The Other Emirate

Just an hour away from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah offers a more laid-back alternative to its glamorous neighbour

- SMITA TRIPATHI

“Where is that?” asked an aunt on the family WhatsApp group. “I thought you were visiting Dubai,” another friend pinged in response to my announcement of my visit to Ras Al Khaimah, a tiny emirate in the UAE, just over an hour’s drive from the heart of Dubai. Well, they may not have heard of the northernmost emirate with an uninterrupted history of over 7,000 years, but RAK (as it is commonly abbreviated) has recently become a popular destination for Indian travellers, whose numbers grew 20% last year. In fact, India is the fifth-largest source market of Ras Al Khaimah after Russia, Germany, the UK, and Kazakhstan.

Historically considered a significant trade centre, RAK has in recent years become an attractive escape for those seeking adventure or a laid-back beach holiday.

Of course, no UAE experience is complete without enjoying luxury hospitality, and RAK has no shortage of global luxury hotels [think Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Waldorf Astoria, The RitzCarlton, etc.], with many more opening in the near future. The UAE’s first casino—the $3.9-billion, 1,500-key Wynn Al Marjan Island—will be inaugurated in the next couple of years, adding to the entertainment value of RAK.

Of course, if a destination is trying to vie for a larger share of the Indian wallet, weddings cannot be far behind. The tourism authorities are actively promoting RAK as a destination for weddings, and they are willing to accommodate any request from the bride or groom. Consider this: Last year, an Indian bride was hung up on being escorted by police vehicles, sirens blaring, from the airport to the hotel after she landed. And, the emirate’s police chief made her wish come true.