Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is not exactly a shopper's paradise but has many state-of-the-art malls and markets. Some traditional markets here are Kuwaiti Street where you can find affordable items and souvenirs and the Old Souq if you want to see a traditional Arabian marketplace. 

Top Places for Shopping in Ras Al Khaimah:

• Al Hamra Shopping Mall
• RAK Mall
• Manar Mall
• Al Noor Arts shopping centre for art enthusiasts.
• Old Souq
• Al Nakheel (selling mostly Indian products)
• Kuwaiti Street

There is not much of nightlife in Ras Al Khaimah. However, one will find lounges bars and bars mostly located inside of hotels open to both guests and outsiders. They host occasional live music performances, themed nights and football screenings. Timings vary a lot depending upon the venue. Some bars open as early as 17:00 and closes by 1:00, but others tend to open their door late by 21:00 and close down during early morning hours. Weekends i.e. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest.

Top places for Ras AL Khaimah nightlife:

• City Lights Bar
• Crazy Horse bar
• Dome Lounge
• Flamingo Bar
  

Ras Al Khaimah is an emirate with a rich cultural heritage and archaeological history. With its past dating back to the Bronze Age, this emirate has been inhabited for over 7000 years. The excavation at various sites in the region has revealed the civilizations involved in advance level of trading since 5000 BC.

The place has been through stages including Julfar, Majan or Al Seer; one can witness their relics reflected by the continuation of being a significant trading centre of the region. Records show the arrival of a clan called Qawasim who united a huge part of Northern Emirates and establishes about 18 castles, fortifications and towers along with strongest fleets. Later, the arrivals of the British Empire led to several changes and finally unification of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. 

Traditional Attire

Arabs are very particular about their dress code, which is followed almost similarly throughout the United Arab Emirates. Men usually wear Dishdasha or Kandura, a white full-length shirtdress, which is worn with a white or red checked headdress, known as a Ghutrah. An agal, a black cord is used to secure ghutrah. For women, there is black abaya, a loose long robe to cover their usual clothes along with a headscarf known as Sheyla. Some women also cover their faces with a thin black veil.

How Tourists Should Respect Ras Al Khaimah Customs

As a tourist, one is expected to respect the general culture and etiquettes. Foreigners are free to practice their religion and dress in a liberal manner as long as it is modest and does not reveal too much skin. Public display of affection is not accepted anywhere in U.A.E, although the presence of people from various ethnic groups has to lead the acceptation of other social customs such as a man and a woman holding hands. However, it is advised to avoid any such practices just to be cautious. Photography of tourist places are allowed but be polite to ask permission to photograph local people. Tipping is also widely practised in Ras Al Khaimah but it is not obligatory in any form.

Arabic is the main language of Ras Al Khaimah, however, some Arabic schools have started teaching English as a second language, since it is a major business language. With the inflow of people from other ethnic groups and religions, one will find some people conversing in their native languages. Some of the Arabic words, which can be useful are:

• Hi: Salam
• Good Morning: Sabah el kheer
• Welcome: Marhaba
• Thank you: shukran
• Goodnight: Tosbeho ala khair
• Goodbye: Ma salama

Islam

Almost all the major credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Ras Al Khaimah such as Visa Card, MasterCard, Global Access, and Cirrus. If you are planning to shop in the souks or markets, cash is the perfect option.

Ras Al Khaimah has several banks where currency can be exchanged. One can also get the money exchanged at hotels however, it is advisable to get the cash exchange before entering the emirate to get a better exchange rate. Another option is to carry UK pounds and get them exchanged at Al Hamra exchange Bureau that offers comparatively lower exchange rate. Also there are plenty of ATMs available over the emirate.

Top Money Changers in Ras Al Khaimah:

• UAE Exchange
• Al Ansari Exchange
  

With a great history of being a fishing village, seafood is widely available in Ras Al Khaimah. Also came along the traces of other cuisines, which have become a prominent part of their local food namely: Indian, Lebanese, Iranian, Egyptian and Turkish cuisines.

Some of the major restaurants in Ras al Khaimah are:

• Pura Vida Restaurant (for meat lovers)
• Casa Maghrib (Moroccan)
• Lexington Grill in the Waldorf Astoria (US steak house)
  
• Al Qubtan Al Bahri (Seafood)
• Piaceri Da Gustare
• Cinnamon
• Al Maeda

View Top Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah

Day 1: Visit Al Dhayah Fort, then head to Jebel Jais and try out the exciting activities like the World's longest Zipline. Then head back to Ras Al Khaimah town and go shopping at one of the many beautiful malls in the city.

Day 2: Head to Dhayah Fort and spend the afternoon at the spa at the Khatt Springs. Drive back to the city then spend the evening at Kuwaiti Street and Old Souq for some amazing bargains.