Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Umm Al Quwain is about 40km north of Dubai via Hwy E11 . For the old town, turn off
onto King Faisal Rd, just past the junction with the E55.
TAXI
Cab rides to Dubai start at Dh120; for Sharjah budget Dh50, Ajman Dh40 and Ras Al
Khaimah Dh60.
Getting Around
The only way to get around Umm Al Quwain is by taxis, which are cheap and plentiful;
just flag one down. Most rides cost between Dh5 and Dh10.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ras Al Khaimah
07 / POP 241,000
Surrounded by the hazy Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah (or simply 'RAK') is the
UAE's northernmost emirate. Outdoor enthusiasts love it here, thanks to diverse scenery,
ranging from sandy beaches to sprawling oases, hot springs to sun-baked desert, all
backed by the fierce mountains.
Growth has been exponential in RAK in recent years, resulting in a free-trade zone,
luxury beachfront resorts, high-end residential area, and new leisure facilities such as the
Iceland Waterpark. Most of the development is based in an area called
Jazirat Al Hamra
,
some 15km south of RAK City. Still further south, new resorts are due to open up soon on
the artificial offshore
Al Marjan
island cluster, right on the emirate's border with Umm Al
Quwain.
In
RAK City
itself, a newish landmark is the pearly white and multidomed Sheikh Zayed
Mosque, which overlooks Al Qawasim Corniche, a paved promenade with kiosks,
benches and restaurants fronting the creek.
RAK is also the gateway to the spectacular Musandam Peninsula, an enclave of Oman.
