After careful evaluation, the committee has chosen Ras Al Khaimah as the winner in the category:

Naturalistic Destination

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates and has recently started sharing its authentic secrets with the world. With a new focus on tourism, a new airline and countless new resorts, the Emirate is transforming itself from a shy, conservative backwater into a dynamic, popular tourism destination.

Those fortunate enough to have already experienced Ras Al Khaimah will have taken away memories of the Emirate’s stunning beaches. While Ras Al Khaimah is a relatively small state with a diminutive coastline, its beaches are generous, sandy and un-spoilt and its clear blue seas make it a match for any Mediterranean resort. However, the Emirate has much more to offer than mere sand and sea, as an upward glance at the majestic Al Hajjar Mountains will confirm.

The dramatic juxtaposition of red-dune desert and rocky mountain create a stunning backdrop for those wanting to trek into the rustic villages for a closer look at its inhabitants and their way of life. Those who wish to dig deeper into Ras Al Khaimah’s past can visit any of the Emirate’s numerous historical landmarks, such as the Dhayah Fort, Sheeba’s Palace, Falayah Tower or the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum.

Those who like their scenery a little more prosaic can capitalise on the lush greens of Ras Al Khaimah’s growing number of golf courses.
The warm, unpolluted waters of the Arabian Gulf are a haven for snorkellers and divers, which contain shipwrecks and coral reefs. Amidst the thousands of tuna, adventurous swimmers will discover numerous protected marine species, such as dolphins, turtles, migrating whales and a resident colony of dugongs – plump grey mammals also known as sea cows.

Beach seekers will also enjoy Ras Al Khaimah’s climate. While the Emirate boasts year-round sunshine, things get really hot between June and August, with temperatures regularly hovering just below 40C. Rainfall is non-existent during this period.

Facts File
The Emirate is fortunate to have perhaps the most scenic and most fertile land in the UAE and is strategically located south of the Strait of Hormuz, and 50 minutes (by car) north of Dubai.
Approx Area: 2,900 square Kms.
Population: 250,000 estimated by Ministry of Planning 1997)
Currency: UAE Dirham (pegged to the US dollar)
Religion: Islam
Language: Arabic, English is the main business language
Climate: Sub tropical with infrequent and irregular rainfall