The Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah – See a Different Side of the UAE

My tried-and-tested places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, that show how the combination of coastline and culture, mountains and rich history, makes this emirate more than just an embellished desert.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi move over. The northernmost of the seven Emirates above Ajman, Sharjah, and Dubai – Ras Al Khaimah – is having its time to shine. 

Little is known about the historically rich and varied natural landscape of the fourth-largest Emirate. Despite covering just 2.17% of the country’s territory, it’s a historically rich, adventurous hinterland compared with its decades-young luxury neighbours, where centuries-old ruins and remnants of a once nomadic way of life can be found near the golden coastlines and within the rugged, mountainous landscape.

While I could wax lyrical about the pros and cons surrounding the rapid construction of the ‘new’ country that is the UAE and travel within each of the individual Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah tourism strikes an interesting balance. Not only does RAK combine relaxing coastal luxury with local culture and adventure, but it also paints a very different picture of the gaudy, extravagant image associated with the United Arab Emirates today.

Ready to have your preconceptions of the UAE shattered? Here’s what to do and where to go to see Ras Al Khaimah in a different light. 

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Planning

• Getting there: You’ll likely fly into Dubai; Ras Al Khaimah is a 45-minute drive away. Flight and hotel package holidays to Ras Al Khaimah typically include an onward transfer. Hire a car, or use the local taxi service or Uber. 
• Visa on arrival: UK citizens, EU member states, the US and Canada are amongst the many countries that can obtain a visa on arrival.
• The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah: From November to March, the perfect escape from the European winter. 
• Local customs: Although there is a higher proportion of non-UAE nationals, and Ras Al Khaimah is seen as the more liberal Emirate, this is still a Muslim country, and local customs, including modest dress, should be respected.  
• Currency: The UAE dirham is the local currency, readily available from ATMs. 

READ MORE: Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide – My top tips for visiting the lesser-known Emirate.

The Best Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah

The vast desert, a mountainous plateau, and ancient history complement the coastline, making Ras Al Khaimah a destination where you can combine relaxation with active outdoor exploration. If you assume it’s all about hotel resort views, think again and seek out these landscapes and cultural activities. 

Ras Al Khaimah’s Desert Sands

No trip to the UAE is complete without Dune Bashing – an exciting adrenaline rush and the only way in which you can get right into the heart of the endless rolls of golden desert. Our jeep safari ended at the Oasis Bedouin Camp, with food and entertainment under the desert’s starry sky, keeping an old nomad tradition alive.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Mountain Heights

Ras al Khaimah is home to Jebel Jais – the highest mountain in the country at over 1,900 metres, and which marks the border to Oman. Accessible via a modern road, you can drive to several viewpoints, though the road remains under construction to its highest point.

Jebel Jais is now home to the world’s longest zipline – 2.8km long and soaring 1680m above sea level at speeds up to 150 kph. Unfortunately, this wasn’t completed during my visit, but you can enjoy this and a range of adrenaline activities, including hiking and a high ropes course. 

Ras Al Khaimah’s Ancient History

There are many prehistoric sites on the island, although they are small and easily missed if a local is not pointing them out to you.

The 16th-century Dhayah Fort in the area of Rams was largely destroyed during the British operation for the Battle of Ras Al Khaimah in 1809 and remains a symbol of independence and a window into the old United Arab Emirates.

I also welcomed the dawn atop the crumbling ruins of ‘Sheba’s Palace’, which is said to be the oldest palace in the UAE.

Both sites are free to enter and lack any definitive infrastructure, especially ‘Sheba’s Palace’, whose climb feels like you’ve just stumbled upon it. 

Read More: History of Ras Al Khaimah – Palaces and Forts of the UAE.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Coastline Adrenalin

Want more than a dip in the pool or the warm sea waters of the Persian Gulf? My favourite adrenaline kick was a jet-ski ride around the bay since I always opt for the speed fix, but other water sports include parasailing, banana and doughnut boating, and stand-up paddleboarding on the resort’s private bays.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Local Culture

From a traditional souk and fish market to an abandoned Al Jazirah Al Hamra ‘ghost town’ and bold Shaikh Zayed Mosque, a wander through Ras Al Khaimah’s city pockets shed light on the Emirate’s local culture – both the nomadic past, its continuing customs, and its developing future.

Read More: The ghost town of Ras Al Khaimah and pre-oil UAE

Why You Really Should Visit Ras Al Khaimah

More than just an adorned desert, RAK offers plenty to keep even the most curious travellers occupied, enticing them to visit and understand it. 

Combining coastline and culture, mountains and historical mystery, I enjoyed my time in Ras Al Khaimah and was happy to see the United Arab Emirates in a different light.

Planning a trip to RAK

For more information on planning a trip to Ras Al Khaimah, visit the RAK Tourism Board site for details on local events and up-to-date news. 

Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai

Many are choosing Ras Al-Khaimah as a lower-cost alternative to Dubai regarding Emirates travel. However, as neighbours, both are easily accessible from one another, regardless of how long you spend in each. 

For those looking to combine a trip to Ras Al Khaimah with a Dubai layover, see this article on visiting Dubai in just four to 10 hours.

I travelled to Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a partnership with Ras Al Khaimah tourism and Royal Brunei. All opinions remain my own.