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Ras Al Khaimah has access to only one sea known as the Persian Gulf, although the UAE is also surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Oman on the east side. Both seas are connected by the Strait of Hormuz, which is located close to Ras Al Khaimah. It is also the narrowest part of the Gulf, being only 56km wide.
The Persian Gulf is an inland sea with length of nearly 1,000km, of which 65km belong to Ras Al Khaimah. The waters are shallow, with average depth of 30m and maximum depth of no more than 100m. The waters of the Persian Gulf are salty, with salinity rate of 37 - 40%, which is considered high. Fragments of shells and corals make up the composition of sandy beaches, while mangrove swamps and lagoons are present along Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline.
The waters of the Persian Gulf provide an excellent environment for a variety of fish, sea mammals, coral reefs and the famed pearl oysters. Unfortunately, this amazing ecosystem comes under pressure from industrialization, petroleum spillages and coastal developments. |
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