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Ras Al Khaimah (UAE)

About the Destination

With over 7,000 years of fascinating history and culture, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect getaway from everyday life.

Offering magnificent landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and rich, terracotta desert planes, the emirate has firmly established itself as one of the most authentic destinations in the Middle East. With year-long sunshine and 64 kilometres of white sandy beaches, just 45 minutes from the busy metropolis of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah offers an entirely unique experience from its neighbouring emirates.

Ras Al Khaimah provides its visitors with a choice of experience which makes this destination unique in all of the UAE.

With an impressive heritage and rich cultural history, the emirate has an appeal like no other, especially for those interested in getting closer to the Arabic traditions.

Location and Getting there

Ras Al Khaimah is located in the north part of the United Arab Emirates.

It has borders with Oman and with three other Emirates which are Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Fujairah. In land area, Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth largest Emirate covering an area of 2,486 square km, which is about 2.97 percent of the total UAE land area.

BY AIR -

Many visitors fly into Dubai and take a 45-minute road transfer to Ras Al Khaimah.
Others fly into Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT), located just outside Ras Al Khaimah City.

Connectivity -
The emirate is easily accessible for regional and international visitors. It is also well served by excellent bus and taxi services, enabling you to reach our diverse areas of natural beauty, our historical treasures and our modern resorts.

Accommodation

Ras Al Khaimah welcomes you with a wide range of hotels and resorts, catering for all tastes and budgets. From the authentic Bedouin experience of sleeping under canvas in the heart of the desert to contemporary five-star luxury, accommodation in the emirate is second to none.

Enjoy traditional Emirati hospitality in a stylish boutique hotel; experience royal treatment in a world-class resort, or unwind in an oasis of calm at a pampering retreat.

Whatever accommodation you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Ras Al Khaimah.
From couples to families, from adventurers to the easy-going ones, an authentic Arabian welcome awaits.

Visa and Passport

GCC: If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport or ID Card upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE.

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival:

UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Romania, Russia, Latvia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia and Canada will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE.

If you are NOT a citizen of one of the above countries, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf and it can be obtained through one of the following:

Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for
- a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days);
- or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days);
- or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days twice).
Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.
Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.

Fascinating History

With its varied landscapes, Ras Al Khaimah is an interesting and attractive area to visit. The waters of the Arabian Gulf and 64 km of sandy coastline form a natural border in the West. The Eastern part has a spectacular mountain range called the Ru’us Al Jibal, which is part of the Hajar Mountains, starting in the Musandam Peninsula and running as far south as Sur in Oman.

	Formed more than 70 million years ago, the mountain range incorporates Jebel Jais, which at 1,934m is not only the highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah but in the entire UAE. The Emirate is also famous for its palm gardens and fertile grounds, which have provided food and shelter in the region for many centuries. The red sands of the desert cover the rest of the Emirate
	Traditional villages such as Julfar and Jazirat Al Hamra can still be found – the emirate is divided into two parts by a natural creek connecting the souks and old town with the modern city. Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island in the south of the emirate are mixed developments of residential and tourist facilities

Coast

64km of unspoiled coastline and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Ocean make Ras Al Khaimah the ultimate destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

The natural coastal environment is breathtaking. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and mesmerizing stretches of open coastline as far as you can see… Ras Al Khaimah is truly a feast for the senses. Lush green coastal plains and dense mangroves provide contrast and a fascinating environment just waiting to be discovered.

For many, of course, the coast means water sports and activities. Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t disappoint.
From canoeing, sailing, boat tours and deep sea fishing to windsurfing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing and scuba diving, the emirate is a hotspot of fun for all ages on the waves.

Come to Ras Al Khaimah and make a splash!

Mountains

With endless views of towering peaks and spectacular valleys, the mountain regions of Ras Al Khaimah attract visitors from around the world.
The mighty Hajar Mountains extend from the Musandam Peninsula as far south as Sur in Oman. They were formed some 70 million years ago and include the awe-inspiring Ru’us Al Jibal range in the eastern part of the emirate.

Also in the Hajar Mountains, and standing at some 1,934 meters, Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the entire United Arab Emirates.
With wadis (ravines which are dry except in the rainy season) hiking and mountain bike trails, this is the ultimate location for adventure and exploration.

An hour’s drive from RAK City, with three coaches per day operated by the Jebel Jais Shuttle Bus, it is also easily accessible. The mountain roads of Jebel Jais, with hairpin bends and breathtaking views at every turn, are a must-drive for all visitors on four wheels.

Having reached the top of Jebel Jais, if you fancy a different way back down, how about the world’s longest zip line? Travelling at speeds of up to 150kph, it is a bucket list thrill ride like no other.

Desert

Remote, isolated, inspiring… there’s no experience quite like watching the sun set over the dunes, with terracotta sands stretching as far as the eye can see. However you experience the desert landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, you will return home with incredible memories.

Experience the authentic Bedouin lifestyle,

Eating around a campfire, stargazing and sleeping under canvas.
Trek across the magnificent dunes on camel or horseback.
Or, in winter and spring, gaze out across a sea of blossom as desert ephemerals, hyacinths and thumbs flourish.
experience the desert from the magnificent surroundings of a five-star hotel resort. Experience world-class service and genuine Arabian hospitality at its most authentic.
For those seeking action and adventure, explore the desert by dune buggy or four-wheel-drive safari.

Higher rainfall in the winter months due to the region’s unique climate makes the deserts of Ras Al Khaimah more fertile than any other in the region.

Alternatively,
Every spring, the festival celebrates the Emirates’ ethnic and cultural heritage.
Theater performances, sports, arts and crafts make this a great opportunity to experience authentic local culture.

Mangroves

A result of the region’s unique geography and climate, coastal mangroves extend right into Ras Al Khaimah City.

A rich contrast with the terracotta desert sands, this lush green environment has a magical calm all its own.

Kayaking in Mangroves

Explore by kayak, paddling through still, quiet waters amongst dense foliage. These beautiful habitats are truly peaceful and exotic. They are also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including flamingos.

One of the biggest surprises from your visit to Ras Al Khaimah, a visit to explore the mangroves is unmissable.

Mangroves and salt flats form a large part of the coastal and inland landscape.

The mangroves, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, extend right into the Centre of Ras Al Khaimah bringing a rich sense of nature into the city.
Visitors can explore the mangroves by taking kayak excursions and literally lose themselves in the natural beauty.

Hot Springs

Less than half an hour’s drive from Ras Al Khaimah City, the therapeutic hot springs of Khatt are well worth a visit.

Three natural springs create rejuvenating pools of sulphur water, known for its wellness and health benefits. With temperatures up to 40°C, they’re a warming treat during the cooler winter months.

They’re also a perfect way to relax tired muscles after trekking in the mountains or the desert.

Jebel Jais Flight

Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais – the highest mountain in the UAE, is home to the world’s longest zipline - a bucket list attraction for the UAE and the world.

The zip line will propel the UAE’s most northern emirate into the major leagues of global adventure tourism and cements Jebel Jais as the region’s leading active adventure tourism destination.

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies will travel at speeds of up to 120kph to 150kph at a height of 1,680 meters above sea level on top of Jebel Jais mountain.
The experience will see participants fitted with a special harness for the adventure, with the longest flight itself taking approximately two to three minutes.
Once completed, guests will finish the bucket list flight on a suspended landing platform where they will be transferred to a second line to complete their journey back to the ground.

Jais Sky Tour

Fly over the awe-inspiring cliffs and canyons of Jebel Jais as you zip from platform to platform in this unique experience.

Covering a total distance of 5 KM via a series of 7 ziplines, ranging from 337M to just over 1KM, the Jais Sky Tour will give you a panoramic, bird’s eye view of the towering Hajar mountains.

Navigate your way through the sky averaging speeds of 60 KMPH and find yourself at the UAE’s highest sky bridge, 1250m above sea level.
Pause to take a photograph before you walk across the length of 15m bridge and continue the last part of your zipline journey.
After an hour of soaring through the sky, we guarantee you will want to do it all over again!

Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park

Viewing Deck Park is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 8am to 11pm on weekends.

The 22,730 square meter park features seven viewing decks complete with twelve binoculars.
It offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy superb vistas of the Arabian Gulf and Al Hajar Mountain valleys all from 1,250 meters above sea level.
Visitors can watch tourists take on the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline.
- They can also enjoy refreshments and snacks from Puro Express in the dedicated food truck zone.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

Take yourself and your family on a journey through time.

Visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah and come face-to-face with famous and fascinating historical pieces through a unique collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts.

Items of particular interest are a variety of documents, manuscripts and treaties between the rulers of Ras Al Khaimah and Great Britain.
There are also exhibits of traditional weapons belonging to the ruling family and archaeological displays about the earliest settlers in the area up to the late Islamic period.

Suwaidi Pearls Farm

Taking a fascinating trip to the yesteryears, to a time when pearling was once the pillar of the country’s economy, is Abdullah Al Suwaidi.

Abdullah Al Suwaidi set up the region’s first cultured pearl farm in 2005 on the very waters that had produced the finest Arabian pearls coveted by royals, nobles, and celebrities in distant lands.
The pearl farm is located on a sliver alongside the sea and the mountains that Al Rams nestles.
Visitors learn about the history and techniques of pearl farming and try opening an oyster.

Miss Teak Cruise

Cruise your way on the vibrant waters of Arabian Sea on a traditionally decorated wooden dhow ( yacht ) along the virgin beach for Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.

Take in picturesque views of city sights such as the Pyramid building at Bab Al bahar, the amazing view of Waldorf Astoria, and the illuminated souks and Heritage of RAK corniche.
Kids below 3ft. come get to ride for free!

Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre

Horses and camels have long been a part of Middle Eastern culture from camel caravans through the desert to elegant Arabian horses.

Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre is Set in the stunning nature and culture of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ritz-Carlton RAK resort’s equestrian center
It offers lessons and experiences for guests of all ages and skill levels.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities including camel riding and evening caravan, horseback riding
or simply take the little ones for a fun interactive experience with the ponies.

Wadi Showka

For those looking for a more adventurous ride, mountain biking offers that added adrenaline rush and excitement.

This experience is especially for those seeking a more remote adventure among the rocky mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Expect endless routes of downhill and uphill thrills passing through local farms and wild camels.

Join our guided group MTB ride at sunrise for some exciting thrill ride.

Our guides will teach you the basics and make sure you have an enjoyable experience.
Get to see the rocky mountainside of Ras Al Khaimah as you navigate your way through the canyons.

Or if you are looking to do a fun and exciting canyoning activity (hiking in water) then this is the trip for you.

Learn to navigate on wet ground, jump, swim in freshwater pools, climb and scramble your way through a wadi.
Through this activity, you will get to experience one of the hidden gems of UAE.

History and Heritage

18 historic fortifications, castles and towers bear testament to a turbulent history that saw Ras Al Khaimah occupied or challenged by the Sasanians, Islamic clans of the Arabian Gulf, the Portuguese, Dutch and British Forces.

Dhayah fort

Built during the 19th century on the foundations of much older structures, Dhayah fort is the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE. The site offers a fantastic view of the surrounding lush palm gardens, the sea, and the dramatic mountains.

Mohammad Bin Salem Mosque excavations revealed the presence of an earlier mosque, dating back to the 18th century. It was destroyed during the British occupation in 1819-20, and a new mosque was built on its foundations.

Al Jazirah Al Hamra

The last traditional town still standing in the UAE, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is one of the best places to see authentic coral-stone architecture. Once an island, its inhabitants subsisted on maritime and pearl trading before abandoning their houses in the mid-20th century during the rush to modernization.

Comprising all the elements of a traditional town, Al Jazirah Al Hamra includes a defensive fortress, a small market, mosques and homes. These range from simple buildings to ornate houses with courtyards, which belonged to rich pearl merchants.

Bedouin Camp Oasis

This secret haven has been designed for the discerning customer, desiring a traditional magical experience of the Arabian Desert, fused with indulgence and luxury.

The Bedouin Oasis is an authentic reproduction of Bedouin life just as it used to be. The experience includes fun activities such as -

dune bashing,
sandboarding,
henna tattoo,
barbeque dinner,
and even an overnight stay in the UAE Bedouin-style tents.

Why Visit Ras Al Khaimah

Once you’ve arrived in Ras al Khaimah there is so much to see and do, from exploring the cities, to taking the views in from the mountains, to watching the sunset over the desert, to relaxing on the beach or taking part in the many activities on offer.

Unlike other Emirates, oil has not been discovered in Ras Al Khaimah, so a far more diversified economy has developed, with strong tourism, service industries and real estate sectors. This is reflected by warm and positive attitudes in the Emirate, which welcomed over a million visitors in 2018.

The growth of tourism in Ras Al Khaimah is based on different factors.

The first of these is the diverse and spectacular natural landscape.
- Ras Al Khaimah offers visitors incredibly varied scenery to explore.
- Travel from a pristine sandy coastline and lush, green mangroves to terracotta desert sands and awe inspiring mountains.
- Many visitors escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai for weekend retreats in the beautiful, unspoilt expanses of Ras Al Khaimah.

A second reason for the growth of tourism is a determination to delight visitors with a unique blend of world-class hospitality and a traditional Arabic welcome.
- Across the Emirate, countless attractions, activities, malls, hotels and resorts have developed to enable visitors to enjoy the unique Ras Al Khaimah experience.

The climate is another great reason to visit Ras Al Khaimah.
- With a cool sea breeze and slightly less dry in the winter than its neighbors, temperatures in the Emirate vary from 18-25°C in January to 29-43°C in July,
- with eight to ten daily hours of sunshine all year round.

Culture

Ras Al Khaimah has grown enormously over the last four decades. In 1975, the population was just 43,845 but today stands at 416,000. A large number of expatriates live in Ras Al Khaimah and the Emirate is more tolerant of other cultures than many of its neighbors.

Arabic and English are both widely spoken and used in the media.

However, it is important to remember that this is a Muslim society, so local culture and religion should be respected at all times.

Alcohol is available to expatriates and visitors, but there are severe penalties for the use or possession of drugs

Beyond a Journey

Home to proud tribes steeped in tradition, herds of wild oryx, gazelles and camels, Ras Al Khaimah showcases the very best of the UAEs natural landscapes. From quaint villages to dramatic desert, mountains filled with wildlife and flora and a spectacular coastline littered with shipwrecks, Ras Al Khaimah’s untamed charm is compelling, captivating and camera-worthy.

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