Discover the Best Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah 🐪🌵🌄✨
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 best 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, with the drive itself being pretty stunning.
If you like mountain scenery, then Ras Al Khaimah is the destination for you! 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 also located here.
In recent years, Ras Al Khaimah has been heavily investing in tourism and now boasts a range of luxury resorts, adventure activities, and cultural attractions. Its beaches, desert landscapes, and mountainous terrain offer a range of amazing things to do. Yet it remains relatively uncrowded and undiscovered!
So, without further ado, let’s explore all of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah so that you can plan your own adventure here.
10 Best Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah 🇦🇪
I’m often asked ”what are some of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah?” That’s a good question, and almost no travel blog posts on this subject exis. Luckily I spent an awesome week here so I’m well equipped to give you all my travel tips.
Trust me when I say that you don’t want to miss any of these amazing things to do in Ras Al Khaimah!
1. 1484 by Puro: Best Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
Our first stop in Ras Al Khaimah was 1484 by Puro, which is the highest restaurant in the UAE – exactly 1484 meters above sea level (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.
The food here is great – I thoroughly enjoyed my Tiramisu with a view! So, be sure to put this unique spot on your itinerary, this is easily the best thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Note: Make sure you book Puro in advance, as it’s one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah and you really don’t want to miss out.
2. The Jais Sledder: Fun Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
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.
This 1,885-metre toboggan ride offers panoramic mountain views and 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 has to be one of the coolest things do in Ras Al Khaimah with your family or a group of adventure buddies!
More information about this Ras Al Khaimah activity is available at visitjebeljais.com.
3. Longest Zipline in the World: Epic Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
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.
4. Visit Historical Sites: Class Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
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 best 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 if you have the time.
5. Relax on the Beach: Top Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
No matter where you choose to stay in Ras Al Khaimah, you’re likely to be just steps from a gorgeous beach where you can soak up the year-round sunshine.
Why is hitting the beach one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? Well, you can expect powder-soft sands, amazing snorkelling opportunities, and a much more tranquil vibe than the beaches in Dubai.
Some of the best beaches in Ras Al Khaimah include:
Here are some of the best beaches in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the northern emirates of the United Arab Emirates:
- Al Marjan Island Beaches: This man-made island has several beautiful beaches with soft white sand and clear blue waters. The beaches are well-maintained and offer amenities like sun loungers, umbrellas, and water sports activities.
- Hayat Island Beach: This secluded beach on Hayat Island is known for its pristine natural surroundings and calm waters. It’s a great spot for relaxation and picnics.
- Al Jazirah Al Hamra Beach: This public beach is popular among locals and tourists alike. It has a long stretch of sandy shores and is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Rams Beach: Located near the town of Khuzam, Rams Beach: is a quieter option with a laid-back vibe. It’s a good choice for those seeking a more serene beach experience.
6. Climb Mountains: Epic Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
If you take a short drive to the north you will find the mountains that provide the best views of Ras Al Khaimah, the Omani exclave of Musandam and the Strait of Hormuz.
If you’re feeling daring, set off on one of the 11 marked trails across the Hajar Mountains. Each varies in length and difficulty, with some taking around 90 minutes and others taking up to 18 hours!
Don’t forget your walking shoes and plenty of water – hiking is one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah if you’re into fitness and nature.
7. Explore the Desert: Classic Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
Although it would be easy to stick to the coastline, the golden dunes of Ras Al Khaimah’s desert are seriously worth venturing to.
This is one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah as you can experience what it’s like to ride a camel across the dunes and then sit down for a traditional Arabic meal in a Bedouin tent. To top off the day, you can even sleep under the stars.
8. Khatt Spring: Relaxing Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
Just outside the city, tucked away in the mountains and surrounded by palm orchards, Khatt Spring boasts natural mineral pools that you can soak in after a busy trip exploring the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
When you get here, there’s three pools to choose from, with temperatures reaching 40°C. It’s basically like having a relaxing bath outside in the sunshine.
As the pools are thought to have health-enhancing and skin boosting properties they’ve become popular with tourists and locals alike.
9. Visit a Pearl Farm: Authentic Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
Famous for its pearls, Ras Al Khaimah has a long history of pearl farming, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
So, why not visit Al Jazirah Al Hamra, which was once a flourishing pearl fishing village. This ghost town is effectively an open air museum and is free to explore at your own pace. Be sure to stop by the mosque that still stands, which is said to be haunted!
Afterwards, visit the Suwaidi Pearls Farm to see how modern pearls are cultivated, and explore the heritage of this ancient profession. For me, this is easily one of the most authentic and best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
10. Explore the Souks: Classic Thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah
If you have time, I highly recommend visiting the Nakheel Old Souk, which has a huge range of traditional shops where you can buy everything from fine textiles to traditional clothes.
If you’re a foodie, you can pick up freshly baked flatbread and homemade sweets, buy fresh fish at the Fish Market (in the Old Market Area), or head to one of the nearby restaurants that take advantage of the day’s catch!
This is easily one of the most traditional and best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Where to stay in Ras Al Khaimah? 🛌🏻
Now that you know all of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll need somewhere to stay!
Cove Rotana Resort: Best Place to Stay in Ras Al Khaimah🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
We stayed at Cove Rotana Resort, which is a serene private beachfront location overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
It’s a truly quaint resort that embraces the uniqueness of Arabian culture, with all rooms furnished in contemporary Arabic styles.
In terms of facilities, the Cove Rotana Resort has a fitness and wellness Club, a Kids Club, two amazing restaurants and four bars. I have to say that the food at the Cove (particularly at Basilico restaurant) is to die for! Order the truffle pizza – you won’t regret it!
At this Ras Al Khaimah hotel you won’t run out of things to do as there’s tons of amazing activities on offer, from water sports to golfing trips, cultural tours and just about everything in between.
Some of my favourite things about this Ras Al Khaimah hotel is the stunning infinity pools and private beach, which make it one of the most luxurious and best places to stay in Ras Al Khaimah.
Good to know: 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 Cove Rotana Resort doesn’t quite appeal, no worries, use Hotellook to find and compare prices on 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! ⬇️
Ras Al Khaimah Travel Map 🗺️
Check out my Ras Al Khaimah Travel Map with all of my top recommendations pinned for you:
Conclusion: Best Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah✨
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 all of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah before the masses descend! ✨
I hope my article has helped inspire you to discover this emirate of the UAE 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 the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? If so, feel free to post a comment below! 🇦🇪
