Travel Inspiration: Escape from Budapest to the 'Pearl Emirate' of UAE
- 20 Apr 2022 8:24 AM
This is a less obvious and less expensive destination than other Emirates, and it provides more exclusive experiences as less people know about it, giving you more unique stories to tell friends when you return from a high-quality vacation in Ras Al Khaimah.
This somewhat undiscovered pearl in the northern most part of the UAE really does offer genuinely unique experiences, as the top tips for activities below show. Moreover this destination comes with year-long sunshine and 64 km of pristine white sandy beaches, making it a perfect getaway from everyday life.
A personal favourite tip to mention first is an immersive trip to Suwaidi Pearl Farm - the only pearl farm in the UAE - it provides you with a glimpse into the Emirate’s pearling industry through experiences such as pearl diving and oyster opening - get lucky and you can find a pearl here.
To sum it up in a few words, it’s a real dream destination for all types of holiday makers, including nature lovers and thrill seekers - as this Emirate boasts of magnificent landscapes featuring breath-taking coastlines, terracotta desert planes, and the awe-inspiring Hajar mountain range with the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, having the world's longest zipline.
Dare to Take a Jebel Jais Zipline Flight
The dramatic Jebel Jais mountainscapes offer adrenaline-pumping, cloud-piercing adventures - you just have to dare yourself not to say no to any opportunity up on this mountain and then you can enjoy life-changingly experiences you’ll always positively remember.
The mountain is also the base of the Jais Adventure Park, a gateway to attractions such as the Jais Viewing Deck Park, Jais Sky Tour, a series of seven exhilarating ziplines stretching 5km, and Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride. Jebel Jais is also home to the highest restaurant in the UAE – 1484 by Puro - which from experience is an excellent spot for lunch.
Real Bear Grylls Adventure Location
The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp made its regional debut on Jebel Jais, offering the world’s first Bear Grylls branded accommodation. The camp offers courses of varying lengths, putting participants face-to-face with some of the toughest terrains in the wilderness.
Here you can get hands-on practical training and extreme survival techniques. The camp features sixteen recycled and sustainable cabins at this true Bear Grylls style accommodation, where you can spend the night and also try your hand at mountain biking, hiking and climbing.
Experience a Unique Desert Safari
Those looking to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s unique terracotta desert can easily explore it by booking a safari - also worth checking out is the Al Wadi Equestrian Center which offers unrivalled horse and camel riding experiences across the rolling dunes.
Visitors seeking decadent dining under the stars can enjoy Sonara Camp, a luxurious dining and entertainment experience set in the beauty of the Arabian desert, with herds of Oryx and Gazelle as dinner companions, that's really highly recommended.
Cultural Visit to Jazirah Al Hamra Village
Al Jazirah Al Hamra is the only remaining historical pearling village in the entire Gulf region. The open-air museum here is free to enter and is unmanned, so precautions are advised, as many of the buildings are in ruin or in a state of disrepair, so do take care.
Visitors are asked not to climb on or venture into the buildings; as they may be unstable. It is prohibited to remove anything from the protected site and recommended that you only visit during daylight hours for safety reasons.
Delight at the Sight of Dhayah Fort
With a rich history dating back 7,00 years to the Bronze Age, Ras Al Khaimah is dotted with historical sites including ruins and forts, of which four locations – Julfar, Shimal, Al Jazirah Al Hamra and Dhaya – were recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on its tentative list of Global Heritage Sites.
Dhayah Fort, a castle-like structure, stands proud amidst the arid mountains and fertile date wadis of northern Ras Al Khaimah. The fort forms the centre of this lush oasis and boasts spectacular views from the mountains across palm trees and verdant lands to neighbouring Oman and down to the sea.
Ideal Emirate to Enjoy Beach Life
This sunny Emirate boasts long stretches of pristine white sandy beaches, which are home to a number of beachfront hotels – from ultra-luxurious beach resorts to family-friendly city centre properties and resorts.
World-class hotels and resorts include properties such as Waldorf Astoria and Rixos Bab Al Bahr are highly recommended here, along with a more down to earth and friendly 4-star property with some rooms located 5 m from the beach at BM Beach Resort.
After Shopping Take a Walk on Manar Mall Promenade
Manar Mall opened in 2000 and is the largest shopping and leisure complex in Ras Al Khaimah, with 55,000 square metres of retail space on a single level. It’s regarded as one of the finest mid to high-end malls in the Emirate.
The mall is well connected to major roads and is close to the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah and Tower Links Golf Course - plus as you can see here the Mall Promenade in picture is a magnificent and memourable sight. Manar Mall has a corniche location.
See Al Qawasim Corniche with Julphar Tower and Mountains in Background
In the heart of Ras Al Khaimah lies a beautiful and protected stretch of mangroves that line the coastline and culminates in the city. These mangroves form the juxtaposition between nature and urban living, and Corniche Al Qawasim is considered the most beautiful road in the northernmost Emirate.
With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. A haven of year-round sunshine, the Emirate features pristine beaches, lush mangrove trees and terracotta dunes, as well as fertile, green oases and the dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Hajjar mountains.
Named the Gulf Tourism Capital in 2020 and 2021, much of Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity comes from the increasing ease of accessibility. Located a few short hours by flight from various key European hubs, the emirate is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
Getting there is easy from Hungary
Flydubai.com has direct flights between Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport and Dubai, currently this service operates four times a week.
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