Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide, with Insider Travel Tips

Are you looking for something totally different to do in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? If you are, read on!

This article covers all of the unique things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, which is one of the UAE’s lesser known Emirates and a total hidden gem!

Ras Al Khaimah is located in the northern part of the UAE, bordering Oman’s exclave of Musandam, and took us about 1.5 hours to drive here from Downtown Dubai. If you like mountain scenery, then Ras Al Khaimah is the destination for you – the drive here from Dubai is extremely scenic.

This gorgeous Emirate is home to the Hajar Mountains, which have some of the highest peaks in the country and Jebel Jais, the tallest mountain in the UAE, is located here.

In terms of size, Ras Al Khaimah covers an area of approximately 2,486 square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest Emirate in the UAE, with a population of around 400,000 people.

While the UAE is globally known for its oil wealth, Ras Al Khaimah has a diversified economy with sectors like manufacturing, services, and agriculture. It’s also known for its ceramics company, RAK Ceramics, which is one of the world’s largest ceramics producers.

In recent years, Ras Al Khaimah has been investing in tourism and boasts a range of luxury resorts, adventure activities, and cultural attractions. Its beaches, desert landscapes, and mountainous terrain offer a range of awesome activities for visitors. Yet despite all of this, it remains relatively uncrowded and undiscovered.

Top Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah

So, what are some of the unique things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? That’s a good question, and almost no travel blog posts on this subject exist! Luckily I spent an awesome week here so I’m well equipped to give you my insider tips!

#1 1484 by Puro

Our first stop in Ras Al Khaimah was 1484 by Puro, which is the highest restaurant in the United Arab Emirates – 1484 meters above sea level to be precise (hence the name)!

To get here, we drove through endless mountain scenery and were rewarded with even better views of the Hajar Mountains once we got to Puro.

Note: Make sure you book Puro in advance, as it’s one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah and you really don’t want to miss out. The food is great – I thoroughly enjoyed my Tiramisu with a view!

Lunch at 1484 by Puro
Views of the Hajar Mountains

#2 The Jais Sledder

If you fancy a more adventurous weekend, a cool new attraction in Ras Al Khaimah is the Jais Sledder at the Jebel Jais Adventure Park, which should totally top your list if you’re a thrill seeker!

This is a 1,885-metre toboggan ride, which offers panoramic mountain views and is one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

The coaster can reach a speed of up to 40 kilometres per hour – but don’t worry, you’re securely strapped in and there’s a braking system to control your speed.

This could be you!

This has to be one of the coolest things do in Ras Al Khaimah with your family or a group of adventure buddies!

More information is available at visitjebeljais.com.

#3 Longest Zipline in the World

While you’re in the neighbourhood, why not check out the world’s longest Zipline (as certified by Guinness World Records) in the Jebel Jais Mountains. This is for sure one of the most unique things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

You’ll get your adrenaline pumping as you fly through the air for over 2.8 kilometers! The views are incredible, and again there’s no need to worry, you’ll have high-end safety equipment and a guide with you at all times.

…or this could be you!

#4 Visit Historical Sites

Visiting historical sites in Ras Al Khaimah is an amazing way to learn about the Emirate’s rich cultural heritage.

The Dhayah Fort is a must-visit site in Ras Al Khaimah, as it played a significant role in the region’s history and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

So, don’t forget your camera, this is a true highlight of Ras Al Khaimah.

Also, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is an absolute gem that shouldn’t be missed off your Ras Al Khaimah bucket list.

This is an immersive experience that delves deep into the Emirate’s rich culture, traditions, and history, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past through an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits, making it one of the most interesting things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Other historical sites worth visiting in Ras Al Khaimah include the Al Jazirah Al Hamra abandoned village, which offers a glimpse into traditional Emirati life, and the Sheba’s Palace, a 16th-century palace that was once the residence of the ruling family. These are undoubtedly some of the top attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, well worth venturing to.

Where to stay in Ras Al Khaimah?

Cove Rotana Resort

We stayed at Cove Rotana Resort, which is a serene private beachfront location overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

It’s a truly quaint resort, where the traditional charm embraces the uniqueness of the Arabian culture, with all rooms furnished in contemporary Arabic styles.

This gorgeous resort has two stunning infinity pools and 600 metres of private beach, making it one of the best places to stay in Ras Al Khaimah for sure.

The Cove also boasts two amazing restaurants and four bars, a Fitness & Wellness Club, and Flippers Kids’ Club. There’s tons of awesome activities on offer here too, including a huge range of water sports and golfing trips.

The food at the Cove, particularly at Basilico restaurant is to die for! Top tip: Order the truffle pizza – you won’t regret it!

The city centre, as well as Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and other major attractions are all conveniently close by, which makes the Cove one of the top hotels in Ras Al Khaimah.

If I haven’t convinced you to visit Ras Al Khaimah yet, check out all the highlights in my YouTube short! ⁀➷

Conclusion

If you’re seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable experience in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is an absolute must-visit destination.

Boasting breathtaking mountainous landscapes, incredible activities, and lavish resorts, it offers the perfect escape for a weekend getaway and ranks among the top bucket-list activities in the UAE.

Without a doubt, this gorgeous Emirate is one of the most underrated places in the Middle East, so I highly HIGHLY recommend experiencing it for yourself (before the masses descend!) ✨

I hope my article has helped inspire you to discover Ras Al Khaimah for yourself, and hopefully you now know exactly where to stay and what to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Do you have any questions about Ras Al Khaimah? If so, feel free to post a comment below!