Quiet little Ras Al Khaimah, to the north of Dubai, is the garden of the Emirates, home of dairy cattle and market gardening, as well as being dotted with interesting forts, old villages, watch towers and coconut groves. Inland rise rugged mountains, while the Gulf coastline dazzles the eyes with its shimmering beaches and crystal-clear blue seas. Imaginatively capturing the unique architectural and cultural heritage of ancient Middle Eastern tradition, the design of this striking luxury hotel conjures up images of the Arabia of legend and fable. Yet within its classic contours it achieves a setting of 5-star standards that most definitely belongs to the modern age - and is just a 55-minute drive from Dubai airport.