Not only eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates is known of sandy beaches accompanied by mountains view in the background. In Ras Al Khaimah, just a few kilometres away from the city you can find a unique landscape of Saraya Island: sparking turquoise of the sea with a magnificent view of the Hajar mountain range.
PROJECT THAT NEVER CAME INTO BEING
In the past the plan of development of Saraya Island was created. The project included hotels, water park, shopping centres, restaurants, bird’s sanctuary, planetarium and many more. However, it was suspended and there are no updates on construction plans since 2009. Instead, the area has become a camping destination in Ras Al Khaimah.
PLENTY OF BEACHES TO CHOOSE
The entrance to Saraya Island(25°53’08.6″N 56°00’57.7″E) is through a bridge at the north end of Al Rams town. Before the bridge you are going to see a warning sign not to approach the area as it’s military base camp. Do not be afraid – cross the bridge and turn left. You can drive all the way until the end of the island in order to find a perfect spot.
On the right side you will have an open sea along with more than twenty sandy beaches separated by man-made stone spits. On the left there is a long narrow bay overlooking villas and buildings on the mainland with beautiful chain of mountains in the background. There are simple playgrounds for football.
Some of the area is vegetated by mangroves. Do not trust the ground that looks firm – some of the territory is wetland and easy to get stuck.
PARADISE FOR CAMPERS
Taking into consideration that camping overnight, fishing and crabbing is allowed on Saraya Island – it makes it a favourite location for campers. The water is very clean and calm, suitable for swimming and other water activities, like for example stand-up paddleboarding. On weekends, I assume, Saraya Island can get quite busy and noisy with people having fun on off-road vehicles.
It is also very common to come across individuals riding horses – as there is stable on the island. Also camels may be wandering around that belong to the local farm.
Four-wheel drive car is required to reach the inside of the island. Sedan cars will cross the bridge and reach the first beach near the parking for the military base camp, however will not go further. The first beach stretches long and might be also more popular. It is recommended also to deflate the tyres, as the main route leading through Saraya Island is made on a sand and has deep ruts.
RUBBISH DUMP
As much as beautiful and peaceful this place is, I will probably not visit it again. This is due to pervasive trash laying down everywhere, left behind by people camping. It is really such a shame to destroy a lovely spot like this. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Saraya Island – take rubbish bags with you to collect some trash. Together, one by one, we can make a change!
If you would like to check another camping location on the western coast of the United Arab Emirates, you can have a look at this article: MYSTERY BEHIND UMM AL QUWAIN LAGOON
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover about United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UrKZdo
