RAK offers a packed programme of National Day celebrations

Ras Al Khaimah: Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah will get the chance to enjoy a fun-filled programme of events and activities scheduled this weekend on the occasion of the 46th National Day.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced a celebratory programme for families which will include a headline Emirati music concert, dazzling fireworks, traditional entertainment, among many other activities.

On National Day Eve on Friday, four of the UAE’s top singers will take to one of the biggest stages ever built in the emirate with seating for over 10,000 people in front of the signature Julphar Towers for a free-to-attend cultural musical performance.

On the bill is popular songstress Balquis and best-selling artists Hussain Al Jasmi, Aida Al Manhali and Mehad Hamad, singing and enacting the history, heritage and culture of the Emiratis.

Attended by His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the celebrations will start at 7pm and are expected to last for an hour before the skies light up with a fireworks spectacle.

Residents and visitors will also get the chance to see a traditional Emirati Yola dance — the most popular battle scene dance in the UAE culture performed by a male troupe with sticks, swords or rifles to traditional music — on Friday and Saturday at various locations throughout the emirate. On both days, from 4pm until 10pm, the troupe will tour the emirate in their mobile dance truck stopping at various sites to entertain crowds.

Since November 16, and right up until National Day, Food Traffic — a convoy of 15 food trucks and outlets — is serving international and local dishes opposite Julphar Towers from 4.30pm until 10pm.

National Day will also see the start of a 17-day heritage celebration for families in the Sad Sahwka area where residents and visitors can sample traditional food and experience UAE cultural entertainment.

Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels and resorts will have celebratory packages for the long National Day weekend with compelling offers. Guests are being offered discounts of between 15 and 20 per cent.

According to Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority, the focus on heritage and cultural activities is having strong appeal with visitors, which is expected to push occupancy rates at the emirate’s hotels and resorts this weekend to reach 90 per cent or more.

“In Ras Al Khaimah we have focused strongly on family-focused activities as the strong, stable family remains a core element of UAE society,” he said.

Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah can take national celebrations to great heights with a drive up the spectacular road that snakes up Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak and picnic spot taking in the fresh air and awe-inspiring views.