With a rich history and diverse landscape, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE’s favourite places for a short getaway. Beyond the five-star resorts, there’s a lot to do in the Northernmost Emirate. Ras Al Khaimah is blessed with a mix of golden beaches, rugged mountains, and desert landscapes, creating a playground for outdoor lovers. Below, in no particular order, we highlight the best of what the emirate has to offer.
What To Do In Ras Al Khaimah
1. An Action-Packed Day at Jebel Jais
One of the most famous attractions, Jebel Jais is the UAE's highest mountain, rising 1,934 metres above sea level. With so many activities to explore at this breathtaking mountain, going through all of them would require a separate guide. It is home to the world's longest zipline, the ‘Jais Flight’ where you can zoom 2.8 km at 120-160 km/h over the scenic landscape of the mountains. For a more prolonged experience, try the two-hour sky tour, a 5 km course of 6 ziplines running from 337 metres to 1000 metres, that allows you to take in the landscape from an aerial perspective.
The ‘Jais Sleigh’ a local favourite, offers an 8-minute cruise in a sledge around the mountain's contours. Beginners and experienced hikers will love the six official trails at Jebel Jais, which have varying difficulty levels. To cap off your adventures, stop by ‘1484 by Puro’, the highest restaurant in the UAE with a beautiful viewing deck and great food to recharge while you watch the sunset over the Hajar Mountains. The drive to the top of Jebel Jais is equally thrilling and is considered by most as the finest driving road in the Middle East. Car enthusiasts love it for its smooth blacktop roads, spectacular chicanes, switchbacks, hairpins, and steep camber roads.
2. Experience the History of Pearl Diving at Suwaidi Pearls
Pearl fishing is a cornerstone of UAE's heritage, tracing its roots back over seven millennia. In the era preceding the discovery of oil, the UAE thrived as a fishing hub with a flourishing pearl industry, particularly in Ras Al Khaimah, which became one of the region's busiest trading ports during the 12th century. Suwaidi Pearls is an initiative by Abdulla Al Suwaidi, whose grandfather was the last remaining pearl diver in the UAE. Located in the historic fishing village of Rams, Suwaidi Pearls offers a journey back in time, unravelling the history of this art before the dominance of the oil trade took over.
The tour begins in a traditional pearling boat, sailing through the waters for a 10-minute ride to a two-storey vessel anchored alongside the 4000-square-metre farm. Here you will learn about the region's history, previously known as Julphar and how the dangerous art of pearl diving was the lifeblood of the community. After the 2-hour tour concludes, a boat ride through the mangroves can bring you close to local wildlife, including camels cooling off in the water or turtles swimming by. As an added bonus, the tour extends the opportunity to open oysters from the farm, if lucky enough, you might even find a pearl within.
3. Wander Through the Streets of Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Al Jazeera Al Hamra, translating to Red Island, is the sole surviving pearling village in the Gulf, a relic of pre-oil discovery times. Dating back to the 16th century, this rustic fishing village offers a glimpse into the UAE's past. The outpost was abandoned in 1968 but has been beautifully preserved by the desert climate and is now an open-air museum, showcasing mosques, watchtowers, a fort, a souq, and the homes of wealthy pearl merchants. Its architecture, from simple homes to grand courtyard residences, echoes a bygone era of prosperity fuelled by pearl diving and fishing.
Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Tentative List, Al Jazeera Al Hamra embodies centuries of Middle Eastern town planning and social strata architecture. Due to the poor condition of many buildings, climbing or entering is prohibited and it is best to visit during daylight hours for a safe experience.
4. Enjoy a Staycation at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Resort
At the heart of Al Wadi Nature Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert invites you to enjoy authentic desert living, cocooned in luxury. Set against the backdrop of undulating dunes, the resort offers a tranquil retreat where guests can encounter the wonders of nature, from graceful oryx and camels to elusive desert cats.
Embracing the rich heritage of the Arabian desert and its Bedouin inhabitants, The Ritz-Carlton blends five-star service with traditional Arabian hospitality. Guests have many adventures to choose from, like desert treks on a camel, or horseback, private archery lessons, or evening stargazing sessions. Luxury villas, inspired by Bedouin architecture, offer private outdoor pools and sweeping desert views, ensuring a truly enchanting stay. Have yourself a unique desert dining experience, where you can savour Arabian – or Western-style barbecue under the starry sky, attended to by a personal chef and butler.
5. Visit the ‘Haunted’ Al Qassimi Palace
Built by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi almost four decades ago, the Al Qassimi Palace has recently opened to the public after lying vacant for over 35 years. It was rumoured that the family of the late Sheikh moved out after just one night, claiming that the house was haunted.
With its intriguing past and mysterious aura, the palace now invites visitors to unravel its secrets within opulent interiors that showcase Islamic, Moroccan, and Persian influences and wander through its 35 rooms adorned with marble floors, exquisite chandeliers, and artworks. Despite rumours of hauntings, the palace's luxurious furnishings and unique collection of artefacts, animal murals, and marble statues continue to fascinate guests.
6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the desert
One of the best ways to witness the natural landscape of the Northern Emirates is through a magical hot air balloon ride over the beautiful scenery. Depending on the wind's direction, prepare for a journey showcasing the majestic Hajar Mountain range, including Jebel Jais, and the tranquil Arabian Sea coastline. As the sun rises, it casts a golden hue over the desert dunes, unveiling awe-inspiring scenery. Wildlife roaming in their natural habitat, from foxes and oryx to camels and wild donkeys, can also be spotted. Enjoy the in-flight birds-of-prey show with falcons as they gracefully glide through the air, showcasing their majestic beauty and impressive hunting skills. After touchdown, guests are served a gourmet breakfast at their Arabian Majlis and receive a flight certificate signed by their pilot.
7. Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach is a hidden gem along the emirate's stunning coastline. Tucked near the mangroves of Mina Al Arab, it's a serene retreat favoured by sun-seekers, nature lovers, and water sports enthusiasts. Here, the graceful Greater Flamingos make their home, adding a touch of whimsy to the surroundings. Families love this beach for its shallow, gentle waters, perfect for little ones to splash and play. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Arabian Gulf, Flamingo Beach takes on a magical aura, inviting visitors to unwind and bask in the moment's beauty.
8. Anantara Mina Al Arab
Anantara Mina Al Arab presents an exotic retreat, perched on a private peninsula with panoramic views of lagoons and the open ocean. A luxurious staycation awaits at the emirate's first overwater villas, designed as eco-sanctuaries in harmony with nature. The resort is perfect for a family or a romantic getaway and is home to six phenomenal dining venues. One can also try the Anantara signature private dining experience for a more intimate affair.
As stewards of the environment, Anantara Mina Al Arab is dedicated to preserving the surrounding mangroves, home to diverse wildlife such as turtles, flamingos, and dugongs. Guests can take on conservation activities at the discovery centre or explore the mangroves by kayak, learning about their vital role in coastal protection and marine life conservation.
Sandy beaches, rugged mountains, archaeological sites, and haunted mansions, make Ras Al Khaimah one of the most captivating places in the country. As you contemplate your adventures, remember that the emirate is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. No matter what you choose, each encounter in Ras Al Khaimah will deepen your admiration for its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage.
