On the road to Oman, we pass through one of the 7 Emirates, Ras al Khaimah, the most fertile in the country. Quieter than Dubai, Ras al Khaimah has lovely beach and water, and its desert is greener than that of Dubai. It is poised to become another major tourism destination for the European market. Currently, there are three charters arriving into RAK weekly from Germany. For other European and US travelers, Dubai still serves as the best hub and the drive takes only one hour from Al Maktoum International Airport.
Waldorf Astoria occupies an extraordinary beachside property that was built by Sheikh Al Quasimi as a palace. With 235 rooms, it overlooks a quiet sea (once called the Pirate Coast). A man-made island draws the eye in to the deep blue.
A full service resort with very good restaurants, tennis courts, water activities and spacious rooms, it is, nevertheless, a singular property in a landscape that is still being shaped out of the desert.
http://waldorfastoria3.hilton.com/en/hotels/uae/waldorf-astoria-ras-al-khaimah-RKTWAWA/index.html