Activities Fact Sheet - Waldorf Astoria Global Media Center

Activities
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is in an extraordinary location. Cradled by the crimson Hajar Mountains
and vast expanses of desert, the vibrant grassy plains of the Al Hamra championship golf course and the
turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea; adventure is literally on the doorstep.
Water adventures
Situated on the west coast of the UAE, the warm blue waters of the Arabian Sea offers the perfect year
round temperature for deep sea fishing, fly fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, SCUBA diving, banana and donut
rides, wake boarding, snorkelling, sailing and water skiing. For nature lovers, kayaking in the mangroves of
Ras Al Khaimah or at sea offers an unforgettable experience.
Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club and Sailing Academy
Close to the hotel, the Al Hamra Marina comprises of 200 wet berths housing boats up to 30 metres and
has fresh water and electricity amenities.
RAK Sailing Academy is open to sailing lovers every year from October to the end of April. The Academy is
equipped with dinghies, catamarans, and fix keel sailing boats. Training and boat rental is available.
Golf
Ras Al Khaimah offers a choice of two 18-hole championship golf courses, Al Hamra and Tower Links Golf
Clubs. Both courses offer outstanding golfing and the opportunity to play golf under the stars and are
famous for participating and hosting regional and ProAm golfing championships.
Desert Safaris
A desert safari explores the true Arabian Desert landscape. Guests can explore this unique crimson terrain
and experience a day of excitement and pure adventure. Drive 4x4 vehicles through the desert and climb
the seemingly endless sand dunes. For those wishing for something a little more sedentary, camel riding is
also on offer. Feast on traditional Arabic food served around a camp fire whilst enthusiastic stories are told
about the days escapades.
Falconry
Falconry is a historic and traditional pastime in Ras Al Khaimah. Enjoy tuition on how to nurture and fly
these magnificent birds. The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal known to man flying at speeds in
excess of 200 miles per hour. The falconry centre is situated at the nature reserve which is also a breeding
ground for Arabian Gazelles and the Oryx.
Camel Racing
The UAE is famous throughout history for its association with camels which are of social and economic
value in the region. The animal is famously known as the ship of the desert because of its walk, which is
much like the motion of a ship at sea.
Camel races are hugely traditional in Ras Al Khaimah. A winter pastime, the camel races take place at
weekends on the camel racetrack which is surrounded by dunes and sheltered by the thickets of Ghaf trees
in Digdaga and Hamraniya. On weekdays the racetrack is usually busy with camel trainers and their
colourfully clad camels which trot up and down the track, building up their stamina for the weekend races.
The official camel races are held on Thursday afternoons and early on Friday mornings from October and
throughout the winter season.
Iceland Water Park
Iceland Water Park is a family entertainment water park destination made up of numerous pools, slides,
vortexes, waterfalls and rivers. A perfect destination for thrill seekers and water lovers.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Built in the mid-18th century during the Persian invasion and the original home of the Royal Family until
1964, the museum was opened in 1987 by the late Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi. There are a
number of ancient monuments and an intriguing collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts.
Khatt Springs
A naturally hot spring, Khatt Springs is renowned for its healing properties. The water, which is rich in
mineral content and reaches a depth of over 25 metres with temperatures approaching 40C° degrees, is
said to cure a number of skin ailments and problems associated with rheumatic disease.
Dhayah Fort
Built as a strategic military castle in the 16th century on a mountain overlooking the Gulf, Dayah Fort
witnessed a battle between the local people and the British troops. Here, its towers were set on fire and
later destroyed in 1819. The Fort was restored in the 1990’s and its strategic location provides outstanding
views of Ras Al Khaimah.
Jazirat Al Hamra
Al Jazirat Al Hamra is one of the oldest historical sites in the UAE, with forts, deserted narrow streets,
schools, mosques and old buildings that were occupied from the 16th century and abandoned only 40
years ago. The villagers who lived here were mainly fishermen and pearl traders.
The Land of Pearls; a Journey
The first of its kind in the UAE; the Pearl Farm produces more than 100,000 pearls each year. Visitors to
the Pearl farm learn how pearls are cultivated and are given the opportunity to open an oyster. If the oyster
contains a pearl, then the visitor gets to keep it!
Archery
Archery is another ancient sport thought to date back 5000 years. Professional tuition is available locally
where guests can learn the art of this precise sport. The archery range is on a tented deck, so ideal year
round for novices and experts alike.
Desert Horse Riding
Discovering the desert on horseback is an exciting experience. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi has
retired his race horses at the riding school allowing the experience of stunning Arab horses to be shared
with visitors to Ras Al Khaimah. The school covers all levels of riding ability.
Al Jazeirah Aviation Club
Take to the skies over Ras Al Khaimah and see the Waldorf Astoria from a bird’s eye view. Micro-lights,
gyrocopters and powered parachutes afford a truly magnificent view of the desert, Hajar Mountains and the
Arabian Sea.
Seawings
The Seawings Urban Experience takes off from the pristine shores of Ras Al Khaimah on an exciting 45
minutes aerial tour of the city, giving guests a picturesque view of the emirate. Seaplane transportation is
available near to Dubai International Airport.
Prince of Sea
Named after the first Arab Seaman Ahmad bin Majid, the "Prince of Sea", a motorised yacht offers visitors a
variety of sailing trips around the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. Various excursions including daytime, sunset
and dinner cruises offer guests various activities covering swimming, snorkelling and the opportunity of
spotting one of the rare Green Turtles or a pod of Dolphins at Al Marjan Island.
Contact Details
Address
Vienna Street, Ras al Khaimah, 99999, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 7 2035555
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.waldorfastoria.com
Hotel PR Contact:
Katie Hollamby
[email protected]
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of 24 landmark destinations, each being a true reflection of their
surroundings in the world’s most sought after locations. Unified by their inspirational environments and unparalleled
guest service, Waldorf Astoria creates unique authentic moments through the delivery of True Waldorf Service.
Personal concierges deliver unparalleled, bespoke service from the moment a guest books through check out. From
signature culinary excellence, 12 world-class golf courses and 23 rejuvenating spas, Waldorf Astoria offers luxuriously
appointed accommodations and unforgettable experiences. Waldorf Astoria is a global luxury brand of Hilton
Worldwide with development plans to add 12 new hotels to the brand. Experience Waldorf Astoria by booking at
www.waldorfastoria.com or learn more about this expanding portfolio by visiting http://news.waldorfastoria.com.