Visit Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

The northernmost emirate of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a lesser-known enclave of serrated mountain peaks, aquamarine seas, and rolling desert sands. Historically home to pearl divers and nomadic Bedouins, the region has some of the oldest archaeological remains in the country, with evidence of human activity dating back over 7,000 years to the Neolithic period. Today, it offers a mix of sophisticated relaxation and outdoor adventure. Upmarket beach resorts pair with a myriad of desert experiences, historical sites, and mountain activities.

Up in the Hajar mountains, you can hike the dusky, jagged peaks of Jebel Jais, ride the longest zip-line in the world, or try out rock climbing and paragliding. Along the coast, pristine mangroves with abundant wildlife are interspersed with beach resorts that rival Dubai’s for architectural grandeur. And, peppered across the whole emirate, the sandstone forts, pearling villages, and disparate watch towers offer an insight into the UAE’s storied past.

With its enticing mountain and desert adventures, historic riches, and coastal beauty, Ras Al Khaimah is a great choice if you’re looking to add cultural heritage and wild landscapes into a relaxing beach stay.

UAE specialist Alec

Archaeological hub

RAK’s significance as a cultural and trading hub from Neolithic times to the modern day is evidenced through the rich archaeological heritage found in the emirate. You can get an understanding of its chronological history at the National Museum in the Old Town of Ras Al Khaimah, before venturing out to see the remnants of its past for yourself. That might be the ancient tombs found within the 5,000-year-old settlement of Shimal, the well-preserved and atmospheric Bronze Age Dhayah Fort, or the ghost town of the pearl-diving trade at Al Jazeera Al Hamra.

Burgeoning food scene

RAK is gaining a name for itself on the international food scene thanks to local delicacies that reflect its cultural tapestry and coastal heritage. These range from traditional Bedouin feasts in the desert, where you’ll dine on succulent meats and rice dishes cooked over open fires, to upscale restaurants serving locally sourced seafood, such as grilled hammour or spicy shrimp. And then there’s RAK’s street food, where specialities include manakish (Middle Eastern flatbread pizza) topped with za'atar, cheese, or minced meat, falafel served in warm pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce, or a shawarma of marinated meats slowly spit-roasted then wrapped in flatbread.

Diverse beaches

With 64 km (40 miles) of Gulf-fronting coastline, RAK boasts some of the most diverse and scenic seascapes in the UAE. Al Hamra Beach offers golden sands and calm waters next to the wildlife hub of Jazirah Al Hamra, where the mangroves are home to thousands of migratory birds. On the pearlescent beaches of the man-made Al Marjan Island, the clear waters are well-suited for snorkelling or paddleboarding, while the sands are flanked by a plethora of beach clubs and high-end resorts. You can see race camels taking their early-morning swim at Al Rams Beach, or find your own pocket of peace at lesser-known Banan Beach.

Jebel Jais mountain

Stretching from the Musandam Peninsula down through eastern Oman, the Hajar Mountains rise dramatically from RAK’s coastal plains. They reach their highest peak at Jebel Jais, which is the tallest in the UAE at 1,934 m (6,345 ft). The mountains are a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, with hiking trails snaking out across the range. RAK also boasts the world’s longest zip-line at 2.83 km (1.76 miles), running from Jebel Jais across mountain peaks and deep ravines 1,680 m above the Gulf. Rock climbing and paragliding are increasingly popular here too, together with plenty of opportunities to view the endemic wildlife.

Best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah

We recommend visiting RAK between October and April, when the weather is sunny and warm. This season is a good choice for hiking, beach relaxation, or water activities like snorkelling and paddleboarding. The cooler air in the Hajar Mountains also makes exploring here more enjoyable during this time. Temperatures and humidity levels soar from May to September, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.