Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide – Tips for Visiting the Lesser-Known Emirate

Travelling to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and unaware of the rules and regulations, culture and customs, history and sightseeing highlights? This travel guide has you covered.

Anyone planning travel to the UAE will immediately think of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with scenes of glistening, towering buildings, man-made islands, and an ultra-indulgent lifestyle. I thought the same, and happily had my preconceptions shattered. 

How? Well, little is known about the historically rich and varied natural landscape of the northernmost of the seven Emirates – Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The fourth-largest of the Emirates only covers 2.17% of the country’s territory, but it offers a more adventurous hinterland than its decades-young luxury neighbours.

Travel to the UAE, no matter which Emirate you choose, is also fraught with questions; no one intentionally wants to break the rules in a culture that’s stricter than many in the Western Hemisphere. But Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for a first-timer’s dip into the UAE, with some slightly more relaxed rules than its neighbours. 

Here’s how to plan your trip to Ras Al Khaimah, what to be aware of when on the ground, and top tips for travel. 

Where is Ras Al Khaimah & How Do I Get There?

Ras Al Khaimah is the Emirate that sits the farthest north on the UAE peninsula, above Ajman, Sharjah, and Dubai. Its coastline is on the Persian Gulf. 

Ras Al Khaimah is typically accessed via Dubai

You’ll likely fly into Dubai; Ras Al Khaimah is a 45-minute drive away, and its main tourism numbers come predominantly from Dubai residents and day-trippers.

Dubai is still quite a distance from London (8 hours non-stop), Paris and Amsterdam (6 hours 45 minutes) and Vienna (5 hours 35 minutes), but with no direct flights to Ras Al Khaimah’s airport from these major European cities, Dubai remains the main port of entry. 

Best Flights to Dubai

Qatar, Emirates and Turkish Airlines have regular routes between Europe and Dubai, where you can likely land a competitive return deal. 

I’ve also tested the Royal Brunei Dreamliner, which offered a higher-quality, more comfortable flying experience due to increased cabin space, reduced noise, and improved cabin pressure. Business Class is roomy with only 18 fully reclining seats, and even in Economy (a daunting prospect for long flights), there was more legroom than you would find in a standard economy flight. The noise level was noticeably lower, the windows automatically tinted from clear to dark with the touch of a button, and I felt less pressure in the cabin (no ear popping and my usual dizziness during takeoff and landing). Coupled with better air quality, I felt less tired and groggy. 

Transfer and Car Rental

If you book a flight and hotel package to Ras Al Khaimah, an onward transfer is most likely included.

However, if booking separately, a taxi transfer from Dubai International Airport to Ras Al Khaimah will cost around £100/€100 per car. 

Car rental is the more cost-effective choice at approximately £20/€20 per day, making the airport transfer easier. You must be over 21to rent and drive a car in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Best time to Visit Ras Al Khaimah

The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah is from November to March, the European winter season.

November and December are popular with visitors, as are March and April before the hot season kicks in.

From May-July, temperatures reach uncomfortable peaks, making any time spent sunbathing and sightseeing uncomfortable.

The RAK Shortlist: What to See and Do 

• Go Dune Bashing in a 4×4 in the RAK desert ending at an Oasis Bedouin Camp. 
• Head up Jebel Jais mountain for near 2,000-meter-high viewpoints, hiking, and ziplining. 
• Step into history at the 16th-century Dhayah Fort and the ruins of Sheba’s Palace. 
• Swim and kayak in the waters of the Persian Gulf.
• Visit the abandoned Al Jazirah Al Hamra ‘ghost town’.
• Take a cultural walking tour through souks, mosques and markets. 

READ MORE: Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah

Where to Stay in Ras Al Khaimah

Although Ras Al Khaimah remains less exposed to mass tourism, it is not without touches of luxury and comforts synonymous with the UAE’s major cities.

There are a handful of Ras Al Khaimah resorts to choose from, attracting those seeking a coastal hideaway without the glitzy grandeur of Dubai. Here, you won’t find towering, glass high-rises, but you will find international hotel brand resorts.

I stayed at the seafront Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, set in a private, yellow-sand bay on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, yet within easy reach of other city sites and resort amenities. There is also a beach club with watersports, an on-site spa, and a variety of international cuisines, from Arabic to Brazilian, as well as snacks and multi-course gourmet options (local restaurants are also within a short drive by car).

Getting Around Ras Al Khaimah – Outside of the Resort

Tourism infrastructure in Ras Al Khaimah isn’t widespread, nor is it difficult to find ways to visit local sites and other resorts. The means to get around is with a private car via two avenues:

Using the city’s taxi system

Taxis can be easily booked by calling 800-1700 or arranged at the hotel to take you to local restaurants, other resort spas, the sand dunes, and the ancient ruins. You can schedule a pickup or negotiate a price for the driver to wait and bring you back. 

Uber operates in Ras Al Khaimah, while the ‘everything app’ Careem offers ride-hailing and food delivery among its services.  

Booking a hire car rental

This might be a more cost-effective option for those on a multi-day trip, allowing you to manage your own schedule and exploration, even if you only hire a car for a day. Renty.ae has a good selection of car rental options in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Ras Al Khaimah Rules and Regulations

Alcohol in Ras Al Khaimah

Confusion remains over alcoholic consumption in the Islamic UAE. Despite a larger ratio of non-UAE nationals, this is still a Muslim country where local customs should be respected.

Alcohol can be purchased and consumed at most resort bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The rules and regulations on the purchasing of alcohol here may be more fluid than those of its neighbours – for example, many people come from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah since you can purchase alcohol in liquor stores without a license, although alcohol is not served in local establishments outside of these licensed stores and private tourism resorts.

Regarding flying with Royal Brunei Airlines, the airline is ‘dry’, meaning that no alcohol is served on board. However, you can bring your own alcohol and drink it on board, which is not found on other airlines.

Is the dress code in Ras Al Khaimah strict?

Ras Al Khaimah is seen as the more liberal Emirate and is less strict about the dress code for tourists. However, modest dress is still expected, as is the custom of covering the knees and shoulders when entering a public place.

Is it safe to travel in Ras Al Khaimah?

There is a huge misconception surrounding the safety of travel in Arab nations. Despite political disputes in the Middle East, the UAE remains largely neutral on these issues and thus largely independent of them. Safety is, therefore, not a concern, and I never once felt uncomfortable here as a woman travelling in an Arab state.

Adhere to local customs and act appropriately, as you would in any culture significantly different from your own, and you will not encounter any issues.

Do I need a visa to visit Ras Al Khaimah?

UK citizens are not required to obtain a visa for entry into the UAE (via Dubai) and are granted a 30-day stay.

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, Latvia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, and Canada will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE.

Always check for changes to nationality and entry requirements. Visit Project Visa for detailed information.

Currency in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE

The local currency of the UAE is the Dirham, which can be obtained from ATMs at Dubai Airport and at hotel resorts.

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.

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. 

Further Reading on Ras Al Khaimah on Borders of Adventure 

Places to Visit and Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah – See a Different Side of the UAE

History of Ras Al Khaimah – The Ancient Sites of the UAE

Visiting Al Jazirat Al Hamra Ghost Town – RAK’s Abandoned and Revived Site

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.