Ras Al Khaimah – what to see?

Discover Ras Al Khaimah – the emirate that has it all

Fancy a holiday away from Dubai? Have you already been on a trip to Dubai and are looking for new experiences? Or perhaps Dubai isn’t to your taste and you want to see beautiful mountain landscapes, go trekking and witness the wonders of nature in the Middle East? There is a place in the United Arab Emirates where you’ll find exactly that – Ras Al Khaimah. Diverse landscapes, natural attractions in the UAE, as well as luxury resorts in the Emirates, which are being chosen by an increasing number of foreign tourists: a holiday in Ras Al Khaimah provides the answer to what to do! Get to know this unique place better and explore the range of accommodation in Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates.

What is worth seeing in Ras Al Khaimah?

Just like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there is plenty to see in Ras Al Khaimah! You’ll need a few days to visit the emirate’s main attractions, but you can cover the essentials in just 1–2 days. Discover the most beautiful places in Ras Al Khaimah and plan your trip for your next holiday.

Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE

Do you like looking down on the world from above? Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE, rising almost two thousand metres above sea level. Wondering what attractions Jebel Jais has to offer? This place is a true paradise for fans of active leisure, offering not only viewing terraces but also exciting rides on the Jais Sledder track (at the time of publication, this attraction is temporarily closed; it’s worth checking its availability). These tourist attractions in Ras Al Khaimah draw crowds eager for refreshing mountain air and incredible panoramic views. A picturesque, winding road leads to the summit, which in itself will be an unforgettable experience for you.

The world’s longest zipline

Looking for extreme thrills? Jais Flight is the world’s longest zipline, which will make you feel like the king of the world or a bird in flight. This unique zipline in the Emirates is nearly three kilometres long and guarantees a massive adrenaline rush. As you hurtle at speeds of up to 150 km/h over deep canyons, you’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime. It’s an absolute record-breaker listed in the Guinness Book of Records, which you simply mustn’t miss during your visit to Ras Al Khaimah.

1484 by Puro Restaurant

Would you like to dine literally in the clouds? 1484 by Puro is the highest-altitude restaurant in the entire emirate. Situated at an altitude of 1,484 metres, it offers guests breathtaking views of the mountain range. The chefs serve delicious dishes from around the world, from Italian pasta to Korean delicacies. It is the perfect place for a luxurious break after an eventful day on the mountain trails.

Fort Dhayah

Do you dream of travelling back in time? Fort Dhayah is the only surviving hilltop fortress in the UAE, listed on UNESCO’s tentative list. After climbing over two hundred steps, you’ll find yourself at the summit, where a panoramic view of palm groves and the sea unfolds. The history of this place is incredibly rich, as it was here that important battles with British forces took place. It’s the perfect spot to admire a romantic sunset over the desert landscape.

The abandoned village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra

Are you intrigued by abandoned places with an air of mystery? Al Jazirah Al Hamra is a former pearl-diving village that today looks like a film set. As you stroll among the coral-stone houses, you can sense the region’s atmosphere from before the oil era. Numerous legends surround it, and some even believe it to be a haunted ghost town. It is a unique open-air museum of Arab architecture, offering an insight into the traditions of its former inhabitants.

The city of Ras Al Khaimah and its attractions

Want to feel the pulse of the city amidst nature? In the emirate’s capital, it’s worth visiting Al Qawasim Corniche, a picturesque promenade full of cafés and restaurants. For nature lovers, kayaking right in the centre, amidst lush mangrove forests, is the perfect choice. You can spot pink flamingos there, which gather in the area during winter. If you prefer shopping, the modern Manar Mall offers plenty of shops and entertainment for the whole family.

A trip to the pearl farm

Are you interested in where the treasures of the sea come from? A trip to the pearl farm in Ras Al Khaimah from Two Continents is the first tour of its kind in our range, continuing a 7,000-year-old tradition of pearl diving. The tour begins with a cruise on a traditional boat from Al Rams harbour through the protected mangroves. During the tour, you’ll learn about the daily work of the divers and the process of creating these precious gems. You’ll also see with your own eyes the moment an oyster is opened, which may contain a real pearl. You can book this and other interesting tours via Dubai attractions.

Kuwaiti Souq in the capital

Fancy some authentic Arabian shopping? The Kuwaiti Souq in the capital is a bustling market where you can soak up the atmosphere of old-world trade. Vendors there offer almost everything: from colourful spices and fabrics to yellow gold jewellery. It’s the perfect place to test your bargaining skills and haggle for the best prices. Don’t forget to try the local Karak tea in one of the traditional cafés. It’s less touristy than the markets in Dubai, so it feels more authentic!

Hiking in the Al Hajar Mountains

Do you love being in touch with the great outdoors? The Al Hajar Mountains offer countless trails of varying difficulty, perfect for hiking. You can hike along the floors of deep canyons or climb high peaks, enjoying the rugged beauty of the landscape. You can hire professional mountain guides to help you discover the most interesting spots, such as the Samar Trail or Wadi Shawka. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an active holiday and get away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Beaches in Ras Al Khaimah

What are the best beaches in Ras Al Khaimah? The beautiful beaches of Ras Al Khaimah are famous for their soft white sand and are considered among the best in the UAE. Flamingo Beach is particularly recommended, where distinctive bird sculptures await amidst the dunes, along with excellent conditions for sunbathing. The unique combination of mountains and beaches in Ras Al Khaimah makes the landscape breathtaking for every tourist. It is here that you will find luxury resorts on the artificial island of Al Marjan Island, offering the highest standard of relaxation, as well as the latest developments offered by Dubai Estate.

How many days should you spend in Ras Al Khaimah?

It is difficult to give a definitive answer to this question. There are so many attractions and interesting places in Ras Al Khaimah that you could easily spend a full 7-day holiday there. However, if you don’t want to spend your entire holiday in this emirate and wish to see its main attractions whilst on holiday in Dubai, then the ideal time to explore Ras Al Khaimah is between 1 (very intensive) and 3 days. What is worth seeing in Ras Al Khaimah in 3 days? Ras Al Khaimah 3-day sightseeing plan:

• On the first day, head to the country’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, to ride the world’s longest zip line, Jais Flight, and enjoy lunch with a view at the highest-altitude restaurant, 1484 by Puro.
• Spend the second day exploring history by climbing up to the historic Dhayah Fort and taking a cruise to the Two Continents pearl farm to learn about the region’s ancient traditions. On the same day, visit the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, housed in a former fort, and go shopping at the authentic Kuwaiti Souq in the emirate’s capital
• On the third day, experience a thrill in the abandoned village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, then go kayaking amongst the lush mangroves, where you can spot pink flamingos in winter. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the famous Flamingo Beach or the luxurious artificial Al Marjan Island, both renowned for their beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters.

How to get from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah?

There are several options for travelling from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah. You can take a taxi or hire a car and drive along the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road straight to Ras Al Khaimah, which will take between one and three hours, depending on traffic along the way, particularly in Sharjah, where roads get very congested in the afternoons. Hiring a car will be the most cost-effective option, although a taxi can also work out well if there are several of you. You can also take a bus from Dubai, travelling from the Dubai Union Bus Station to the Al Hamra Bus Station in Ras Al Khaimah in around 2 hours. Tickets cost between 20 and 27 AED, depending on the route.

When asking this question, another may spring to mind: is it worth going to Ras Al Khaimah instead of Dubai? Yes, it is, if you’re looking for more nature, lower prices and a quieter atmosphere than the popular tourist spots. Ras Al Khaimah is a quieter alternative to Dubai, which works perfectly as a complement to a holiday in Dubai. Here, you can head into the mountains, go on a desert safari, visit a pearl farm and relax in a luxury resort.

When is the best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah?

The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah is between October and April, just like the other emirates of the UAE. This is the high season in the United Arab Emirates, avoiding the summer months with their unbearably high temperatures. Would you like to know more about Ras Al Khaimah and other places in the UAE? Read our guide to Dubai, interesting facts about the United Arab Emirates and a sightseeing itinerary for Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is Ras Al Khaimah a beautiful place?

Yes, this emirate captivates with its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes, which combine mountains, desert and coastline. Visitors can admire both modern architecture and the unique, rugged beauty of the great canyons. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth travelling to Ras Al Khaimah, the answer is yes, it is!

• Are there mountains in Ras Al Khaimah?

The emirate is home to the Al Hajar mountain range, which includes Jebel Jais – the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates. These mountains offer numerous hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and canyons.

• Is Ras Al Khaimah suitable for a family holiday?

Ras Al Khaimah and its family-friendly attractions make it the perfect destination for a family holiday, thanks to attractions such as Iceland Water Park, the vast Saqr Park and special entertainment zones in shopping centres. In addition, many luxury resorts provide facilities for children, and the shallow, warm waters are ideal for safe beach activities.