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Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It.s name means .Head of the Tent.. According to one local tradition, the name originated from the golden top of the tent of the leader of a Persian force, who encamped at Ras Al Khaimah, after landing on the Southern shore of the Gulf on his way to overthrow the Ya.ariba dynasty in Oman. Sailors passing by called this Ras el Keime, which in Arabic signifies the point of the tent.

Since the earliest days of Islam, Ras Al Khaimah was a major port on the Gulf serving the whole of the Oman Peninsular. RAK.s prominence and position were determined by the fertile soil and accessible creek at the foot of the Al Hajjar Mountains, from which the modern city of Ras Al Khaimah has emerged.

Facts on Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is the most northern Emirate of the United Arab Emirates with a large enclave to the south extending from Masafi to the UAE.s southern border with Oman. The city of Ras Al Khaimah nestles at the foot of the Al Hajjar Mountains and is divided by a natural creek into the old town on one side and the new business centre of Al Nakheel on the other. The Emirate is fortunate to have perhaps the most scenic and most fertile land in the UAE and is strategically located south of the Strait of Hormuz, plus it is only 50 minutes by car north of Dubai.

Ruler: H.H. Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi
Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler: H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi
Approx Area: 2,900 square Kms.
Population: 250,000 (estimated by Ministry of Planning 1997)
Religion: Islam
Language: Arabic, English is the main business language
Climate: Sub tropical with infrequent and irregular rainfall
Time: GMT +4 hours
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED) US $1 = 3.67 AED
Date of Joining Union: Ras Al Khaimah joined UAE Union on 10 February 1972

Heritage
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has an impressive archaeological heritage and a very rich history. This area had always enticed settlers with its unique combination of all the four types of landscapes found in different parts of the United Arab Emirates: the fertile plains, the mountainous region, coastal areas and the desert environment. The interaction of these geographical factors and the living style of people have shaped up the very special heritage of the Emirate. Archaeological excavations and finds have proved that the history of Ras Al Khaimah dates back to the very immemorial past. It reveals that an advanced civilization that carried on trade existed in this region since 5'000 BC.

Popular Arts
The UAE in general and Ras Al Khaimah in particular is well known for its folklore, folk music, folk dance and other traditional and popular art forms which embody and reflect the social, ethical and aesthetic values of the community. Traditional dances for example are meaningful movements played rhythmically to symbolize the common ideas and likes of a certain community.

Hot Springs
Khatt Hot Springs Spa - Just 20 minutes drive from RAK City towards the Airport, through the lush green agricultural land in Digdaga is the oasis town of Khatt that lies at the foot of the mountains. The spa consists of three natural springs of hot mineralized water, which reaches temperatures of 40 C. Visitors can relax in the therapeutic pools and enjoy the other facilities.

The recent renovation and development of the natural hot water springs in the famous tourist and agricultural area of Khatt was to include private pools with attached treatment rooms, plus a café for visitors. The springs healing properties attract many Gulf residents and it has become a tradition and locally popular family picnic location.

The waters of Khatt Springs reach a depth of 90 feet under ground level with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Centigrade. Owing to its mineral content and heat, the water is said to have medicinal benefits for skin ailments such as rheumatic diseases and muscular problems. The area has grown quite famous and is now visited by people from all over the world for treatment of Dermatoses and Rheumatic ailments.

The spring.s facility will offer additional Spa service by Ayurveda which are complimented by the thermal water. The Ayurvedic treatments will be done by a team of expert doctors and therapists from the world renowned Center par Excellence for Ayurveda.

National Food

.we ate coffee and dates for breakfast, dates and fish at midday, and coffee and dates in the evening. We didn.t eat bread, we sometimes had a little rice.

Statement by an elderly resident of Sha.am, a fishing village in the northern emirates of Ras Al Khaimah.

In the past there were a limited choice of food for the population of the emirates and as result meals were simple. The availability of some foods was very seasonal and there was certainly monotony in the diet of the local people. Most people had an intimate association with the sources, production and preparation of food as well as its consumption. Food was relatively plentiful and the social structure ensured that no one lacked food for sustenance.

The quotation emphasizes the simplicity and repetition which were some of the characteristics of meals before economic development made the worlds diverse food resources available to the Emiratis

Only within the family will adult men and women eat together as the same meal. There is not a series of courses and at a large banquet there may be several .sittings. to accommodate all the diners. As one might expect, there are no alcoholic beverages.

There is no lingering over the food, eating is a brisk activity and as soon as you have eaten your fill you rise and leave the food. The duration of a meal will often depend on the arrival time of the principal guest and his continuing presence, when he goes the meal will end. No food is wasted; any excess is gifted to someone.
The UAE kitchen is known for its delicious dishes and recipes passed from one generation to another. People are still fond of these dishes and prefer them to many other sorts of modern food served to them on certain occasions. The following are some the most popular dishes and recipes in the UAE.

Bread
Bread is one of the main items of food in many parts of the world. In Ras Al Khaimah there are many types of breads, Khammer (Leavened) Bread, Mejassef, Chabab Bread, Mahalla, Regag (Wafer-thin) Bread, Mutammar (dates bread), blouch and Sifa.s are among the various kinds of bread in the area.

Rice
Is the main dish for many people in the UAE. It is widely served and highly consumed as an item. The types of rice are many such as Karda, Bu Kraisha, Al Zeerah, Basmati, Rishti, (Zanklooni). These varities were know since early days, usually differ in terms of cost and the best types are preferred by well off families at that time.

Other dishes
Among the other kinds of foods and dishes there re Al areseyah, (mainly rice and meat). Al mudhrobah (made of flour and salted fish), al harees (consists of wheat and meat or chicken), al fareed or Al thareed which is made of bread with meat and soup, or chicken and soup.

Sweet Dishes and Desserts
Many sweet popular desserts are served with food in many occasions. The varieties include very sweet dessert made with dates, sugar, oil and flour. Al Medabes which is a mixture of dates, dates honey, (dibbs) and sesame. This sweet dish is a preferred winter dessert which supplies the body with energy, vitality and warmth.

Other Cuisine
There is also a wide range of other cuisines available in Ras Al Khaimah, from pub grub to fine dining experiences. Check with the guest relations at your hotel if you have need to more about what is available near to where you are staying.

Malls, Souks and Market
The fresh food markets and some of the souq areas of Ras Al Khaimah date back to the distant past when Julfar was the nerve centre of trade in the whole region. The promising lively trade continues now as well. Besides the old Souks and Bazaars with their scent of the past, you will find fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly caught fish and freshly made bread.

Traditional Souks
Are found in the old town just off Al Qawasim Cornish Road close to the sea and along the creek beside the morning fish market, whilst the modern shops and mall are in Al Nakheel area just over the bridge that spans the Creek. In the old Souk area nearby shops sell interesting and traditional handicrafts, herbs and spices, an array of textiles and other merchandise, all at reasonable prices.

Shopping Centers
The more modern trade centers where shoppers can find all their needs under one roof. These modern centers provide a relaxed shopping atmosphere where shoppers can enjoy many amenities. Some of the prominent shopping centers in Ras Al Khaimah are Al Manar Shopping Center, Al Waha Centre and Lulu Centre.

Manar Mall
Located on the Al Nakheel side and having a gross area of 45'000 square meters, the mall offers a wide range of products and services. The Manar Mall combines the region.s best shopping experience with entertainment facilities, great dining and leisure options, and much more. The Mall has an interest and growing line up of international brands, food courts, super markets and cinemas.

Carrefour
The French hypermarket chain, Carrefour is one of the anchor tenants, providing a wide choice of merchandise for all classes of customers. Manar Mall a seven screen state-of-the-art Grand Manar Cineplex and Foton Edutainment provides hours of fun for the whole family. Another attraction is the amphitheatre, located in the heart of the mall. This ultramodern facility features an atrium where art and other exhibitions, cultural programs and variety entertainment shows are held every week-end.

Name Tel Opening Times
Manar Mall 07 - 227 00 00 Shops: 10:00 am to 11.59 pm
Food court and Cinema: 10:00 am to 02:00 pm
Safeer Mall 07 - 532 53 53 Opening Soon
Al Hamra Mall 07 - 244 72 75 Opening Soon

Pharmacies
Pharmacies are located at prime locations include the main shopping mall. The opening hours are 9 am till early evening.

Legend has it, that half of the business deals in the world are agreed on a golf course. on the way those wheelers and dealers swing the odd club and knock a MaxFli A3 down the fairway towards the distant green ahead. In between bull and ball, they drive along manicured lawns in their little golfing carts from green to tee.

Every day huge numbers of visitors are taking to the fairways in Ras Al Khaimah irrespective of the summer.s heat and humidity.

The UAE boasts a number of superior golf courses which historically centred a round Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But now Ras Al Khaimah also offers a choice of golfing experiences which are a little different from the ones you.ve played on before but equally as good.

The key to each course is its individual topography which of course makes all courses unique. The way that any one course will or can be laid out is determined by the variations in elevations of the site, the nature of the ground and then where the club house might be located or the access roads.

It is incredible to think that it wasn.t really until the early 1980s that golf was promoted to a wider audience in the UAE. And, a little over 22 years later the region boasts some of the best golf courses in the world.

Ras Al Khaimah.s modern and sophisticated facilities provide a fantastic opportunity for visitors to spread their golfing wings a little further a field. Ras Al Khaimah may still be a young upstart as a golfing destination but it is growing up fast.

Al Hamra Golf Club and Resorts
The Peter Harradine-designed Golf Club is a championship 18-hole course shaped around a large open salt water lagoon. The 7,267 yard, Par 72 championship course is designed to ensure guests have the finest golfing experience in the Arabian Peninsula. The Club features a nine-hole Par 3 Academy course with holes ranging from 60 yards to 110 yards, a 350 yard driving range and purpose built Swing Rooms.

In keeping with the tradition and style of a links golf course, Al Hamra features humps, hollows and pot bunkers unique to golf in this region.

The 350 yard driving range offers practice either from a large grass hitting area or from the designated Astroturf mats. To compliment this fine practice area are putting greens, chipping areas and bunker / pitching areas.

With the latest zero pollution flood lights on nine holes of the Championship course, all of the Academy course and the driving range and practice facilities golfers can enjoy this ultimate night time golf experience.

The world-class indoor and outdoor practice facilities includes a state-of-the-art swing studios with the latest golfing technology to assess your swing, Nine hole par 3 Academy course also an extensive practice facilities with a short game area, driving range, practice putting greens and practice bunkers, all of which are fully floodlit.

Postal Address
PO Box 6617 Ras Al Khaimah United Arab Emirates
Reception and General Enquiries
Tel: 07 244 7474 extn 8
Fax: 07 244 7423
Email: reception@alhamragolf.com
Website: www.alhamragolf.com

Tower Links Golf Club
Tower Links Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole, par 72 golf course. The club possesses an outstanding range of facilities enabling golfers to improve their standard of play. The back nine holes and practice facilities are fully floodlit for night play.

The course is 7,200 yards in length with four tees: Championship, men, seniors and ladies, therefore providing tee-off opportunities for all standards of play.

The Tower Links Golf Academy is run by PGA Qualified Golf Professionals and features a dedicated teaching tee, a short game zone comprising of two green complexes complete with practice bunkers. The teaching tee sits away from the general range and adjacent to the indoor swing analysis centre which features multi-cameras, specialist lighting and the latest GASP Systems computer-run instructional software.

The clubhouse exterior design is based on a .Watchtower. reflecting the rich history of the emirate and bringing to Ras Al Khaimah a landmark building.
Address: P.O.Box 30888,
Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates

Tel: + 971 7 227 9939
Fax: 971 7 227 9949
Email: info@towerlinks.com
Golf Booking: golf@towerlinks.com
Website: www.towerlinks.com

Lifestyle
Today Ras Al Khaimah is a growing leisure destination. The emirate has 64 kilometers of beach along the clear blue Arabian Gulf. The distant Al Hajjar Mountains appearing on the horizon long before you reach City of RAK. It is one of the most wonderful sights in all of the UAE.

After a while the landscape changes and the red sandy dunes are decorated with meandering camels, ancient watch towers and new arabesque residential areas.

The mountain range extends 46 kilometers with peaks reaching heights of 2000 meters. At their foot, on the last stretch of plain before the mountains meets the water lies the town of Ras al Khaimah. This area has been inhabited for the past 4,000 years. The fertile agricultural land served as the food basket for the emirates of the Omani coast during the sixties and seventies of the last century.

Safety and Security
Most visits to Ras Al Khaimah are trouble free and street crime is rare. Female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and use reputable, official taxis. The UAE is considered by tourists to be one of the safest places to visit on holiday. Travellers are nevertheless advised to follow normal precautions to ensure safety and to take out travel insurance before leaving for RAK. Foreign nationals visiting RAK and elsewhere in the UAE are advised to be vigilant due to the current continued global risk of terrorist attacks. Developments in Iraq and the Middle East peace process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the area and travellers are advised to be aware of local sensitivities.

Dress Code for Visitors
Ras Al Khaimah accepts the different cultures and codes of conduct and dress but visitors must respect the traditions and cultural of local communities. For example, at private beaches, in your hotel and within the confines of your home, bikinis, swimsuits and revealing clothes are acceptable dress code. However when you go out to public places a reasonable decorum with regards to dress code is expected and shows respect for the Muslim culture in which we are residing.

There are no nude beaches in the UAE.
Topless sunbathing is not allowed anywhere on the beaches inside or out of the confines of your hotel.
Thongs or very revealing swim wear may receive complaints and visitors will be required to replace in case of complaints.
Unaccompanied females are advised not to wear skimpy bathing suits on public beaches especially on Fridays.
When shopping or out of the hotel please respect local traditions, religion and culture and refine from wear very revealing clothing.

Gay and Lesbian
Homosexual practices are prohibited in the UAE.