Ras Al Khaimah

Nestled between the Hajjar Mountains on the East and the Arabian Gulf on the West, sharing mountainous borders with the Sultanate of Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah ranks fourth among the seven emirates of UAE in terms of area. Covering an area of 656 square miles (1700 km²), Ras Al Khaimah is in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Emirate Ras Al Khaimah is a fascinating and a relaxing haven offering calm blue seas with clean white beaches, dramatic desert dunes and the majestic Hajjar Mountains. It has numerous fascinating tourist landmarks, beautiful wildlife conservations and sanctuaries and golf courses.

Recent archeological excavations show that Ras Al Khaimah was the seat of ancient civilizations. The Ras Al Khaimah Museum displays old clay ecstasies, which are believed to be the oldest relics of their kind ever found in UAE. Some of these relics date back to the sixth Millennium B.C.

The city was historically known as Julfar. Sources say that Julfar was inhabited by the Azd during the eighth and ninth centuries AD, and that the houses of the Azd were built of wood. The famous Arab navigator, Ibn Majid of Ras Al Khaimah, aided Vasco due Gamma in his historical voyages to India across Cape Horn. He was the author of many books too. Ras Al Khaimah remained for centuries stead fast in its resistance of foreign invaders and navies, as testified by the old forts, which spread in various strategic parts of Ras Al Khaimah.

In the early 18th century the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) established itself in Ras al-Khaimah. After British occupation (18 December 1819 - July 1821), Sheikh Sultan ibn Saqr al-Qasimi signed in 1822 the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate keeping the Ottoman Turks out. Like Ajman, Dubai, Umm al-Qaiwain and Sharjah, its position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state. In 1869 Ras al-Khaimah became fully independent from Sharjah. However from September 1900 to 7 July 1921 it was re-incorporated into Sharjah, its neighbour; the last governor became its next independent ruler. On 11 February 1972 Sheikh Saqr ibn Muhammad al-Qasimi joined the United Arab Emirates.

Ajman

The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 km, between the emirates of Umm al-Qaiwain and Sharjah. The area of the emirate is 259 square kilometers, equivalent to 0.3% of the country's total area, excluding the islands.

The town of Ajman, the capital of the emirate, lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It comprises the Ruler's office, companies, banks and commercial markets. The port of Ajman is located along a natural creek (Khor) which penetrates the town.

The two major regions in the emirate are Masfout, an agricultural area, lying at a distance of 110 Km long at the South east, and Manama located 60 km to the east.

Umm al-Qaiwain

Umm al-Qaiwain is situated between Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah on the West coast. The traditional occupation of this emirate has been fishing and date cultivation.

Umm al-Qaiwain's attraction lies in its long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables. Located 50 Km south of Umm Al Qaiwain is Falaj Al Mulla, the agricultural part of the Emirate. Seneyah Island, one kilometer away from the town of Umm al-Qaiwain, is a natural reserve for a large species of birds, deer and Al Qaram trees.

Fujairah

Fujairah holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman, while all the six other emirates are along the Arabian Gulf.

The Hajar mountain range that divides the UAE in two, from Ras al-Khaimah to Al Ain has kept Fujairah separated from the rest of the country.

Fujairah's main occupation in the past were fishing and agriculture. Pearl fishing was non-existent because the waters of the Gulf of Oman were much deeper and colder than the Arabian Gulf, not suitable for the growth of pearl oysters.

The Fujairah port is an important port for container liners and for the world's largest livestock shipping companies which have set up their main holding station for sheep and cattle for the entire Arabian peninsula here.

Its clean beaches, the numerous water sports like swimming, yachting, water surfing and deep sea fishing attract tourists all round the year. The Fujairah Tourism Bureau has the specific task of promoting in bound tourism. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are planning to build a dam in this area where there is a famous waterfall.