Ras Al Khaimah is an emirate or soverign state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is the northernmost emirate in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah boasts a very diverse geography from unspoilt beaches to deserts and mountainous areas as well as the fast developing ultra modern capital city. The people are proud of their culture and sports facilities just like all of the other emirates that make up the UAE, and many tourists and locals take full advantage of these pursuits.

Ras Al Khaimah's government has recently announced that they are focussing on growing their tourist industry in coming years and have started a development strategy that will see the number of hotel rooms? rise from the current level of 1,400 to more than 7,500. The RAK government is also planning on allowing the building of more than 30 hotels to serve tourism needs. This commitment to tourism by the government can only lead to improved facilities and activities for visitors to this emirate and is certainly going to be worth watching in the future.

Ras Al Khaimah is much smaller than Dubai and is trading on this fact, as some tourists find Dubai overpowering. Ras Al Khaimah offers the shopping and nightlife to tourists that can be found in the larger emirates but some say at a slightly more relaxed pace.

Ras Al Khaimah also has the advantage of having a wide geographical range, which allows tourists to this emirate the chance to experience unspoilt beaches, desserts, hot springs, mountainous regions. The government of Ras Al Khaimah is committed to developing eco tourism so that visitors can experience their diverse geographical features and take full advantage of the activities each of the areas is uniquely suited to whilst doing no harm to the environment or the local cultures. Activities that tourists can currently partake in include four wheel drive adventures, rock climbing, and all forms of water sports.

Khatt Hot Springs Spa is a modern hotel and resort that is built in the town of Khatt a 20 minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah city. The town is home to three hot mineral springs that attract visitors from all over the world who come to the area to bathe in the waters for their reputed therapeutic benefits. The hot springs are said to aid in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and other muscular problems.

The geographic diversity of Ras Al Khaimah has lead to several different cultural groups from fishermen to pearl divers and mountain tribes to farmers all calling this emirate their home. This diversity of cultures is celebrated in Ras Al Khaimah and tourists are encouraged to learn about these different cultures through celebrations, folk music and dance performances that are regularly held across the emirate.

Golf has seized the imaginations and passions of residents of Ras Al Khaimah just as it has with residents of the other emirates, several world class golf courses and clubs can be found in RAK for the enjoyment and use of both residents and visitors to the area. Golf holiday resorts can also be found in the emirate for those who cannot bear to be too far from the course.