Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
SHAMAL
Atop a craggy mountain above the village of Shamal, some 5km northeast of RAK City, are the ruins of one of
the UAE's oldest archaeological sites, a mystery-shrouded fort called
Sheba's Palace
. Nope,
the
legendary
Queen of Sheba who ruled around 1000 BC never actually slept here. She couldn't have since the palace was only
built some time between the 13th and 16th centuries AD, during the Julfar period, possibly as the ruler's summer
retreat. Today, little of what must have been quite an impressive compound survives, merely a few stone walls
and a badly ruined barrel-shaped building. The views from up here, though - stretching from sea to village to
mountain - are superb.
Few tourists ever make it up here, since it takes a bit of an effort to find this unmarked site. From RAK City,
follow Al Rams Rd (Hwy E18) about 4km north and turn right at the brown sign pointing to Shamal Folk Arts
and Theatre Society (Saqr Heritage Village). Follow this road for 1.5km past the Heritage Village to a round-
about, turn right and continue 2.3km to the modern mock-fort of the People Heritage Revival Association. Turn
left, go through Shamal village, turning left at the T-junction, and continue for another 750m until you see a
gravel lot on your right with stone steps leading up a mountain. It's about a 15-minute climb to the top, the last
stretch on gravel and stone. Dead goat encounters possible.
A taxi from RAK City should cost Dh100 to take you there, wait 30 minutes and return. Agree on the fare be-
fore you leave.
Sleeping
Hotel Ras Al Khaimah$
HOTEL
( 07-236 2999; near cnr Khuzam St & Al Qawasim Corniche; d from Dh250; )
If money is an is-
sue, this reliable hilltop stand-by won't break the bank. Furnishings and decor may not be
of the latest vintage, but facilities include an outdoor pool and a 24-hour restaurant with
good Lebanese fare. No alcohol.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi$$$
RESORT
( 07-206 7777;
www.banyantree.com
; Al Mazraa; from Dh2000; )
This desert resort offers the
ultimate in luxury with its generously spaced out canopied villas amid rolling sand dunes.
All boast a private plunge pool and Arabesque design touches throughout. It's surrounded
by a nature preserve where you may encounter gazelles, camels and oryxes on guided
walks or safaris. The resort is also home to a falconry mews and tours are offered daily
(Dh230) at 8am and 4pm, giving you a chance to learn more about these majestic birds.
It's about 14km south of New RAK (7km south of Hwy E311).
Guests also have access to the private beach of sister property
Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah
Beach
(contact details as above), an equally romantic and exclusive peninsula retreat in
New RAK.
