The emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, 62 mi/210 km northeast of Abu Dhabi, was the last to join the U.A.E. Its largest town, also called Ras al-Khaimah, has a national museum in an old fort (mainly natural-history and archaeological exhibits) as well as a port where dhows are still made by hand. It has camel races, too—normally on Thursday, but the schedule is erratic, so inquire at your hotel for dates. Plan a half-day to stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere, but add more time if you want to see the nearby towns of Julfar (ruins) and Ghalilah (Bronze Age tombs).
Popular excursions for tourists include desert and mountain safaris for camel riding and picnics. Falconry is another major activity in the emirate, and falcon shows performed by local falconers are a popular event.
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