 Ras
Al Khaimah, the most northerly emirate on the UAE's west coast, has a coastline
of about 64 kilometres on the Arabian Gulf, backed by a fertile hinterland, with
a separate enclave in the heart of the Hajar mountains to the southeast. Both
parts of the emirate share borders with the Sultanate of Oman.
In addition to
its mainland territory, Ras Al Khaimah possesses a number of islands including
those of Greater and Lesser Tunb, occupied by Iran since 1971. The area of the
emirate is 168 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 2.2 per cent of the
country's total area, excluding islands. The city of Ras Al Khaimah is divided
into two sections by Khor Ras Al Khaimah. In the western section, known as Old
Ras Al Khaimah, are Ras Al Khaimah National Museum and a number of government
departments.
The eastern part, known as Al Nakheel, houses the Ruler's office,
several government departments and commercial companies. The two sections are
connected by a large bridge built across the khor. Khor Khuwayr is an industrial
region situated approximately 25 kilometres to the north of Ras Al Khaimah city.
In addition to its major cement, gravel and marble enterprises, it is also the
location for Port Saqr, the main export port for the emirate and the traditional
fishing district of Rams. Digdagga district, on the other hand, is a well-known
agricultural area and houses the Julphar pharmaceutical factory, the largest in
the Arabian Gulf. Other important centres within the emirate include: Al-Hamraniah,
an agricultural centre and also the location for Ras Al Khaimah International
Airport, Khatt, a tourist resort that is renowned for its thermal springs,
Masafi which is well known for its orchards and natural springs and Wadi al-Qawr,
an attractive valley in the southern mountains.
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