Top 10 Reasons to Holiday in Ras Al Khaimah This Winter – Ideal for Families and Couples
If you are searching for a winter holiday that balances relaxation, adventure, sunshine and culture, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect choice.
Just 45 minutes from Dubai Airport, Ras Al Khaimah is a hidden gem with 68 kilometres of coastline and dramatic mountain peaks, a world away from the fast pace of its neighbours. Families can relax while children play, and couples can slow down and reconnect. Whether you’re planning an adventure-filled family holiday or a romantic escape, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect winter destination.
Below is just a glimpse of the many experiences Ras Al Khaimah has to offer, showcasing why it’s the perfect winter destination for every kind of traveller – from thrill-seekers and culture vultures, to those in search of pure relaxation, or a mix of all three.
I have teamed up with Budget Travel who offer a wide selection of holidays in Ras Al Khaimah. Budget Travel is part of the Irish owned Club Travel Network, Ireland’s largest travel company. You can enjoy exclusive deals and discounts, as well as knowing you are booking with a fully licensed and bonded travel agency, who have been operating in Ireland for over 50 years.
You can book Ras Al Khaimah package holidays, including flights, bags, and transfers, with Budget Travel and secure your seat in the sun with deposits from €75! Whether you want a relaxing family holiday in Ras Al Khaimah, an action-packed adventure, or a mix of Dubai’s glitz and RAK’s laid-back charm, Budget Travel can tailor the perfect holiday to match your style.
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah From Ireland
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from Ireland is easy. Direct flights from Dublin to Dubai run twice daily with Emirates, and from there it’s just a 45 minute drive to Ras Al Khaimah.
With a slower pace and more affordable cost of living than its bustling neighbour, Ras Al Khaimah is a superb holiday choice on its own, but for those who want it all, a twin-centre holiday with Dubai offers the best of both worlds.
Why Choose Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah offers peaceful beaches, amazing hiking trails, cultural treasures and luxury resorts for all ages. It’s a hidden gem that combines thrilling activities and scenic hikes with rich cultural experiences and pure relaxation. Whatever your style of travel, Ras Al Khaimah ticks every box. It also offers fantastic value for money, making it an affordable, accessible and stress-free escape.
What is the weather like in Ras Al Khaimah?
In winter, you can enjoy warm, pleasant weather with daytime highs around 25 to 27 degrees. The sun shines most days with low humidity, making it ideal for beach breaks, sightseeing and outdoor activities, while the sea stays warm enough for swimming at around 24 to 26 degrees. With such mild conditions, it’s a comfortable time to explore the mountains, relax on the coast, or enjoy a mix of both.
Adventure and Family Activities in Ras Al Khaimah
1. Test your skills at Bear Grylls’ Explorers Camp
Created by Bear Grylls and his team of experts, the survival experiences in Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais mountains let visitors test their skills with challenges inspired by Bear’s famous techniques. The Ras Al Khaimah camp is the only Bear Grylls camp outside the UK and Greece, offering both 4 hour and 24 hour family survival courses.
Learn to build fires and shelters, navigate at night and put your new skills to the test the next day. The four-hour course is suitable for children over 8 years old, while the overnight adventure requires a minimum age of 12. This is one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah with kids.
2. Splash out with some water sports
Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline is perfect for water lovers, offering a mix of adventure and family fun. Thrill‑seekers can kayak through mangroves, jet‑ski along the stunning Arabian Gulf, or snorkel and scuba dive to explore vibrant marine life. For a more family friendly day out, Dreamland Aqua Park provides exciting slides, wave pools and splash zones, making it easy to enjoy the sun, sea and water all in one place.
3. Ride the world’s longest zipline
Did you know the world’s longest zipline is in Ras Al Khaimah? Soaring from the top of Jebel Jais at 1,680 metres, this thrilling ride reaches speeds of up to 150km per hour across 2.83km of rugged mountain peaks. It ends on a transparent platform suspended in mid-air, offering breathtaking views and pure adrenaline.
The launch area is easily accessible by car or tour, and the experience takes around 30 to 45 minutes, including preparation. Suitable for most over 40 kg and 130 cm tall, this is one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
If the zip line is not your vibe, check out the Jais Viewing Deck that sits high in the Hajar Mountains, offering breathtaking views of winding roads, rocky peaks and the distant sea. It’s a peaceful spot to take in the mountain air, with several platforms fitted with binoculars, cosy cafés for a quick drink and plenty of photo opportunities.
Read: Top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah
4. Explore the desert on a safari tour
From dune bashing to horse riding, luxury hotel stays to glamping, no visit to Ras Al Khaimah would be complete without a visit to the Al Wadi desert.
Enjoy an exhilarating ride over the sand dunes before relaxing in a traditional Bedouin-style camp watching a cultural show with local music and dance. Most safari packages include a buffet-style dinner and superb photo opportunities in the heart of the desert. This is a wonderful activity for adults, but is also one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah with kids.
You can book a half-day desert safari or choose stay overnight in a traditional Bedouin camp where you can enjoy stargazing by campfire.
Relaxing things to do in Ras Al Khaimah
5. Sail away on a boat trip
Enjoy a speedboat trip to Al Marjan Island and take in the spectacular views along Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline. Glide past the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel and the striking Bab Al Bahr coast, with the Rixos and Al Marjan Island resorts providing a stunning backdrop.
Perfect for families and couples, the trip offers a fun and scenic escape. If a speedboat isn’t for you, you could opt for a more laid-back romantic cruise at sunset or a traditional dhow boat for a classic Arabian experience.
6. Spend the day at the beach
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its golden sands and calm waters, perfect for relaxing. Al Hamra Beach is quieter than most, offering a peaceful escape, but there are plenty of others to choose from depending on the atmosphere you prefer. You will find tranquil spots for unwinding as well as beaches with water sports and family activities, all ideal for the perfect beach day.
7. Enjoy luxury resorts and spas
If you are not staying in one of Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury hotels, don’t worry, you can still enjoy their world-class spas. Indulge in soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, or full body treatments at top wellness resorts such as Spa InterContinental or Kamalo Spa.
For a more family friendly experience, visit Citrine Spa, which offers relaxing treatments tailored for adults, kids, and teens, ensuring everyone leaves feeling refreshed and pampered.
Cultural Experiences in Ras Al Khaimah
8. Try local cuisine and markets
A trip to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s markets is a must for anyone wanting to experience the authentic side of the UAE. Beyond the luxury hotels and beautiful beaches, the local souks offer a glimpse into traditional life, filled with stalls selling fragrant spices, handmade crafts, fresh produce, and delicious local delicacies.
It’s the perfect place to meet friendly vendors, sample authentic Emirati flavours, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Ras Al Khaimah’s culture and community.
9. Visit the Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Emirates’ for its long history of pearl fishing, Ras Al Khaimah offers a unique experience at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm.
Visitors can board a traditional wooden pearl diving boat, glide across the calm waters, and hear captivating tales of the brave fishermen who once risked their lives for pearls. You can even open an oyster to discover if it holds a genuine Arabian pearl to take home as a special keepsake.
10. Discover Ras Al Khaimah National Museum
Visiting the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah provides a fascinating insight into the local culture and heritage. Set within an ancient fort that has been continuously inhabited for centuries, it ranks among the world’s longest‑settled sites.
The museum showcases artefacts dating back thousands of years, alongside cultural exhibits on pearl diving, Bedouin life and Islamic art. Guided tours are also available to enhance the experience.
Whether you are looking for a cultural escape, luxury beach stays or exciting outdoor adventures, a holiday to Ras Al Khaimah has it all. Contact Budget Travel to tailor the perfect holiday to match your style.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, descriptions and prices are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Budget Travel.
