Ras al Khaimah, UAE

The northernmost of the United Arab Emirates, Ras al Khaimah occupies a rugged coastline with long, white sand beaches washed by the warm, clear Gulf waters. Here you can climb to the hilltop fortress of Dhayah, dating from the 19th century but standing on a very ancient site that has been fortified for millenia. The National Museum holds archaeological and historical displays of the Arabian past. The Marjan Island has been transformed into a mecca for adventure sports to be enjoyed in the air and the sea. A distinctive experience is a visit to a Bedouin Oasis camp in the desert dunes.