Latest news with #RasAlKhaimah
The National
10 hours ago
- The National
Rove Al Marjan Island review: The budget-friendly brand drawing crowds in booming Ras Al Khaimah
The Rove Hotels format arrived on our shores in 2019 as a price-conscious but fun alternative for travellers seeking to enjoy Dubai without blowing their budget. Ten properties have since opened around the city and the homegrown brand recently extended its laid-back appeal to Ras Al Khaimah. Rove Al Marjan Island is a 441-room beachfront hotel that readily caters to couples, families and digital nomads who crave vibrancy and price over frills and formality. The welcome The vehicle entrance arrives suddenly on the main island road and opens on to a short drive and a spacious car park. Rovers – as guests are playfully referred to – can drop their luggage and passengers in front of the lobby or go straight to self-parking and wheel their bags across. We chose the latter on spotting a coach arrive. However, it's an immediate glimpse of Rove's refreshing less-fuss format, something echoed when we venture unaccompanied to the lifts after a swift and friendly check-in. The room Not really fans of an unnecessary curated room introduction, my wife and I find our way along a colourful corridor to our fifth floor, sea-facing accommodation. Breezy but formulaic designs prevail in Rove hotels, from licence-plate-style room numbers to the digs themselves. An open wardrobe and storage area flanks a comfy bed, opposite a widescreen TV that features seemingly every news channel except the BBC or CNN. There's no robe, but additional amenities such as extra pillows, shaving kits and an ironing board can be requested. There is, however, a fridge and an invigorating rain shower. Rove loves an inspirational message as well as seaside-inspired artwork. 'The beach is not just a place, it's a feeling,' the wall above our bed reveals. The food Rove regulars will be familiar with the brand's main dining option, The Daily. The venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner is spacious, but eclectic decor and furniture and smart layout lends it an almost intimate feel. Primarily buffet-orientated, guests can choose a la carte – although it was suggested on our arrival that only the former was available, only for ordered dishes to land on nearby tables. The organic sea bass (Dh99) and acacia chicken club sandwich (Dh71) looked promising, however, and serendipity meant buffet access to the finest paneer jalfrezi I've sampled in a while, with salads of pumpkin and squash, plus quinoa with molasses also shining. Grilled fish with beurre blanc and beef shashlik also proved a hit on our table, as did refreshing soft drinks named Floral Fall and Sunrise Surprise. Day-time snacks and refreshments can also be had from the Rove Beachside Truck and the Pool Bar, which offers a great selection of food including a tomato flatbread (Dh57) substantial enough for sharing. If you crave further evening options, you're a short walk from food trucks on the island promenade and F&B at neighbouring hotels. The breakfast scene Open only since in April, Rove Al Marjan Island staff seemingly have had to hit the ground running. Not least at the busiest breakfast session we've witnessed in a while. Everyone seems to find a table, however, before heading to a buffet that includes a decent fruit and salad selection, baked goodies and hot options such as ful medames, scrambled eggs and sausages. Guests can also order one item each from a menu that includes basil and rhubarb bircher muesli and mango lavender waffles. We can vouch for the semi-dried tomato-powered Mediterranean omelette and a decadent acai super jar that includes agave, basil seeds, almond butter, passion fruit and mint concasse. No shakshuka here (as previously swooned over at Rove La Mer), but the buffet does yield croissant and blueberry bake, a revelation washed down with TWG tea. Accessibility and sustainability Plenty of ramps in to and out of the hotel, across to the pool and through to the beach make this Rove very friendly towards wheelchair users. And the property's sustainability credentials are evident with its 'hang your towel to reuse' messaging in the bathroom and leave-behind shampoo and shower gels – plus its use of refillable glass water bottles with a label announcing 'plastic ain't fantastic'. The Rove's adherence to Ras Al Khaimah's Green Building Regulations includes composting all food waste. Hotel facilities The main pool immediately stands out. A sensible rectangle, generous in relation to the hotel, it is lined with plenty of loungers and shallow enough for supervised children to enjoy. The beach is a few steps away with a buoy rope boundary to keep jet-skiers and other water sporting folk a safe distance from swimmers. There's a quieter area with double loungers and cabanas to one side of the main pool zone. On the other side, a big screen shows movies and sports on a grassy area soundtracked by a DJ operating evenings out of a VW camper van, occasionally joined by a fire poi performer. Another nice – and practical touch – is a significant luggage storage area, each unit bearing the name of an area in RAK, and beyond. Beside this is one of two fitness areas. Inside features plenty of new Life Fitness equipment while outside there's a Woodsman Fitness 'Jungle Gym', a Flintstones-style workout area with wooden weights and more. The co-working space – typical of Rove hotels – is blessed with natural light and busy with digital nomads, some possibly making use of Rove's monthly stay deals. Family-friendly factor Younger Rovers were evidently part of the brief when designers pondered RAK Rove, from surfboard-adapted pool showers to the strong use of colour throughout. There's a dedicated indoor play area with TV and soft toys, and a soft-play zone outside beside a small, family-only pool. Value for money Rove Al Marjan Island combines good value with a fun vibe. A sea view room for Dh474 ($132), including taxes, for up to three people is hard to beat for a fresh property with direct beach access and a generous pool in one of the hottest real estate locations in the UAE – all close to the emerging Wynn resort. Check-in is from 4pm (earlier if pre-booked) and check-out is at 2pm.
The National
10 hours ago
- The National
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah showcases Emirati history
While many visitors to Ras Al Khaimah head straight to the mountains or mangroves, those looking to understand the emirate's roots would do well to spend a little time within the coral-stone walls of the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah. Housed in a historic fort that's been destroyed at least twice in its lifetime – once in the 1600s and again in 1820 – the museum offers a charming cultural experience. Beyond the thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the beautiful courtyard and fascinating archaeological finds, it's the warmth of the staff – and the offer of Arabic coffee or tea in the majlis before you leave – that makes any visit stand out for us. The fort was once home to the ruling Al Qawasim family before it was used as a police station and later transformed into a museum in 1987. Today, it recounts thousands of years of this region's layered history, from ancient settlements and maritime trade to tribal traditions and pearling life. Why go there? This is for anyone curious about the UAE's heritage, especially the northern emirates. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah may not shout for your attention, but it earns it, offering a quieter, more intimate look at traditional life than the larger institutions in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You'll find archaeological objects from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, including artefacts from the nearby settlements and a rare 17th-century Jewish gravestone, believed to be the only one of its kind discovered in the UAE. Also discover a madbasa, or date press, which was unearthed on the premises, having been forgotten and buried for decades. Ethnographic displays bring to life the emirate's fishing and pearling history, agricultural tools, date syrup production, tribal weapons and traditional jewellery. Access the various exhibits from the spacious, foliage-rich courtyard, stepping inside former living quarters and towers through traditional Arabian doors – much of the building's original charm has been painstakingly preserved. But this museum isn't just about the past. It's also about living traditions, which is seen in the warm welcome you receive from staff, who are happy to share insights, stories and a cup of gahwa before you go. What you'll see Start your visit in the main hall, where you'll learn about the history of the building, before stepping outside into the courtyard and moving into the archaeology gallery, where items dating back to 5,000 BC chart Ras Al Khaimah's role in regional trade and settlement. You'll also see pottery from Julfar (the emirate's old name), bronze tools and artefacts from the pre and early Islamic periods. Other exhibits delve into the emirate's traditional economy, from pearling and boatbuilding to fishing, while a dedicated gallery showcases regional silver jewellery, clothing and weaponry. Currently, there's also a wonderful temporary exhibition on Emirati weddings, taking visitors through the traditional matrimony process, showcasing bridal dresses, ceremonial items and dowry, plus personal stories that highlight the evolution of wedding customs in the emirate. At the moment, some areas of the museum are undergoing renovation to preserve the structure and improve the visitor experience, so certain galleries may be closed or restricted. For part of the year, it's also too hot to properly explore the outdoor areas of the museum, which include climbing up to the roof and taking in the surrounding views of the old city. Star attraction While the museum is rich in historical details, the highlight of our visit is the interaction with the staff. Before leaving, we were invited to sit in the museum's majlis, where dallahs of freshly brewed chai and gahwa were offered as we got to know more about the people who work there. We also loved the small souvenir shop beyond the majlis and made sure to pick up a couple of extremely affordable keepsakes before leaving. What to know before you go It's not high-tech in the least, but more of a traditional museum experience, with simple presentation and bilingual signage. It's done well, though, and this is precisely why it's so charming. If you're in Ras Al Khaimah, we highly recommend stopping by. Allow at least one hour for your visit, depending on how thoroughly you want to explore each room. The museum is located on Al Hisn Road and is easy to reach by car or taxi from the city centre. Free parking is available outside the front door. Ticket price and location Entry is Dh5 per person. The museum is open Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm, and on Fridays from 2pm to 8pm. It's closed on Mondays.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Meet the man keeping the ancient pearl-diving tradition alive
We waited with bated breath as our tour guide at the House of Pearls, Obaidullah, pricked open an oyster and gently peeled it apart to reveal its silken innards. His fingers moved through the fleshy folds as if coaxing a secret from the sea. If we were lucky, magic would emerge from the gooey mass. He searched — and lo, magic happened. A pearl, round and perfect, rolled to the surface, glistening like a baby born of the ocean's womb. We gasped. The moment felt like an eternity as Obaidullah picked up the pearl, rinsed it with salt, and placed it in our palms — to feel, to marvel at the beauty that had taken two years to come into being. Nestled along the tranquil shores of Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah, the House of Pearls stands as a living testament to the UAE's illustrious pearling legacy. Established in 2005 by Abdullah Rashed Al-Suwaidi, this unique pearl farm offers visitors a rare glimpse into a bygone era where the sea was both a source of sustenance and a percolator of Arabian dreams. Here, in the floating pontoon amid the gentle lapping of waves, the age-old tradition of pearl diving is not just remembered — it is relived. The farm's serene ambience, coupled with its commitment to authenticity, transports visitors back to a time when the pursuit of pearls was the heartbeat of coastal communities. We listened in awe as tales surfaced of the early divers and their rigorous quests to fetch pearls from the seabed — men who dared the deep not for certainty, but for the rare glint of fortune that lay hidden beneath. Their lives were tethered to the ocean's whims, their worth measured by the few prized catches that made the peril worthwhile. Pearl-diving slowly paled out of the UAE's economic marquee with the discovery of oil in the mid-20th century, but to Abdullah Rashed Al-Suwaidi, the legacy of an occupation that defined his ancestry was not a forgotten chapter of the past — it was a living heritage to be revived, revered, and retold. Al-Suwaidi's lineage is deeply intertwined with the history of pearl diving in the UAE. Hailing from a family of esteemed divers dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, he carries forward a legacy that was once the cornerstone of the nation's economy. After earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the School of Public Affairs at the American University in Washington DC, he joined the UAE Foreign Service. His diplomatic journey took him to Australia and Japan before bringing him back to the Ministry of Social Affairs in his homeland. Yet, the tailored suits and corridors of power never truly fit him. His heart ached for something deeper. His inner voice kept drawing him back to the seabed where his forefathers once dove, attuned to the sea's quiet rhythms, knowing when to hold their breath and when to rise — hands full of lustrous pearls. 'If you seek the pearl, be a diver,' Al-Suwaidi says, quoting Rumi, when we meet him in his soft-toned, elegant villa in Ras Al Khaimah. 'I realised I had been chasing the foam all along, while what I truly longed for was the pearl. And for that, I had to take the plunge and dive deep.' That awakening became the compass for his life's mission: to revive the ancient tradition of pearl diving by establishing the first pearl farm in the Middle East. 'The foam is on the shore, but the pearl lies in the deep,' Al-Suwaidi reflects, his reflecting voice touching something ethereal. Then, almost as if addressing the sea within each of us, he poses a gentle question: 'In this journey of life, which one would you rather seek — foam or pearl?' To him, the distinction is not just metaphorical; it is moral and existential. 'Seeking the pearl,' he continues, 'is a journey with purpose. It calls for courage, patience, and surrender. It demands that you leave the surface and descend into depths unknown. The foam is easy, temporary, available to all. But the pearl? That takes a diver.' In his words lies a quiet cue — not just to remember a vanishing heritage, but to live deliberately, diving beneath life's distractions to find what truly endures. 'I am the only traditional living pearl-diver today,' he says not with a hint of pride, but with a quiet sense of gratitude and humility. It is the humility of a man who has straddled life's many realms and finally settled where the soul seeks stillness. 'I go backward, to my roots, not forward. I don't wear a watch. I don't use much technology. I don't drive a car. Wooden boats are my favourites. This is my way of mimicking history, of keeping the past alive,' he reflects, anchoring himself to a way of life that the modern world has long left behind in its haste for the ephemeral. With summer approaching, it is time once again for the pearl-diver in Al-Suwaidi to head to the treasure-beds of nature — to dive for wild pearls, whose value far exceeds that of the cultured ones he harvests at his farm. The farm may have made him an entrepreneur, but its purpose transcends commerce. His mission is clear: to restore the pearl to its rightful place in the UAE's cultural imagination. Visitors come from far and wide, drawn by the allure of the sea and the mysteries it holds. They listen in rapt attention as they are told how oysters craft their pearls, how long the process takes, and the hardships faced by divers of old — those who braved the waters long before motorboats and scuba diving techniques evolved. 'The oysters are still in the sea. The wooden boats are still sail-worthy. Why then should we leave our heritage and the pearls behind?' Al-Suwaidi's question lingers amid the clutter of a new world riding on a diversified economy. The House of Pearls is not just a museum or a farm — it is a living bridge, connecting the salt-washed past to the shifting present. He proves, with his steadfast love for the pearl, that it is still relevant to our culture and to our sense of beauty and natural wonder. Al-Suwaidi's undersea exploits sound like a mythical story — a story that he lives every day of his life. So submerged is he in the tales of the sea that he seems less like a man and more like a living motif of a vanishing era, preserved by purpose and passion. 'Pearl and peace — they both have five letters,' he says, pointing to the quiet symbolism of his life's pursuit. 'I don't belong here, in this world of sickness, politics, clashes, and war. I live in my world. I go under the sea, talk to the creatures, and find my spot of calm there.' It's a telling confession from a man who once rubbed shoulders with celebrities, dignitaries, world leaders, and even the former emperor of Japan during his 15-year tenure as a diplomat. The transition from high-flying envoy to pearl-diver began when the life he led started to feel hollow. A single question nagged him constantly: Who am I, really? 'The person you see when I come out of the water — that's the real me. Not this one you see now,' he says with the solemnness of a saint. Raised by his grandparents, Al-Suwaidi was captivated early by the mysteries of the sea. Their stories, steeped in wisdom and wonder, planted in him the seeds of reverence for a way of life already slipping into memory. Their love, their compassion, the values they cherished — he absorbed it all, and made it his quiet mission to keep that legacy alive. He finds it difficult to comprehend the reality of the pearl industry collapsing in the wake of newer ways to create wealth. When the rest of the nation began moving towards the new oil-based economy, Al-Suwaidi chose to remain rooted in a past that boasts the discovery of the oldest pearl in the world. Dubbed the Abu Dhabi Pearl, it is 8,000 years old and is on display at the Louvre Museum. Despite all his efforts to revive public interest in pearl diving and farming, Al-Suwaidi maintains that he is merely doing his part as an individual devotee of the gemstone — not intending to be a catalyst coaxing others into adopting it as a profession. He is cognizant of the fact that it would require a concerted, collective effort to bring the pearl back into the spotlight as a viable industry. Whether that happens in the future or not, all that Al-Suwaidi seeks to do now is surrender to the serene grandeur of the pearl — as an individual enthusiast who loves the sea. He isn't thinking of legacies, for he recognises that carrying them forward is not in his hands. But for now, he is a trader with the mind of a historian, a pearl-diver with the heart of a poet, and a wanderer with the soul of a Sufi.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Football legend Totti deepens collaboration with Major Developers
The ongoing collaboration between Major Developers and international football icon Francesco Totti has become a hallmark of distinction for Manta Bay, now emerging as one of the most trusted and globally recognised real estate destinations in Ras Al Khaimah. Totti's enduring influence elevates the project's international appeal, capturing the imagination of elite investors seeking rare, experience-driven luxury. Originally introduced through the Totti Signature Collection — a set of 10 exclusive ultra-luxury residences curated with the Italian icon's input — the collaboration has evolved into a defining element of the Manta Bay lifestyle. As a homeowner and ambassador, Totti enhances the project's image as a destination for those seeking privacy, refinement, and distinction. 'These residences reflect a lasting legacy of excellence,' said Andrei Charapenak, CEO of Major Developers. 'Francesco Totti's continued association with Manta Bay strengthens our connection with global investors who value trust, authenticity, and meaningful luxury. Each home within the Totti Signature Collection is designed to reflect a refined lifestyle, with wellness gardens, private cinemas, outdoor Jacuzzis, and signature memorabilia. Buyers are welcomed with an exclusive key handover hosted by Totti, followed by a private dinner in his company — an experience that underscores the personal nature of this collaboration. Totti joins a distinguished circle of global icons who have embraced Manta Bay's lifestyle. Football legends such as Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard have also chosen the development as their personal destination. With 97 per cent of units already sold, Manta Bay continues to resonate with elite buyers seeking exceptional real estate anchored in both luxury and legacy. Valued at Dh1 billion, Manta Bay features panoramic sea views, the region's first sky pool beach, a full-service wellness center, and platinum-tier concierge services. The project is contributing to Ras Al Khaimah's growing reputation as a hub for luxury real estate in the region.
Cosmopolitan ME
2 days ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
24-hour Ras Al Khaimah road trip? Yes, pls
Whether you're trying to escape the city noise, or just want to post dreamy desert sunset content, Ras Al Khaimah is your underrated UAE staycation spot. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai, this northern gem is packed with serene beaches, mountain views, ancient forts and aesthetic vibes for days. Here's your 48-hour guide. DAY 1 6 AM – ActionFlight Hot Air Balloon Supplied Start your trip on a literal high with a sunrise balloon ride over RAK's golden deserts. Book with ActionFlight and float above dunes, mountains, and, if you're lucky, some desert wildlife. Location: Al Wadi Desert (pick-up arranged with booking) 11:00 AM – Brunch at Boons Brasserie & Bar, InterContinental RAK Back on solid ground, head to Boons for a classy-but-casual brunch. Their shakshuka and Nutella-stuffed pancakes are pure joy. Also: very aesthetic interiors. Location: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, Hayat Island 1:00 PM – Visit Suwaidi Pearls Supplied Time to dive (literally) into local culture. At Suwaidi Pearls, you'll ride a traditional boat through mangroves to the UAE's only pearl farm. Open an oyster, maybe find a pearl, and snap those gorgeous mountain-backed views. Meeting Point: Al Rams Marina (15 min from city centre) 4:00 PM – Spa + Sunset Chill Back at your hotel, it's time for a massage, a hammam, or just a lazy float in the pool. If you're staying at The Ritz, opt for their desert-facing spa for full main-character feels. 8:00 PM – Dinner at 1484 by Puro The highest restaurant in the UAE? Check. Epic views of Jebel Jais? Double check. Their truffle pasta and miso salmon are top-tier, and the drive up is just as iconic. Location: Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park DAY 2 10:30 AM – Climb Dhayah Fort Supplied Time for a little hike. Dhayah Fort is the only remaining hilltop fort in the UAE and has some seriously cinematic views. Pro tip: Wear sneakers and bring water. Location: Dhayah, 20 min from RAK city centre 1:00 PM – Lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café Serving up authentic Emirati dishes in a nostalgic setting, Al Fanar is where you go for grilled hammour, saffron rice, and vibes. It's like a little time capsule of the UAE's past. Location: Grove Village, Ras Al Khaimah Corniche 3:00 PM – Last Pool Dip + Checkout Head back to your hotel for a final lounge in the sun. Order something sparkly, soak it all in, and start mentally planning your next trip back. Where to Stay: 3 Dreamy RAK Hotels to Check Into InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa – Hayat Island c For that five-star, toes-in-the-sand energy, this resort is the one. Think beachfront villas, an infinity pool that belongs on your feed, and a world-class spa. Ideal for a luxe girls' weekend or a chill romantic escape. Location: Hayat Island, Mina Al Arab The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert – Wadi Khadija Calling all nature lovers and soft-life queens. Nestled in a desert reserve, this resort serves Bedouin-meets-boujee vibes. Private pool villas, falcon shows, and candlelit desert dinners? Yes please. Location: Al Mazraa, Wadi Khadija Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island – Al Marjan Island Supplied Bright, beachy, and super social, this fun resort has serious girls-trip energy. Whether you're sunbathing at the infinity pool or sipping a mocktail at the beach bar, the mood is always: relaxed but ready to party. Location: Al Marjan Island Boulevard Don't miss out on these summer staycation deals around the UAE.
