Ras Al Khaimah is not a destination many will be familiar with but the DP World Tour event in the UAE is helping put the city on the map if you’re looking for extravagance, adventure and luxury of the highest calibre.
The Dubai Desert Classic the week prior hosts the biggest names in the world of golf.
The Waldorf Astoria overlooks the Al Hamra Golf Club
Ras Al Khaimah Travel Board
The event has been a huge success since the 1990s as the first European Tour event to be held in the Arabian Peninsula.
Since then – predominantly in the past decade – there has been a huge boom in more international events being added to the European Tour’s schedule.
There’s now 19 events on the DP World Tour held outside of Europe with the UAE hosting three as well as the season-ending Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship.
The world’s longest zip line is in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Travel Board
The Ras Al Khaimah Championship is still relatively new to the DP World Tour and its course – Al Hamra Golf Club – feels like a mirage with its pristine green grass surrounded by the vast desert.
But the stunning par-72 course hosted the European Challenge Tour for three consecutive years prior to being added to the DP World Tour schedule.
Around five million cubic metres of sand were used to shape the golf course around the Arabian Gulf when it officially opened in 2007.
Golf fanatics looking to take advantage of the tour-level course can find packages starting from just under £100 a night including one round of golf as well.
Part of Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal to tourists looking for something different from Dubai though is the sheer luxury on offer from the hotels in close proximity.
Staying at the Hilton offers the cheapest option while other hotels include the Raddison, DoubleTree and Al Hamra Residence and Village.
But nothing compares to the five-star Waldorf Astoria that provides a breathtaking backdrop around the course at Al Hamra.
Just a stone’s throw away from the course, the luxurious hotel has it all with a wide range of fine dining options available and gigantic rooms overlooking either the Arabian Sea or the Al Hamra Golf Course.
The hotel also features adults-only pools, a private beach, tennis courts and a state-of-the-art spa overlooking the beautiful gardens of the hotel.
Guests hoping to take in some activities outside of golf in Ras Al Khaimah also need look no further than heading up Jebel Jais – the highest peak in the Hajar Mountain range.
Breathtaking views are on offer once at the top of the mountain while thrillseekers will want to jump on the hair-raising 1.8km toboggan ride, which can reach speeds up to 40kmph, as you hurtle down the side of the mountain.
At the very peak of the mountain is the highest restaurant in the UAE – 1484 By Puro – but you’ll want to try out the world’s longest zipline before tucking into the fine food on offer.
1484 By Puro is the highest restaurant in the UAE
Ras Al Khaimah Travel Board
Jais Flight looks daunting from the very peak as you look down at the 2.83km zipline into the abyss.
As you’re eased onto your front and looking down at the mountain range beneath you doubts will creep into your mind whether to back out.
Don’t. Once security checks are done and you’re released, adrenaline takes over as you reach speeds of between 120 and 160 kmph for almost three minutes.
Jebel Jais also has other activities on offer such as Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, a ropes course, hiking trails and paragliding also coming soon.
Views from the Waldorf Astoria
GBNEWS
Taking things down a notch, visitors will also want to visit the serene local pearl farm in the old fishing village of Al Rams.
Punters first board a traditional pearl fishing boat which takes you through the scenic lagoon where flamingos also gather before stopping at the famous Suwaidi Pearl farmhouse, which was located on a floating pontoon.
The knowledgeable guide then provides an insightful tour and history of pearl farming in the region where divers would use nothing more than a nose plug to help them go down to the depths of the sea.
The tour guide will then show their modern-day pearl farming techniques with visitors able to pick out an oyster to see if they could pick out their very own Arabian peal to take home.
Fans are able to get up close to the players during the event
GBNEWS
Ras Al Khaimah will also be home to the UAE’s first casino in the coming years with Wynn Resorts building a multi-billion-dollar project, set to be completed by 2027.
Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority told GB News: “The Wynn Al Marjan Island will be the first integrated resort of its kind in the region, serving as a catalyst for tourism growth, while enhancing our existing hotel supply, and attracting a new segment of visitors to the Emirate.
“Scheduled to open in 2027, the resort will cover almost 250,000 sqm and offer visitors a luxury experience, featuring 1,500 rooms, suites and villas, shopping, a state-of-the-art events centre, wellness and spa facilities, 24 dining and lounge experiences and extensive entertainment and gaming choices – which is set to transform and accelerate the emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination.”
Ras Al Khaimah’s attraction as a go-to holiday destination is only set to continue in the coming years. Looking for a holiday to pack in the memories? Look no further than the UAE’s latest hotspot.
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