Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Often overlooked in the tourist brochures, Ras al-Khaimah (usually known as simply ‘RAK') is somewhat of an undervalued destination for visitors to the UAE. With its proximity to the hazy Hajar Mountains, the UAE's northernmost and most fertile emirate is often just seen as the gateway to Oman's spectacularly beautiful Musandam Peninsula, however it has a few surprises of its own. Firstly, while the town itself is a dusty ramshackle affair, the views of the mountains are spectacular and come as quite a surprise after the endless sands and dreary drive to get here. The nearby beaches are as pristine and development-free as you'll find in the UAE, and the Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort, 25km south of RAK, makes an excellent base to sample some water sports.