Top 10 Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah – That Will Make You Want to Book a Trip Now!
Whether you’re soaring down the world’s longest zipline, kayaking through serene mangroves, hiking the UAE’s tallest peak, or snorkeling in the Arabian Sea, here are 10 top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah that should have you packing your bags in no time!
Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost of the UAE’s seven Emirates, is renowned for its scenic beauty, relaxed atmosphere and adventure tourism. With 68 kilometers of coastline, desert dunes, and rugged mountains, it offers the perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor adventure – plus excellent value at its luxury beach resorts.
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from Ireland is easy. Direct flights from Dublin to Dubai run twice daily, 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, RAK is a superb holiday destination; but for those who want it all, a twin-centre holiday offers the best of both worlds.
I have teamed up with Abbey Travel who offer a wide selection of holidays in Ras Al Khaimah. Abbey 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!
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, Abbey Travel can tailor the perfect holiday to match your style.
Top 10 Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah
1. Explore Jebel Jais – The Highest Peak in the UAE
If a little exercise with stunning mountain views sounds good to you, then Jebel Jais is where you want to be. It’s the United Arab Emirates tallest mountain and the cooler temperatures here offer a refreshing escape from the city. Whether you’re hiking or simply soaking in the landscape, Jebel Jais feels like a little alpine getaway without leaving the desert country.
There are several hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels, that highlight the natural beauty of the Hajar Mountains, with multiple viewpoints and picnic areas scattered along the routes. If you are feeling adventurous you can also partake in rock climbing or paragliding from local tour operators.
Top Tip: Visit Jebel Jais in the early mornings when the weather is cooler.
2. Dine at 1484 by Puro
If you are visiting Jebel Jais, then you can’t afford to miss restaurant 1484 by Puro – this is the highest restaurant in the UAE. It is located in the Jebel Jais Mountains and offers a unique dining experience with incredible views through floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor terraces.
It has an international menu with cuisine from all over the world including Italian, Thai and Korean, and even offers Afternoon Tea – this is one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah for food lovers.
3. Visit Dhayah Fort
Dhayah Fort is the only hill fort remaining in the UAE. It dates back to the Late Bronze Age (1600 – 1300 BC) when locals used it for settlement and fortification. It is an important historical monument where the 1819 battle between British troops and local Qawasim tribes took place. The golden mud-brick fortress was built during the 19th century and restored in the late 1990s, and there are plans to turn this entire area into an archaeology park.
Dhayah Fort’s hilltop position offers panoramic views from the mountains to neighbouring Oman and down to the sea – however, you must climb 239 steps to get to the top!
Top Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best photo opportunities.
4. Ride the World’s Longest Zipline
Did you know the world’s longest zipline is in Ras Al Khaimah? This thrilling ride will see you travel at speeds of up to 150km per hour at a height of 1,680 metres from the top of Jebel Jais mountain. The thrill of speed combined with natural beauty is hard to match anywhere else.
The thrill ride across the mountain peaks is 2.83km long and lasts three minutes, before landing on a transparent platform completely suspended in air. The launch area is accessible by car with nearby parking facilities, but you can also book a tour with pick up from your hotel.
The ride is suitable for most visitors over 40kg with a height 130cm. The whole activity takes about 30 to 45 minutes, including preparation.
5. Do Something Different – Try a G-Force Aerobatic Flight!
Ras Al Khaimah has a first-of-a-kind aviation facility offering G-Force Al Jazirah aviation flights, and sunrise hot air balloon rides. The Aerobatic Experience is considered one of the top elite action thrills in the world, as you climb at speeds of 400KPH in aircraft described as the ‘Ferrari of the skies’, with real face pulling G-Forces!
As well as a mind-blowing thrill ride, you will experience panoramic views of the Ras Al Khaimah coastline, mountains, mangroves and desert.
6. Combine Culture and Beach at Al Hamra
Al Hamra is home to numerous luxury hotels as well as a marina, yacht club, shopping mall, restaurants and a golf course. Al Hamra Beach is a great spot for families and couples as it provides calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a host of other water sports activities.
Al Hamra runs along the southern coastline and is close to the Al Jazzeera Al Hamra Village, which is a must visit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra is the oldest village in the United Arab Emirates, and the only remaining historical pearling village in the entire Gulf region; the rest were demolished with the discovery of oil. It is an open-air museum where you wil find a fort, mosque, souq and many old courtyard houses built in a traditional manner using local materials. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tentative List.
7. 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.
8. Kayak Through the Mangroves
Ras Al Khaimah’a 64 kilometres of coastline, has magnificent mangroves teeming with fish, flamingoes and a host of birdlife. Kayaking through them is a unique experience, and one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. It’s a chance to connect with nature, see local wildlife, and enjoy a calm water adventure unlike any other part of the Emirates.
9. Visit the Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Ras Al Khaimah is often called the ‘Pearl of the Emirates’ as its pearl fishing history dates back thousands of years. The Suwaidi Pearl Farm allows visitors to journey on a traditional pearl fishing boat while listening to stories about courageous pearl fishermen. Visitors can also open their oyster shells to see if there is an Arabian pearl inside to take home!
10. Discover Ras Al Khaimah National Museum
A visit to the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah offers a deep dive into the emirate’s rich culture, archaeology, and heritage. Housed in an old fort, that has continuously been inhabited throughout its history, makes it one of the longest-settled places in the world. The museum allows you explore ancient artefacts dating back thousands of years as well as cultural exhibits including pearl diving, Bedouin life and Islamic Art. Guided tours are also available.
Whether you are looking for cultural wonders, luxury beach stays or exciting outdoor adventures, Ras Al Khaimah has all in abundance. Contact Abbey Travel to tailor the perfect holiday to match your style.
While every effort it made to ensure accuracy, descriptions and prices are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Abbey Travel.
