Ras Al Khaimah is one of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The term 'emirate' compares roughly to the old term 'shiekhdom'. It is the fifth of the seven that I have written about. To read about the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah, please see my posts dated February 13, 2009, Bye Bye, Dubai?, March 6, 2009, Exploring Abu Dhabi, April 3, 2009, Exploring Ajman, and May 8, 2009, Exploring Fujairah.
Ras Al Khaimah, Arabic: رأس الخيمة,, literally translated means "The Top of the Tent". The Gulfnews.com web site describes Ras Al Khaimah:
"Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northern-most emirate in the UAE and has been ruled by His Highness Shaikh Saqr bin Mohmmad Al Qasimi since 1948.
It is the smallest of the seven emirates by some way, covering just 168 square kilometers. That’s just over two per cent of the total mainland of the UAE.
The Emirate has been largely dependent upon traditional occupations, such as fishing, trading and agriculture. Since the establishment of the Federation, much effort has been put into modernising these traditional sectors to meet the demands of the UAE's economy.
In the 1980's, Ras Al Khaimah discovered the small, though useful, offshore Saleh oilfield. Ras Al Khaimah abounds in tuna fish. Another important local industry is cement and building materials.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Saqr Port (Mina Saqr), located next to the town of Ras Al Khaimah, is a deep water port with the latest facilities. It has also developed its new Free Zone on the Al Holaylah Island.
The city of Ras Al Khaimah is divided into two sections by Khor (creek) 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.
RAK was also once the centre of the naval strength of the southern Gulf states. Clashes with the British Navy led to its downfall in 1820 and the subsequent arrival of a British presence upon the local scene.
Ras Al Khaimah officially became a part of the UAE Federation on October 10, 1972, a year after the Federation was formed."
The Awafi Desert is an increasing tourist draw to the area. According to a January 2005 posting on www.ameinfo.com, the inaugural 2005 Awafi Festival included: "...traditional Arabic song and dance shows, colourful display of fire works and a performance by a band troupe..."
I was particularly interested in the traditional Arabic song and dance shows item. Cultural exchanges will ultimately bring various peoples together. Not politics. Not conquest. Sharing each other's dances, songs, and foods establish strong common bonds. They also bring smiles.
While actively involved in the Diversity Committee at a former employer of mine, I found that our annual Diversity picnic was the one event that virtually everyone looked forward to. The chance to share a culinary treat reflective of one's heritage was both irresistible and delicious!
How about a United Nations cultural initiative based on sharing culinary delights in a cooperative, not competitive, way? It's an idea I could really sink my teeth into. What about you?
Friday, June 12, 2009
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5 comments:
Sampled any good camel lately???
I was somewhat perplexed by this part of your narrative: "Ras Al Khaimah abounds in tuna fish". These must be a new species of air breathing, desert dwelling tuna that I haven't heard of. Got any good pictures of these creatures??
I was more than just somewhat perplexed by your first comment, "Sampled any good camel lately???" What did you mean?
Your second comment, if an attempt at some sort of humor, failed. Keep trying, though. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.
I thought I was quite clear. Camels are as common in the desert regions as cattle are common in Texas. You seemed to be eluding to the thought that cultural cuisines shared among other cultures can provide a bonding experience. I was expanding on that idea.
The phrase that I quoted in my second comment was copied and pasted directly from YOUR TEXT!!!!
Please explain to me how a desert region can "abound in tuna fish"???
Thank you for explaining your camel comment. I've never tried it. If you order it in a restaurant, does the waiter ask, "One hump or two?"
And thank you for pointing out that 7 words out of your 41 word comment on June 15 came from my text. My reference to that comment perhaps being an attempt at humor referred to your entire comment. I erred. You were asking a serious question.
So, in the interest of providing information that I easily found on the internet, the UAE (including Ras Al Khaimah), is not a landlocked country composed entirely of desert. It borders the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, from which the tuna fish are caught and transported inland to distributors and markets.
Now, your homework for tomorrow is...
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