Introduction
The emirate with the capital city of Ras Al Khaimah is located approximately 90 km from Dubai. In its surroundings there are green lowlands, mountains, desert and oases, long sandy beaches where tourism has not yet managed to penetrate in full scope. This is gradually changing with the construction of new hotels. If you are looking for peace from busy city life and want to spend most of your time on the beach, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is the right place.
The northernmost emirate Ras Al Khaimah has a significant position because it lies closest to the Strait of Hormuz. It has a significant maritime history, the best sailors in the region came from here. The ruling sheikh since 1948 has been Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi. The emirate occupies only 2.2% of the UAE's area and has approximately 260,000 inhabitants. In the north it borders with the Sultanate of Oman. It is partly mountainous and a large part is covered with light sand. Its income comes primarily from tourism, construction and agriculture. It also supplies other emirates with its products. Marble is mined in the mountains. It rains more frequently in the emirate than in other areas, there are significant sources of drinking water, which it also supplies to neighboring countries.
Historically, the city is known as Julfar. Historical sources say that Julfar was inhabited by the Azd tribe in the 8th and 9th centuries and their houses were built of wood. At the beginning of the 18th century, the Qawasim tribe settled in Ras Al Khaimah. After the British occupation (December 18, 1819 - July 1821), Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qassimi signed a treaty in 1822 by which he accepted the protectorate to protect against the Turks. Ras Al Khaimah truly has the richest history of all emirates. Evidence of this is the number of archaeological excavations. 75 watchtowers have been preserved in the emirate's territory, which testifies to its strategic position. In the past, there was a very important commercial port here. One of the greatest Arab navigators, Ibn Majid, was born here, and the descendants of today's ruler of the emirate were a real naval power at the beginning of the 19th century. They had more than 60 large naval ships with more than 20,000 sailors. They controlled a large part of the region. In 1869, Ras al-Khaimah became independent from Sharjah, but from September 1900 to July 7, 1921, it was reintegrated back into the emirate. It became definitively independent only when its current ruler began to rule. On February 11, 1972, it became part of the federation of the United Arab Emirates when it joined as the last of the seven emirates.
Clothing
Summer clothing is suitable for visitors throughout the year. In the winter months, we recommend bringing a warmer sweater or windbreaker for cooler nights. The UAE is a Muslim country and therefore visitors are expected to dress more conservatively in public. Beach clothing and swimsuits are accepted in hotels and on beaches. Nudism or sunbathing topless is prohibited. In luxury hotels, you should have formal attire for dinner (men long pants and shirt, women longer skirt, pants or dress).
You can easily recognize the local population by their traditional clothing, which they wear as a sign of pride. Men dress in white kandura with a white headscarf (dishdash), secured with two black rings (Agal). Women wear a black abaya with a veil to hide their figure and hair (hijab). Some women wear niqab or burqa, which cover their entire face. Men holding high positions in government wear them in various color variations, such as blue, gold or red, or wear a massive cloak (bisht) with decorative trims.
Representative office for UAE
Embassy of the Slovak Republic in UAE
Embassy of the Slovak Republic
Al Mataf Street, No. 16, Villa 2
Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 681 7705
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mzv.sk/abudhabi
Working hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Distance and flight
Austria
United Arab Emirates
Weather
In the United Arab Emirates, there is a tropical, dry climate. The best conditions for visiting the Emirates are in the months from September to May. Ideal air and water temperatures are specifically in the months of March, April, May, October and November. The highest temperatures are in the months of July and August, when temperatures at noon reach 42°C to 45°C.
On the hottest days, temperatures can reach up to 48°C. This period also has the highest humidity. Rainfall in the emirates occurs only rarely. Most rainfall is in January. Thanks to favorable and sunny weather, Ras Al Khaimah and the entire Emirates are among the popular holiday destinations throughout the year.
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17
July
Thursday
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39°C | Partly cloudy | 33°C | |
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18
July
Friday
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40°C | Sunny | 34°C | |
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19
July
Saturday
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39°C | Partly cloudy | 33°C | |
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20
July
Sunday
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39°C | Sunny | 33°C | |
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21
July
Monday
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40°C | Cloudy | 33°C | |
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22
July
Tuesday
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40°C | Cloudy | 33°C |
Visas and requirements
Based on the Agreement between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates on the abolition of visa requirements for short-term stays, holders of Slovak Republic travel, diplomatic and service passports may stay in the territory of the United Arab Emirates for a maximum of 90 days during any period of 180 days from May 7, 2015.
For all travelers, the validity of the travel document must be at least six (6) months after the planned return from the stay, otherwise the holder will usually not be transported to the country even by airlines.
When traveling with a minor child with only one parent, it is recommended to have a stamped consent of the other (non-traveling) parent in English - from a notary or registry office of the Slovak Republic.
Sample consent in English
Customs regulations
The customs regime is liberal. It is allowed to bring cigarettes, 1 liter of alcoholic beverage and 2 liters of wine for personal consumption. This does not apply to visitors professing the Muslim religion. Strict prohibitions and restrictions apply to the import of drugs, weapons, erotic and pornographic literature. The mentioned items are subject to prohibition and in case of violation are subject to confiscation with penalty (fine, expulsion).
Safety
The United Arab Emirates is among the safest countries in the world. Due to strict penalties and effective police, the Emirates enjoy very low crime rates. In 2017, the Emirates were declared the second safest country in the world after Finland (World Economic Forum).
Healthcare
Citizens of the Slovak Republic pay for medical treatment in full from their own funds. There is no agreement on the provision of free healthcare between the UAE and the Slovak Republic.
We therefore recommend getting insurance before traveling.
Due to the intensity of sun rays, it is recommended to use sunscreen with a high UV filter and sunglasses.
Vaccination
No mandatory vaccination is prescribed for regular tourist visits to the UAE. Consult possible health risks with your doctor or in our hospitals in departments of foreign diseases, or look for necessary information on the website www.ockovanie.sk.
Drinking water
Tap water is utility water and is produced by desalination of seawater. It is not recommended to consume it. Drinking water is bottled in plastic bottles, available for purchase in restaurants or shops.
Internet and electricity
In the UAE, it is 220 V with English-type sockets with three pins. An adapter is usually needed to connect devices. It is available free of charge at the hotel reception. Chargers for cameras, mobile phones and razors can be used without problems.
Natural disasters
In the Emirates, the most common natural event is sandstorms. Their occurrence cannot be determined in advance. On the other hand, several days of rain accompanied by strong winds may occur.
Money and prices
Dubai is very accessible to tourists, accommodating them in many ways. Finance is no exception. The local currency of the UAE is the Dirham (Dhs / AED), which is divided into 100 fils. Currency exchange can be done without restriction in hotels, exchange offices or banks. The most favorable rate is in banks. The most well-known exchangeable currency is USD, with which direct payments can also be made in shops. However, it is recommended to pay with the local currency. Other currencies such as EUR are also exchanged, but the rate changes daily.
International payment and credit cards are accepted (American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, Visa). Visa Electron cards can also be used for payment in shops. When asked in which currency the card payment should be made, we always recommend choosing the option to convert to the local currency Dirham.
When negotiating discounts, it is more advantageous to pay in cash and in Dirhams.
Indicative rate in USD, 1 USD = 3.65 Dhs
Indicative rate in EUR, 1 EUR = 3.80 Dhs
When negotiating discounts, it is more advantageous to pay in dirhams and in cash. As in many other Arab countries, merchants in Dubai are also accustomed to bargaining. At various markets, merchants really enjoy bargaining, most prices are deliberately inflated, so that tourists can haggle with merchants over the price. However, at markets and in taxis, it is customary to pay in the local currency.
Tipping
Taxes and fees are already included in the price of services. A small attention of 5 to 10% of the price of consumption or services is always welcome.Transport and transfers
Most beach hotels in Ras Al Khaimah provide shuttle bus. You can ride for free to shopping centers in Ras Al Khaimah. Hotels provide transportation for their clients to Dubai center and back for a fee. Taxi transportation is also very accessible and at acceptable price levels. Taxi services in the Emirates are state-owned. Although it is possible to pay with dollars in the Emirates, some taxi drivers refuse them as payment. So rather always have dirhams with you if you are not willing to argue with the driver.
Transfer in the Emirates
- private transfer Dubai airport - hotel - Dubai airport by TOYOTA PREVIA, CHEVROLET VENTURE, CHRYSLER 300C, CHEVROLET ROYAL CAPRICE, LEXUS cars.
- if interested, we can arrange Dubai airport - hotel - Dubai airport transfer by luxury limousine according to your wishes (BMW 7, HUMMER, ROLLS - ROYCE, CADILLAC ESCALADE)
Dining
Hotels and restaurants in the Emirates are renowned for their top cuisine and excellent food. Breakfasts and dinners are served in hotels in buffet form. The emirate of Dubai in particular is famous for its gastronomic scene. You will find restaurants of every kind, especially Asian, Indian, Arabic, Lebanese but also Italian, French, American and modern fusion establishments. During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, you should refrain from consuming food and drink in public as a sign of respect and solidarity with the locals.
Among traditional foods, drinks and dishes that you should try in the Emirates are hummus (chickpea paste), Arabic bread, shawarma meat, which is similar to Turkish kebab, dates and date desserts, camel milk, camel milk products and of course strong Arabic coffee.
Consumption of pork is forbidden to Muslims from an Islamic perspective. Nevertheless, pork is available in some shops and you can also find it in the menus of restaurants and hotels.
Activities and attractions
The capital Ras Al Khaimah is quite spread out, divided into old and new parts. The emirate is considered the most diverse, most beautiful and most fertile, where agriculture thrives. There are beautiful beaches, high mountains and fertile valleys. Fishing is also important. The emirate has the largest fleet of fishing boats in the country, while traditional hunting methods still predominate. In addition to traditional markets in the old part of the city, you will also find several shopping centers in the newer part such as RAK Mall, Manar Mall, Al Naeem Mall, or in the tourist area the most popular Al Hamra Mall, where in addition to shopping options you will also find a children's zone Fun ville.
The emirate, in addition to tourism development, has not escaped the boom in the real estate market and construction. Several megaprojects have been built such as Mina Al Arab or Al Hamra Village with a shopping center. Few people know that Ras Al Khaimah has artificial islands similar to Dubai. The relatively completed project is the Al Marjan island in the shape of a sea coral with the popular luxury family hotel Doubletree by Hilton Resort and SPA marjan Island, or the Falcon Island project - an island in the shape of a falcon with a unique system of using intelligent technologies.
A great attraction and unforgettable experience is definitely the desert in Ras Al Khaimah, to which the desert safari is an inseparable part.
Currently accessible, the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais, is located in the territory of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and offers a lifetime experience in the form of the longest Zipline track in the world. Since this northernmost emirate directly borders the Musandam Governorate of Oman, unexplored Musandam fjords, playful and friendly dolphins, or huge flocks of magnificent cormorants await those eager for excursions. You will experience all this and more on the excursion cruise Musandam cruise.
Golf lovers will also find what they are looking for in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate can boast a very high-quality and also sought-after course Al Hamra Golf Club near the Hilton Al Hamra Beach and Golf Resort hotel and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. And also the second very high-quality course closer to the city center Tower Links Golf Course.
Ramadán
Ste nadšenými cestovateľmi a radi spoznávate zvyky a tradície miest ktoré navštívite? Nepremeškajte jedinečnú príležitosť zažiť najväčší moslimský sviatok a jedno z najčarovnejších období roka v Dubaji a celých Spojených Arabských Emirátoch.
Čo je ramadán?
Ramadán je deviaty mesiac islamského kalendára. Jeho začiatok nastáva vzhľadom na kresťanský kalendár vždy o 10 dní skôr ako predchádzajúci rok. Od moslimov sa vyžaduje, aby 30 dní dodržiavali pôst, vždy od východu do západu slnka. Moslim by sa mal počas
dňa zdržať jedla, pitia, fajčenia a iných fyzických radostí. Pôstom si má moslim upevniť telesnú aj psychickú stránku, pevnú vôľu, disciplínu a priblížiť sa tak má k bohu Alahovi. Vyzdvihované sú morálne hodnoty, prejavy solidarity s chudobnými a konanie
dobrých skutkov.
Koniec pôstu je každý deň ohlasovaný volaním z mešity pri západe slnka. Mestá ožívajú nebývalým ruchom osláv, ktoré začínajú bohatou predvečerou "SUHOOR" a hlavnou večerou "IFTAR". Ramadán je nielen mesiacom odopierania si, ale i
radostí, ktorý vrcholí v posledných dňoch pôstu veľkým sviatkom "EID AL FITR".
INFO: Ramadán v roku 2020 začína približne 24. Apríla a končí 23. mája.
Ovplyvní vás ramadán počas dovolenky?
Spojené Arabské Emiráty sú moderná a mimoriadne kozmopolitná krajina a preto sú turisti aj počas Ramadánu vítaní s otvorenými náručiami. Počas vášho pobytu by ste sa však mali riadiť určitými radami a odporúčaniami. Od hostí hotelov sa neočakáva, že budú dodržiavať pôst, avšak každý ocení ak prejavíte rešpekt s domácimi a počas dňa sa vyhnete konzumácii jedla, pitia a fajčenia na verejnosti, to znamená mimo hotelov. V hoteloch sú vytvorené všetky podmienky na to, aby ste mohli vykonávať už spomínané aktivity bez obmedzení, resp. v ústraní. Najmä plážové rezorty fungujú vo voľnom režime a preto by Ramadán vás zážitok z dovolenky v Emirátoch nemal nijako ovplyvniť. Vo všeobecnosti platí:- alkohol je v hoteloch a baroch podávaný až po západe slnka (cca po 19:00)
- niektoré a la carte reštaurácie môžu fungovať v obmedzenej prevádzke
- diskotéky a nočné kluby sú počas Ramadánu zatvorené
INFO: V sezóne 2018 by mala väčšina plážových hotelov v Emirátoch servírovať alkohol aj počas dňa.
Výhody pobytu počas ramadánu
Cena Ubytovania
Obdobie počas Ramadánu patrí medzi najlacnejšie v roku. Za relatívne nízke ceny si môžete dopriať luxus, ktorý by bol inak možno nad rámec vášho rozpočtu.
Množstvo zliav
Najmä emirát Dubaj je známy ramadánovými "shopping" akciami vo veľkých aj menších nákupných centrách. Z vašej dovolenky v Emirátoch sa tak vraciate obohatení o obľúbené kúsky oblečenia za zlomok bežnej ceny.
Žiadne čakanie
Mestá ako Dubaj či Abu Dhabi sú počas dňa väčšinou vyľudnené. Na atrakcie akými sú aquaparky či pamiatky takmer vôbec nečakáte. Domácich pred západom slnka takmer nestretnete.
Atmosféra
Po západe slnka nastáva ten pravý nočný ruch. Reštaurácie v meste praskajú vo švíkoch a nákupné centrá sú otvorené aj do druhej v noci. Veľkým zážitkom je večera IFTAR za sprievodu magickej hry svetiel a lampášov v jednom z mnohých tematických stanov. Klientom odporúčame včasnú rezerváciu, s ktorou vám samozrejme vždy radi pomôžeme.
