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Ras Al Khaimah is the northern most emirate of the
UAE. The coastlines of the emirate extend to miles
along the Arabian Gulf, on the far eastern part of
the Arab World. Ras Al Khaimah emirate borders Umm
Al Quwain, Fujairah and Sharjah emirates as well as
the Sultanate of Oman. RAK is the first emirate that
overlooks the approaches to the Arabian Gulf. The
total area of Ras Al Khaimah is about 1684 sq. km,
and ranks fourth among the seven emirates in terms
of area.
 Ras
Al Kamiah is characterized by the unique variation
of its topography. In the West there is a low sand
plain stretching along the Gulf coasts. In the
extreme Northern part of the emirate, the range of
rugged high mountains project to the sea, then
extends southward. The relatively narrow coastal
plain plunges towards the East. The wadis,
sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, are
the most fertile areas of the UAE, and many
agricultural projects are executed in these areas,
in the Eastern and Southeastern part of Ras Al
Khaimah.
The sand dunes spread in the midst of the green
landscape and along the seashores, while oases and
springs with carbonated hot water are to be found in
certain parts of RAs Al Khaimah. The maritime parts
of Ras Al Khaimah include several islands in the
Arabian Gulf.
Ras Al Khaimah's history extends into antiquity.
Archeological excavations reveal that a settlement
with an advanced civilization that carried on trade
with the Indian sub-continent existed in this
region. Later historical records cite that the town
of Ras Al Khaimah, then known as Julfar, belonged to
early Muslim Caliphs. In the 18th century, after the
invasions of the Persians, Portugese and the Dutch,
it finally became a part of the Al Qawasim State. It
was also once the center of the naval strength of
the southern Gulf States.
The history of "Julphar", which is the old name of
Ras Al Khaimah, was linked to the events and
activities in the region in relation to politics,
transcontinental navigation and trade activities.
The famous Arab navigator, Ibn Majid of Ras Al
Khaimah, aided Vasco due Gamma in his historical
voyages to India across Cape Horn. He was the author
of many books too.
In recent times, Ras Al Khaimah stood as one of the
founders of the Union, led by His Highness Sheikh
Saqr Bin Mohamaed Al Qassimi since 1948. Population:
928 360 inhabitants.
The traditional occupations of this emirate are
mainly fishing, trading and agriculture which have
been heavily modernized to meet the demands of the
UAE's economy.
Digdagga, a town close to the main city of Ras Al
Khaimah, has a very big modern agricultural farm.
Fruits, vegetables, milk, poultry are supplied to
the other emirates from here. The sea around Ras Al
Khaimah too abounds in tuna fish. The mountains have
enabled the set up of stone quarries and a cement
factory. Also the oilfield of Saleh, has boosted up
the revenues of the emirate.
Mina Saqr, located next to the town of Ras Al
Khaimah, is a deepwater port with heavily utilised
bulk handling facilities where major amounts of
transhipment take place. It can handle vessels up to
260m long and 11.5m maximum draught and is ideal for
low cost general cargo and container handling.
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