While those of us who live in the UAE may think we know it well, this great country — which I have had the pleasure of calling home for over a decade — has much more to offer than meets the eye. To discover more, I put on my intrepid journalist hat and set off on an adventure with the folks at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism.
Heading to the UAE’s northernmost point
Ras Al Khaimah literally means “head of the tent”, as it is the northernmost point of the UAE. Known as the “Nature Emirate”, the city and its surroundings are a true hotbed for history and adventure.
I had the opportunity to explore the world’s longest zipline, cross over to Oman for some sea exploration, immerse in history and deep dive into the world of pearls, which was once a thriving economic force in the region. I experienced this all while enjoying the grand comforts of my seaside villa at Movenpick, Marjan Island.
My ride for the next four days was the Jeep Grand Wagoneer from Stellantis. By far the most luxurious Jeep ever produced, it has grandeur that rivals the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. The Grand Wagoneer debuted in 1963 and continued until the early 1990s. It was relaunched a few years back. The one I drove was the Series III.
Jebel Jais and the world’s longest zipline
I’ve never been much of an adrenaline seeker. But when the opportunity came to ride the world’s longest zipline, measuring a staggering 2.8 km, I was most certainly in.
Getting up Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais has always been one of my favorite things while test-driving some of the world’s fastest cars. The windy roads up the mighty mountain, which sits just under 2,000 m above sea level, make it the perfect location.
Heading into the zipline, one will feel excited and curious. In my experience, the preparation for the ride was swift. The experts came with smiles as they wrapped me up in a protective straitjacket. Within minutes, I was suspended off the ground and traveling at speeds of 160 mh/h. As the world moved rapidly around me, I absorbed all the colors and shapes below—accompanied by a sensation best described as euphoric.
Crossing to Oman
While non-continuous, the UAE-Oman border stretches 609 km. Crossing it is seamless, thanks to great relations between these nations.
Within 90 minutes from my villa, I found myself on a dhow in the Musandam Peninsula, setting sail for the crystal-clear waters. These vessels hold a significant place in the maritime history of the Arabian Peninsula. Historians can trace the origins of the dhow to China as far back as 600 BC. They are said to have been roaming the Arabian Peninsula for about 2,000 years. Before, they were pivotal in facilitating trade among East Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Today, these boats remain cultural symbols of maritime heritage and are used for tourism and fishing.
The waters in Oman are pristine and home to some of the richest marine life, including easy-to-spot dolphins.
For history buffs, Telegraph Island is a must-visit. Its name comes from when the Brits used it as a telegraph station to connect London and India between 1864 and 1865. A luxury hotel will soon be built on the island.
Before heading back to Ras Al Khaimah, I had two more stops.
First was the meticulously restored Khasab Castle, one of many along the Omani coastline. Taking its name from the quiet fishing town where it lies, it was built by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 17th century. The Omanis soon took over the castle as they expelled the invading navy. Throughout history, it served as a key seaside structure to fend off potential invaders.
For those who want to indulge in more history, Al Kamazra Castle and Bani Sanad Fort are also nearby.
After much-needed shade and some history, I headed to yet another zipline; this time, the longest zipline over water. While it doesn’t reach speeds anywhere near its counterpart in Jabal Jais, gliding over the water is an experience not to be missed.
Read: On luxury and beyond: How Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates sets the standard
Pearl diving
Before the discovery of oil in the 20th century, the UAE had a very close economic and cultural relationship with pearls and Ras Al Khaimah was a hub for pearling.
Historians have recorded pearl fishing history dating back over seven millennia. Pearling was not for the faint-hearted. Men of the village would be out on the sea for as long as three months at a time, working relentlessly throughout the day. They were diving with only a few primitive aids to pick the pearls.
The type of boat used in traditional pearl diving is called a “Jalboot”. Today, these boats are primarily used for tourism.
To keep the heritage of this age-old tradition alive, Abdulla Al Suwaidi, the grandson of a pearl diver, has worked long and hard to open the Suwaidi Pearl Farm. Established in 2004 and located in the fishing village of Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah, it is the world’s first.
Here, pearls are farmed in a controlled manner. There are 14 types of pearls, and each one’s value is determined by its shape, size and luster. Abdulla says 60 percent of the oysters will produce cultured pearls.
The Suwaidi Pearl Farm isn’t only a commercial business. It also has a noble mission to educate the younger generations and adults about pearl diving. It aspires to raise awareness about its importance not only in the UAE but in the greater Arabian Peninsula.
As my journey came to an end, I was convinced these lands are a living tapestry of history and modernity. And these few pages do not do justice to the array of sights and sounds they offer. There’s much more to write about. These include the ancient Port of Julphar, Dhayah Fort, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the more modern golf courses, Bedouin camps and museums — spots that underscore how the Nature Emirate has become a place where ancient civilizations and contemporary ambitions coexist harmoniously.
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