to the public; you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers at any of them, completely free of charge. This applies, of course, to landscaped beaches. But there are also wild ones. These are usually not crowded - because the entrance to the water is not covered with bulk sand, and you can get hurt on the coral reefs, of which there are a great number here, off the coast. If you still decide to visit a “wild” beach, do not forget to take special shoes with you.
You can enrich yourself culturally by visiting the Oman Historical Museum, the National Museum in Ruwi and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The former capital of Oman is the city of Nizwa. The city is a large oasis in the heart of the desert and claims to be the country's main resort. Unfortunately, there are no beaches and nowhere to swim. Despite the fact that there are only 4 large hotels in the city, there are always a lot of tourists here.

Firstly, in Nizwa there are nightclubs and restaurants (all for the entertainment of young people), secondly, it is from this city that the excursion to the ancient monuments of Jabrin begins, where you should pay attention to the painted ceilings and wood carvings, and Bakhly, a small village where the art of pottery flourishes. Thirdly, there is an old fortress-fort, from the top of which you can see a beautiful view of the city, and fourthly, in Nizwa you can buy products made of precious metals at a very low price. From Nizwa you can also go on a jeep safari to the sands of Wahiba.

The capital of the southern region of the country is the city of Salalah. Here tourists can not only lie on the sandy beach and swim in clear water, but also go sailing, water skiing or motorcycling, and also go down to the seabed with scuba gear.

It is best to go on holiday to Salalah without children, because... There are strong currents in the ocean that sometimes even an adult cannot cope with. The city is rich in excursion options - you can take part in archaeological excavations, visit banana and coconut plantations, and see the ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba.

The city of Sohar, known as the historical birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor, attracts tourists with its large Souk market. There are always few vacationers on the large sandy beach of Sohar, so those who like a relaxing holiday will like it here. The only danger is represented by ocean currents, which can “suddenly” change their direction. Among the attractions here, the Sohara Fort is worthy of attention, it is beautiful and majestic. On Fridays, everyone can watch a bullfight.

Ras al-Khaimah is the capital of the emirate of the same name in the United Arab Emirates. About 90% of all residents of this territory live here and this is where resort life is in full swing. The resort is young; its active development began no more than 20 years ago. But today it is in demand as a place to relax, where you can find the optimal balance between cost and quality of services offered.

Ras Al Khaimah resort on the map

Ras al-Khaimah is located in the north of the country, on a cape that separates the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. The resort area is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It includes several bulk islands under the general name Al-Marjan. The archipelago belongs to the Arab company Al-Marjan Island, which operates in the field of hotel business and tourism services.

Ras Al Khaimah has an international airport where the emirate's airline RAK Airways and the UAE's low-cost carrier AirArabia are based. And if the first one flies within the countries of Southeast Asia, then the second one flies to several cities in the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, but, unfortunately, not from Ras al-Khaimah.

Most tourists fly to Dubai Airport, the main resort center of the country. The distance from it to Ras Al Khaimah is 100 km. The route passes along a modern highway. The second closest airport is located in Sharjah at a distance of about 85 km from the resort.

Beach and sea

Beach near the Rixos Bab Al Bahr hotel

The total length of the RAK beach area, as the emirate is abbreviated even in official sources, is more than 60 km. True, this also includes the beaches of man-made islands. The sea off the coast of the resort is mostly calm. Winds, and especially storms, are rare. The water is clean and clear even at the height of the season.

The beaches are sandy with white or slightly pinkish sand. In some places on the coast you can find picturesque dunes. The entrance to the sea is gentle and safe. Some tourists in their reviews talk about places with shell rocks and large boulders near the coast. They do exist, but most often on public beaches.

Municipal beaches are often overcrowded and poorly equipped. Hotel beaches have good infrastructure and offer a lot of entertainment. From boat trips on a yacht or catamaran to fiery parties. By the way, guests of other hotels are allowed to attend entertainment events, subject to the purchase of drinks. Yes, most hotel beach bars sell alcoholic drinks. But this does not mean that there is no prohibition in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.

Resort accommodation

Five-star Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is a dynamically developing resort. New hotels open every year. Mostly they are designated 5 or 4 stars. Most of them have their own beach area with good equipment. The resort is considered a leader in the United Arab Emirates in working with the all-inclusive and ultra-all-inclusive systems. More than half of the hotels offer their guests a holiday without any worries or hassle.

However, when choosing a hotel, it is worth carefully researching the services it offers and where it is located. Even though hotels have their own beaches, they can be located far from the coast. The range of services in the all-inclusive system also varies somewhat. If you have the financial means, it is better to give preference to a holiday on the islands.

Top five:

• - the most luxurious hotel. An oasis of luxury in the desert. Accommodation in villas with a private pool. The only negative is that the prices are steep.
• – excellent golf hotel. Shopping centers are within walking distance. Luxurious interiors.
• - family hotel. Part of the Rixos hotel chain . Impeccable service.

Fours with good reviews:

• - club hotel. First line. Great beach. All inclusive.
• - city hotel. Nearby are shops and cafes. The Hilton name stands for excellent service.

The best three are:

• — located next to the beach.
• city ​​hotel with good room capacity.

Fans of independent holidays at the resort can rent an apartment or villa from local residents on airbnb. The prices will pleasantly surprise you. In addition, for your first booking you will definitely receive a discount of 2100 rubles.

Vacation with children

Ras Al Khaimah is suitable for families with children. It has a milder climate, a warm and calm sea with sandy beaches in shallow waters.

There is little children's entertainment at the resort. Many hotels offer an on-site children's pool, outdoor playgrounds, animation and babysitting services for an additional fee.

The most luxurious place for children, where life is always in full swing, is the Iceland Waterpark water park. It has 30 slides. True, none of them are super extreme, but guests will get their dose of adrenaline. The design of the area is attractive. From a green oasis among the desert sands, visitors, upon crossing the threshold, are transported to the Arctic Circle. Eternal ice, polar bears, penguins and the hot sun of the Arabian Peninsula await them.

Infrastructure

The resort's infrastructure is quite developed, but it is worth making allowances for the country's traditions.

Cafes and restaurants

Italian restaurant Piaceri Da Gustare

There are many cafes and restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah with a large selection of dishes and destinations. If you are not satisfied with national dishes, then you can go to the Italian restaurant “Piaceri Da Gustare” or the establishment “Ayoka”, which serves Japanese cuisine. At Moti Mahal, visitors will get acquainted with the culinary delights of national and Indian cuisine. Surprisingly, there are also fast food chain cafes here - McDonald's, KFC, BurgerKing.

Entertainment

Most of the entertainment is offered by the hotels themselves. These include not only parties, but also sea fishing, trips to Dubai, and excursions to interesting places. There are few entertainment venues in the city itself.

Transport

When traveling to Ras Al Khaimah, it is worth keeping in mind that there is no public transport within the city. There are regular bus services that run to Dubai and neighboring emirates. You will have to travel within the resort on foot or by taxi.

Walking in the heat is tiring. Taxi is expensive. Therefore, when booking a hotel without meals or with half board, you should choose a hotel where there are shops and cafes within walking distance. And also find out in advance how far the hotel is from the sea and whether there is a transfer.

Excursions and attractions of the resort

The Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, and the resort itself, is rich in attractions and interesting places. The city is divided into two parts by a bay. Previously, in its place was the city of Julfar, the largest center in Asia for the extraction and trade of pearls.

Today, on the west bank, you can visit an ancient fort with watchtowers made of light yellow sandstone and a mosque made of coral blocks. It is interesting to visit the National Museum, which displays a rich collection of corals, pearls and pearl jewelry. In the modern part of the city, visitors will find the Emir's Palace, exhibition centers, numerous markets and shops.

Road to Jebel Jais

Exciting will be a car and then a walking ascent to Mount Jebel Jais, Fort El Daya, a trip to the Khatt Springs hot springs and the Wadi Bi canyon. Those interested can visit the pearl farm and the picturesque Al Gail Park. And of course, a trip to Dubai is very interesting.

basic information

A little general information that is most often of interest to tourists planning a holiday in Ras al-Khaimah.

Travel budget

A room with breakfast at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr hotel will cost 28,000 rubles per day

It is worth noting that the trip will not be on a budget, no matter what type of vacation you choose.

• Prices for all-inclusive package tours start from 110,000-120,000 rubles for seven nights when staying in 4* hotels 1-2 km from the beach.
• If you choose accommodation without meals, then a good three-way stay with a free transfer to the beach will cost 60,000-65,000 rubles. It is worth keeping in mind that a snack at McDonald's with a Big Mac and French fries will cost at least 350 rubles. A trip to a cafe or restaurant will empty your pocket by 6,000-15,000 rubles, depending on the establishment and the order.
• The ability to cook yourself is only available in the villas. Some apartments are equipped with an electric kettle, but that's it.
• Each tourist is charged a tourist tax. Its size depends on the level of the hotel and the number of nights. In a five-star hotel, in terms of Russian rubles, you will have to pay about 5,000 for 2 people staying for a week. In 3* apartments the amount will be half as much.

You can save money by choosing travel periods with low demand for trips. As a rule, this is mid-January-February and the summer months.

Climate and travel time

On the Persian Gulf coast you can sunbathe and swim all year round. The most comfortable weather at the resort is in spring and autumn. The air warms up to +27-30 °C, water – to +23-26 °C. In summer, Ras Al Khaimah experiences hot weather with temperatures of +40-45°C. Water heated to +33-35°C is not refreshing.

The winter months are relatively cool. The air and water temperatures are practically comparable and range between +23-25°C. The nights are also never cold. It's time for travel and sightseeing.

Shopping

Shopping in Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best entertainments. In numerous shopping centers you can buy goods from famous brands, as well as products from local manufacturers, visit a cinema, cafe or restaurant, and stroll along your own embankment, such as in the oldest shopping center “Al Manar Mall”. In addition to it, tourists note:

• Shopping center "Al Hamra Mall" with a wide selection of electronics and household appliances;
• Shopping center "RAK Mall" with goods from local producers;
• The Safeer Mall shopping center in the old city, where you can buy original spices and aromatic oils.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to the resort of Ras Al Khaimah is from the airports of Dubai and Sharjah by bus, taxi or transfer. Travel time will be 1.5-2 hours. There are no flights from Russia to the local airport.

Cons of the resort

The negative aspects of a holiday in the resort of Ras al-Khaimah include the distance from Dubai, the lack of public transport within the resort and a small amount of entertainment.

Overall, Ras Al Khaimah is a great place for a classic beach holiday. It is suitable for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of big cities. Relaxation on the shores of the Persian Gulf overlooking artificial islands, exploring the city and occasional excursions. Plus, the prices are pleasing compared to the popular resorts of the United Arab Emirates.

Inspirational video - overview of Ras Al Khaimah:

We wish you a pleasant stay!

Below is a selection of the best last-minute tours to all resorts in the Emirates. If Ras Al Khaimah is not suitable, choose other resorts.

It’s very beautiful on the coast: azure expanse, space, white boats, and you’re tempted to immediately plunge into the warm embrace of the sea. However, while admiring the beauty of the sea-ocean, we sometimes don’t think about who lives there? Who can we step on, accidentally touch, and would anyone like to take a piece of us for lunch? What surprises await us in the Persian or Oman Gulf, the Indian Ocean (Fujairah), as well as who can be caught on a fishing excursion or purchased at the fish market - we’ll talk about this now.

Jellyfish

Fortunately, tourists usually see only schools of small, harmless fish in the sea waves, and are surprised to learn that someone else is here. In March 2014, there was a large influx of jellyfish on the coast of Dubai. This species, Aurelia aurita, is considered not to pose a threat to human life.

In such situations, it is better not to swim on wild beaches where there are no lifeguards. On equipped beaches, in case of danger, red flags are raised near the rescue towers, in the sea, and even the beaches are patrolled by police squads.

Jellyfish appear here and there periodically, very rarely in winter, more often in summer. And in the Indian Ocean, and on Palma, and on Jumeirah - they can be found everywhere. In the spring, blue jellyfish predominate in the waters of the Persian Gulf, their burns are less painful, tourists even say that they saw children playing with these “snot of the sea”, and - nothing.

Most of the jellyfish are in Fujairah, which is mainly a holiday destination for diving enthusiasts, and they are mostly experienced people.

So, for safety reasons, we do not swim on wild beaches, where it is generally unknown who is waiting for us in the sea, and we listen to the rescuers if they warn of danger. It is also better to choose another emirate for your holiday than the best place for divers - Fujairah.

Sharks

Many UAE hotel beaches are protected by shark nets, which is good news. Yes, there are sharks here - just take a walk to the fish market to see for yourself and see these exotic inhabitants of the Indian Ocean. Shark meat, by the way, is a rare treat - few people find it tasty, so there is no need to rush into purchasing this fish on the market. And for adrenaline, come to Fujairah - there you can meet free-swimming small reef sharks, but this will be discussed below.

In addition to reef sharks, there are also whale sharks. They reach 14 meters in length and are also considered safe for humans (they feed on squid, small fish, and plankton). A few years ago, such a curious incident occurred - a whale shark got lost and swam to the embankment in the Dubai Marina area, near the Spinneys store. The local police, together with the coast guard, frightened the poor fellow with loud signals, caught him in a net, then gave up on this whole hopeless matter and gave him the opportunity to find his way home on his own.

An interesting fact is that Dubai recently became the fifth largest exporter of shark fins in the world. The Emirates supply approximately 500 tons of shark fins every year to Hong Kong alone (this is half of their global production). In one day, a fishing boat can catch up to a thousand sharks, and soup with the addition of shark fins is considered a symbol of prestige and wealth.

Other living creatures

In Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, tourists saw stingrays - small, shy, not electric. Anyone who is afraid of stingrays or does not want to “tread calmly on them” needs to buy special slippers. In Sharjah the water is clean - you can immediately see the stingray. You just need to be careful - after all, the sea is inhabited by all sorts of living creatures.

Sea urchins are even found in Al Mamzar, a paid park with swimming areas and beaches, but only where there are rocks. Crabs also usually live on rocks; there are many of them in Umm Al Quwain - someone lives in every shell. They are afraid of people - more than we are of them, so we should not expect an attack from them. Moreover, tourists swim where there is sand.

According to tourists, there are more jellyfish when the sea is warm and calm, when it’s a little cooler and the sea is a little rough - like a cow licks them off with her tongue.

In the open ocean there are sea snakes, and on wild beaches in the water you can stumble upon stone fish and scorpion fish, so even for innocent walks along the water's edge (precisely on wild beaches) you need rubber shoes.

But in general, travelers say that nowhere at sea was it as comfortable and safe as in Dubai. And they are surprised to learn about the presence of all sorts of unpleasant inhabitants of the sea, saying: “But we only saw some small fish in schools, that’s all!”

A special word about Fujairah, Indian Ocean.

As you know, Fujairah is famous for its diving capabilities. Many travelers who come here for this very purpose choose the Sandy Beach 3* hotel, with a sandy beach and a diving center on this very beach. Experienced travelers advise all tourists to take an underwater camera with them - it will definitely come in handy!

There are practically no fish in the waters near the beach - they all swim near the coral island of Snoopy - about a hundred meters from the shore, opposite this hotel. This is where you can meet and photograph all kinds of colorful fish, stingrays, turtles, parrot fish, and Picasso fish. But that is not all! Not very large and shy reef sharks live here; tourists go, accompanied by guides, to look at them; the size of the sharks is from one to two meters. These sharks prefer to stay near the island and further away; they have never been seen near the beach. In general, where there is sand, there are no fish or sharks, but as soon as the stones begin, that’s where you can find them, but whether it’s necessary is up to you to decide. Maybe it’s better to turn back - where the sand is?

You should not feed sharks, go spearfishing if they are nearby, wear something shiny, and also try to touch the shark or block its path. Even if it’s a reef one, even if it’s small. The smell of blood and the sight of prey makes them go crazy.

In general, a shark in Fujairah can easily be found even fifty meters from the shore...

There are a lot of sea urchins near Snuppy Island. Even if you are swimming in coral slippers, they will not save you from a powerful injection (and the temptation to stand up is very strong - the depth there is a meter and a half). Some tourists ignore these rules and walk near the island, admiring the underwater world. It’s good if you’re lucky and get out of this admiration unharmed, but if you swim back with an injured leg... it’s worth thinking about.

Siphonophores also swim in the Indian Ocean; they are also called “thread”. There are few of them, but they exist. In case of a burn, it is recommended to keep the affected area in sea water near the shore - this will make it go away faster. The stinging cells of the siphonophores are removed with sand and sea water; you need to rub them effortlessly.

There are influxes of “stinging” burning plankton, which annoys swimmers in the Gulf of Oman.

Sometimes, for safety reasons, tourists swim in shorts and long-sleeved shirts or special swimsuits that also cover their arms and legs.

In general, Fujairah is a tempting place for divers, but those who want a relaxing family holiday need to be prudent or choose another emirate.

What you can catch while fishing or buy at the Fish Market

Fishing in the UAE gives tourists an unforgettable experience, a lot of impressions and a good catch. They even take children with them on this excursion, but fishing on your own from the shore is prohibited - for this you can get a fine of up to 500 dirhams and generally get into trouble.

For an additional fee, fish will be prepared for you directly on the yacht. You need to take copies of your passports with you (for coast guard verification). The journey to the fishing spots takes about 30 minutes. From November to May is the best season for fishing; in summer the water gets too hot and the fish are inactive. Don't forget to take your camera with you!

By trolling (hunting for large fish, the yacht is usually equipped with special equipment) you can catch barracuda, hamur, sichil, Spanish mackerel, and by spinning - perch, Emperor family, Sheri. You can catch tuna, king fish (mackerel), shark.

Khamour is considered one of the most delicious fish in the UAE; almost every restaurant offers dishes from this fish. Sychil is also a delicious fish; specimens from 2 kg are used for cooking - small ones are released, they have very little meat. Such fish are rarely caught, but they are caught! The lucky fishermen who managed to catch the sychil are called lucky. Sea catfish is tasteless, has a bad smell, and has a “soapy” coating. It is difficult to wash off its mucus - these fish are handled with gloves. Usually good for a photo shoot, then released.

Shark is rarely cooked on a yacht - its taste is not for everyone.

In general, to learn about the local seafood, you can go to the Fish Market (in Dubai, Sharjah).

Tuna, sardine, mackerel, barracuda, hamur, lobster, shrimp, crabs, cuttlefish, octopus, squid, sharks - you name it!

The sellers are friendly, according to tourists, they love to take pictures and pose with their fish. Just take rubber slippers with you - walk around the market, the floor there may be wet and covered in fish scales.

Enjoy your holiday in the United Arab Emirates!