About Sha’am, Ras Al Khaimah
Sha’am is a compact and beautiful village in the northern region of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is close to the borders of the Sultanate of Oman, including other areas like Al-Jeer and Wadi-al-Shaam. The village is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscape. It perfectly fits into the traditional way of life in the UAE. Beautiful Hajar mountains surround this town, creating a serene environment with aesthetic landscapes and a perfect opportunity for hiking and trekking. The residents of the UAE are proud of their natural heritage and culture, as the country's national flag flies high over the mountains, shops, and other areas of the village. They can also easily enjoy the views of the Arabian Gulf. It is also one of the most popular fishing spots, and people from all around the UAE come to catch glimpses of dolphins and the presence of marine life and experience cruising in a sailing boat. The village has necessities such as shops, hospitals, and supermarkets.
Sha’am is a quiet and serene village that is less commercialised. It has limited developments, including traditional houses, which represent the rural and cultural lifestyle of the town. Unlike the city chaos, Sha’am is a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets. It can appeal to people seeking a quiet and serene environment.
Key Highlights of Sha’am, Ras Al Khaimah
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Sha’am offers stunning and natural landscapes and views of the Arabian Gulf.
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The village maintains a perfect and quiet traditional Emirati lifestyle, providing a sneak peek into the village's cultural lifestyle haven.
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Sha’am is a quiet, peaceful village perfect for people chasing a noise-free lifestyle.
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The village lacks proper infrastructure and amenities such as schools, hospitals and shopping malls, making it difficult for people who are used to living in developed areas.
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The real estate market in Sha’am has not fully flourished, which makes it a poor option for modern housing and investment.
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Transportation options and connectivity to other cities are difficult due to the limited facilities.
Properties At Sha’am, Ras Al Khaimah
Sha’am is home to many traditional Emirati buildings constructed using local materials and tailored to the village's hilly and agricultural landscape. The area's cultural past is reflected in the relatively simple design of these homes.
Public Transportation
Sha'am, Ras Al Khaimah, needs more public transportation than major UAE cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which have vast networks. The area has few public transit choices, so most people drive by car. Occasionally, bus routes link Sha'am to other areas of Ras Al Khaimah. They need to be more regular and practical for everyday travel.
Locals and tourists typically need a private vehicle to navigate the area, visit nearby towns, and access the required services. Sha'am's rural and underdeveloped environment reflects its inadequate public transportation system, making it more inaccessible to people who need a car. However, individuals who prefer a more solitary existence find great appeal in the serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings.
| Bus Line Number | Destination |
| RAK Shuttle Service | Sha'am, Ras Al Khaimah to Ras Al Khaimah City |
| RAK Transport Route 1 | Ras Al Khaimah City to Sha'am, Ras Al Khaimah |
| RAK Transport Route 8 | Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah to Sha'am, Ras Al Khaimah |
Amenities
Nurseries/ Educational Institute
There are a few educational institutions, such as pre-schools and schools in Sha’am, where parents can consider their child’s admission.
- Al-Shaheed Tariq Al-Shehhi Kindergarten
- AlUla Kindergarten
- Ahmed Bin Majid School for Secondary Education
- Al Wadi Girls School for Basic Education – Cycle 1
- Umm Al Qura School for Basic Education for Girls – Cycle One
- Shaam Boy’s School for Basic and Secondary Education
- Al Jeer School
These institutions are about 3 to 7 minutes drive by car.
Supermarkets
One can easily buy daily essentials and do grocery shopping in supermarkets that are not very far, such as:
- Zodiac Grocery
- Al Mumtaz Supermarket
- Al Burouj Grocery
- Al Sinan Supermarket
- Emran Khandakar Grocery
- Al Shehhi Grocery
- Al Zaqazeeq Grocery
- Rashid Saif Grossery
- Al Raheeb Grocery
Healthcare Facilities
Residents of Sha’am can use various facilities provided by the village’s healthcare department, including surgery, clinics, operation rooms, intensive care, emergency sections, and others.
- Shaam Hospital Ras Al Khaimah
- Rak Medical Center Ghalilah
- Al-Jeer Health Center
- Shaam Pharmacy
These healthcare facilities are just a 4 to 6-minute drive away from Sha’am.
Places of Worship
People can find various worship places, including churches, temples and mosques in Sha’am.
For Islamic followers, there are many mosques, such as:
- Masjid Salim Abu Adeel
- Ahmed bin Hanbal Mosque
- Muhammad Ibrahim Mosque
- Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman Mosque
- Saif Saeed bin Darwish Mosque
Christian residents can head over to:
- St. Luke Church Complex
- Apostolic Tamil Church
- Emirates Christian Church
- Church of God Ras Al Khaima
- NTC Ras al Khaimah (TPM)
These churches are in Al Mamourah, a 30-minute drive from the village.
Lastly, residents may visit Sikh Gurudwara in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood of Dubai, 48 minutes away by car.
Hotels in Sha’am, Ras Al Khaimah
Since Sha'am Ras Al Khaimah is a small, rural community, only a few hotel options exist. Suppose you are looking for a quiet and beautiful retreat. In that case, you can find accommodations in modest guesthouses, boutique hotels, and resorts that provide a genuine taste of the local way of life along with standard comforts.
Lifestyle
Shopping Centres/ Mall
As of now, Sha’am doesn’t consist of any major shopping centres. However, some shopping malls are located closer and are easily accessible. Some of the nearby shopping malls include:
- Al Naeem Mall
- Grove Village Mall
- RAK Mall
- Al Naeem City Centre
Restaurants/ Dining
There are many restaurants in Sha’am, Ras Al Khaimah, offering a wide variety of dishes from around the world. They are located within the village’s boundaries and easily reachable on foot.
- Al Maghreb Restaurant
- Abu Ali Restaurant
- Al Raha Fried Chicken Cafeteria
- Al Asrar Food & Beverage
- Abdullah Saeed Restaurant
- Shaam Restaurant
- Zoom Burger
- Al Saha Restaurant
- Al Raaheeb Ice Cream
Beaches Nearby
The village of Sha’am is located on the waterfront in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, offering great views of the Arabian Gulf. The town is known for its fishing areas and the Shaam beach, perfect for residents who want to spend quality time with their families.
Leisure Activities Nearby
Some of the notable landmarks and leisure activities ideal for a fishing day or an adventurous boat ride include:
- Ashham Fort
- Shaam Mountain
- Al Jeer Fort
- Wadi Shaam
These landmarks are approximately an 11-minute drive from the area.
Distance and Commute Time
- Shaam Square is located in Ras Al Khaimah, just 8 minutes away.
- The Ghalilah area is just 10 minutes away from the area.
- Wadi Sha’am Ras Al Khaimah is reachable in 11 minutes.
- It is close to the border of the Sultanate of Oman.
- Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is 45 to 50 kilometers away from Sha'am.
Rating and Reviews
“Living in Sha’am is a serene experience, surrounded by stunning mountains and the sea. The people in this town are close-knit and lead humble lives. Sha’am is a wonderful place to call home if you value nature and culture; it’s not for those drawn to the city.”
“During my trip to Ras Al Khaimah, I visited Sha’am, which was a pleasant getaway from the bustle of the city. The community exudes a timeless charm, and the scenery is breathtaking. Although the accommodations are simple, it’s ideal for a peaceful getaway.”
“I visited Sha’am during my trip to Ras Al Khaimah, and it was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The scenery is spectacular, and the community has an everlasting appeal. Despite the basic place to stay, it’s a great place to have a quiet vacation.”
“Living in Sha’am has its pros and cons. The natural beauty and peaceful environment are fantastic, but the need for amenities and public transport can be challenging. If you work remotely and want to live away from the city, it’s a great place, but you must prepare for a simpler lifestyle.”
“Sha’am is a hidden gem for adventurers who love off-the-beaten-path destinations. The mountains and coastline offer great spots for hiking and exploring. Don’t expect luxury, but if you’re after an authentic experience in the UAE’s quieter side, Sha’am won’t disappoint.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Sha’am located?
Sha’am is a small coastal town in the northernmost part of the United Arab Emirates, within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It lies near the border with Oman, along the Arabian Gulf, offering scenic views of the sea and mountains, making it a serene and picturesque destination.
How long does it take to reach Sha’am from Abu Dhabi?
From Abu Dhabi, it takes 2 hours and 47 minutes via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road/E311 to reach al-Sha’am.
How far is the airport from Sha’am?
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is about 45 to 50 kilometres from Sha’am.
