When travelers think of the United Arab Emirates, the dazzling skyline of Dubai is usually what springs to mind.
But the UAE has a lot to offer nature lovers too -- particularly the northernmost emirate Ras al-Khaimah, which is aiming to become the Middle East's most sustainable destination by 2025 thanks to a new "Balanced Tourism" strategy.
Just 45 minutes from Dubai, it's often called the "adventure Emirate," and for good reason. Offering beaches, deserts and mountains, outdoor attractions abound, such as sand boarding, trekking, wakeboarding, skydiving, scuba diving and even the world's longest zipline.
But it's not all about the adrenaline rush. Ras Al Khaimah is where you'll find the highest restaurant in the United Arab Emirates, 1484 by Puro, which sits in the emirate's Jebel Jais Mountains. Culture seekers can head for the historic Dhayah Fort, which dates back to the Late Bronze Age (1600-1300 BC).
Where to stay? Luxury hospitality brand Anantara is opening a fabulous new resort there in 2023 that will offer 174 guestrooms, suites and overwater villas along with specialty restaurants and a spa. -- Karla Cripps