Eid Mubarak! We are enjoying a week off to help our host country celebrate Eid Al Adha. This holiday marks 60 days from the end of Ramadan and is time for Muslims to perform the Haj. For us non-Muslims, it is a great time to do some exploring.

Ras Al Khaimah, along with the rest of the country, is undergoing rapid development and expansion, financial crisis not withstanding. In fact, development in this area is proceeding at an almost alarming pace.

Al Hamra was once a bustling port and market area. This tower, made from coral bricks, helped to police the market areas.

Ras Al Khaimah is the source of much of the concrete used to build the country. However, back in the day, coral reefs provided many of the building blocks.

The local ruler’s villa still stands with the teak door frames adding a touch of class to the dust covered rooms.

This villa contained living quarters for the extended family, cooking areas, servants quarters and a well in the courtyard.

Just outside the villa, new developments rise along the coastline.

Rising improbably along the seashore, these modern-day pyramids will attract European holiday makers to the almost perpetual sunshine of the UAE.

The Al Hamra Marina offers safe moorage to yachts, hoby cats and weary travelers who can find icy cold relief in the pub. The America’s Cup was to be launched from this Marina.

Too hot for you? Visit Iceland for a swim with the Penguins.