Ras Al Khaimah

Known for its striking scenery, Ras Al Khaimah is the most northern of the seven emirates and borders Oman.

It is a major draw for travellers thanks to its rugged landscapes of deserts, mountains and plains, but it has also tailored itself for less adventurous tourists by building a golf course.

The emirate has also worked hard to develop its economy despite lacking the hydrocarbon resources of some of its neighbours.

Ras Al Khaimah joined the United Arab Emirates 44 days after the country was established with the other six emirates.

It is ruled by His Highness Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who is the longest-ruling ruler in the world, having been in office since 1948.

Ras Al Khaimah covers 1,700 square kilometres, which is 2.2 per cent of the total surface area of the UAE. The population of the emirate is about 155,000.

Although not blessed with the abundant oil reserves of Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah did begin some oil production in 1969.

In the 1980s, the offshore Saleh oil field was developed. Ras Al Khaimah is also known for its cement and ceramic exports, while the emirate's mountain enclave of Masafi produces mineral water.

Ras Al Khaimah's old town, which lies to the west of the creek, Khor Ras Al Khaimah, has several souks as well as the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, which houses a collection of silver tribal jewellery.

To the east of the creek is the modern district Al Nakheel, which is connected to the old town by a bridge.

Not to be outdone by the other emirates in the shopping stakes, Ras Al Khaimah has a huge mall of its own, Manar Mall.

The Al Nakheel district also has several hotels as well as most of Ras Al Khaimah's offices and other business centres.

The emirate's commercial ambitions have been helped by the creation of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

One of the most exciting developments in Ras Al Khaimah in recent years has been the building of Tower Links Golf Course. This 18-hole floodlit golf course is only the second of its kind in the UAE.

Phase I of the development, the first nine holes of the course, was completed in November 2003. Work continued on the remaining nine holes, along with a clubhouse — which blends traditional Arab influences into a modern design — and a golfing academy. A driving range is also included in the design.

Authorities expect the golf course to increase demand for hotel rooms, hundreds more of which are being built in Ras Al Khaimah, further boosting the emirate's economy.

For history lovers, Ras Al Khaimah has some of the best archaeological sites in the whole of the UAE. Among these are some impressive etched rock carvings or petroglyphs and many headstones from ancient burial grounds.

Among the best of these is a 5,000-year-old round tomb from the Umm An Nar period (2500 BC to 2000 BC).