More sand than skyscrapers, this is the emirate you wish you knew about - home to swish shopping malls and the world's longest zipline.
Destination highlights
64km of coastline, which - trust us - is a lot
Home to Jebel Jais - the highest mountain in the UAE
Loads of activities for adrenaline junkies
Delicious Arabian food
Desert safaris
What are the best beaches in Ras Al Khaimah?
A bit quieter than its lively neighbour - Dubai, a holiday to Ras Al Khaimah is more relaxed, with plenty of public beaches to plop a towel down on. Check out some of our faves:
Flamingo Beach - there might not be any actual pink-feathered, long-legged birds here, but there are two huge ones in statue-form to greet you when you arrive. With free parking, shallow waters and loads of restaurants close by, this is a firm favourite for families.
Jazirat Al Hamra Beach - a great all-rounder, with plenty watersports on offer, plus a volleyball court, picnic spots and a lengthy shoreline for collecting shells.
Al Jeer Beach - completely watersport-free, this is one of the most peaceful and scenic sand spots in the region, dotted with benches for admiring the view. (We recommend popping down at sunset!)
Al Mairid Public Beach - you can sunbathe, swim, try your hand at volleyball or watch the local fishermen at work at this popular beach
Saraya Island Beach - this one's for those of you who like a hidden gem. It might be tucked away (you can reach it by car), but if you prefer to be away from it all -and away from tourists - then this is your spot. Expect bright sands, calm waters and cracking sunsets.
RAK Beach - or Ras Al Khaimah beach if we wanna break that down is an absolute fave with the locals, so we're banking good money on it being your new fave spot too from the beach sports to the picnic spots and all that gorge water to paddle around in.
What are the top hotels in Ras Al Khaimah?
Beaches? On your doorstep. Restaurants? Heaps of 'em. Pools? Infinity ones. And then some. Sound good? We've got a load of Ras Al Khaimah holidays to float your boat, we've done the hard part and narrowed down a list of our fave hotels to get you started. Get a load of these:
Rixos Bab Al Bahr - lavish suites, 24-hour snacks, a mojito bar and an adults-only infinity pool - all just a few steps from the beach
Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island - the biggest Hampton by Hilton hotel in the world, decked out with an infinity pool, a spa, an all-day restaurant and a soft play area for the kids
BM Beach Hotel- complete with an on-site coffee shop, a laidback pool area, a night club and its own private beach
Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island - get a load of this beach. No seriously, it's right there, along with a sky bar with panoramic views, a large swimming pool and a spa with ALL kinds of treatments, including a chocolate wrap. Yum?
Ras Al Khaimah left you wanting more? We thought it might. For even more highlights about this sun-drenched emirate, you can check out our blog post all about it.
Popular Ras Al Khaimah hotels
Weather in Ras Al Khaimah
JAN
23°C
FEB
24°C
MAR
28°C
APR
33°C
MAY
37°C
JUN
40°C
JUL
41°C
AUG
41°C
SEP
38°C
OCT
35°C
NOV
30°C
DEC
25°C
Ras Al Khaimah is blessed with a desert climate. And what does that mean? Well, year-round sunshine, pretty much. Rain is a rarity in these parts, so leave your rain mac and brolly at home, because you won't be needing them on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays.
Even in Winter, the mercury sits between 12 and 26°C - probably the best time to visit if you want to wander, kick back on a beach and have a paddle in the ocean. Winter-sun holidays don't get much more iconic than this.
Spring and Autumn might as well be considered Summer with the temps they throw out tipping into very high 30s by May and sticking around the 40°C mark in September.
Summer might be best spent shopping in the aircon or being constantly submerged up to your neck in a body of water to beat the 40°C heat that toasts the town - stay covered, and keep hydrated guys, scorchers in the desert are fierce as much as they are fantastic.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Ras Al Khaimah?
It takes around 7 hours to fly to Ras Al Khaimah from the UK/Ireland - we reckon save up that nap to slice the journey in half.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Ras Al Khaimah?
The local time in Ras Al Khaimah is 4 hours ahead of the UK/Ireland - factor that into your beach-centric plans for day 1!
What currency do they use in Ras Al Khaimah?
The United Emirates Dirham is the official currency used in Ras Al Khaimah.
What language do they speak in Ras Al Khaimah?
The official language spoken in Ras Al Khaimah is Arabic.
Is Ras Al Khaimah in Dubai?
No, Ras Al Khaimah is in a separate emirate to Dubai, but it doesn't have its own airport, so you will fly to Dubai Airport to get there. It's around a 45-minute drive.
How old do you need to be to drink alcohol in Ras Al Khaimah?
The legal drinking age in Ras Al Khaimah is 21.
Things to do on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays 2024
It's not all sandy shores and even-sandier deserts in the northernmost Emirate. There's tons to get stuck into for quite literally everyone - adrenaline junkies, foodies, hikers, big kids, little kids, all sizes of kid really.
1. Get your steps in at Jebel Jais
Standing at a dizzying 1934m, Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in Ras Al-Khaimah, marking the border between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Take in the stunning views along the winding roads that lead to the viewing platforms along the mountain. For a truly unique experience, thrill-seekers can take off on the world’s longest zipline and marvel at the one-of-a-kind backdrop as you reach speeds of up to 150kph!
2. Go back in time at the Al Jazirah Al Hamra Ruins
Just to the south of Ras Al-Khaimah lies the ghost town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra. Standing since the 14th century and meaning “red island” in Arabic, this abandoned fishing village sits frozen in time along the coast. Nobody is quite sure why the villagers left or where they went but the remnants of their town still sit perfectly preserved for people to visit today.
3. Hit the desert for some evening entertainment with Sonara Camp
Not only is Sonara Camp completely sustainable and eco-friendly (hello solar power), but it's also an absolute hoot for entertainment. We're talking kid-friendly sports - from football to volleyball, movie nights under the stars (doesn't get more magical than that) and live shows - from music to fire shows, all in the heart of the Arabian desert. Top it all off with a meal surrounded by twinkling fairylights, with slow-cooked lamb, meat skewers and good ol' pizza appearing on the menu, and you've got yourself a night to remember.
4. Go for a white-knuckle desert safari
Be sure to find time to enjoy a ride around the desert’s gold and red sands before you leave. Tackle the dunes on a thrilling four-wheeled adventure, enjoy the Arabian sunset on camel back or get out quad biking – all before enjoying an authentic Arabic BBQ with traditional entertainment.
5. Do the desert, but camel style
Camel trekking is an epic activity - high above the desert (so limited chance of the sand getting in all the places you don't want it) on the back of a friendly camel as you look out for wildlife like oryx and fox. These guys might look like they have the hump (sorry), but we promise they're nice really!
6. Buckle up for a heart-pounding sled ride
Taking in the scenery on foot is soold-school. If you really want to experience Ras Al Khaimah, there's nothing quite like buckling in for a 40km per hour sled ride through the Hajar mountains. That's exactly what the Jais Sledder is - one of Ras Al Khaimah's most popular attractions. You'll have some of the best views of the coastline from here, if you're daredevil enough to try it.
What events can I go to in Ras Al Khaimah?
Things to do, places to be. We feel ya. So does Ras Al Khaimah. That's why they've got events for all kinds of occasions, so you're bound to find something that takes your fancy. But why let us stop there? Let's give you a lil list to refer to just in case you're stumped, have a gander below:
Cinema on the Sand(every Tuesday!) - cosy up on the sand and catch your favourite movies under the stars at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, from Mamma Mia to The Greatest Showman, and - of course - the absolute classic that is How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Ras Al Khaimah NYE Fireworks (January) - what's a New Year celebration without some cracking (literally) fireworks, but what gives this event a lil extra spice is it's usual fervour to break a few firework related world records - Guy Fawkes would be proud.
Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (February) - a non-profit community arts festival showcasing the work of local and emerging artists, photographers and filmmakers
RAK Mall Winter Fest (February - March) - spend up those Dirham at these seasonal market stalls, with food trucks, clothes stalls, games, fragrances, live music and a bouncy castle for the kids
Colour Splash(March) - the UAE's largest colour and beach music festival - be prepared to turn into a walking rainbow as you're showered with vibrant chalk while the DJ does his thing at the booth and the beach comes alive with beer games and kid-friendly activities
Sunwaves Festival (March) - head to The Dunes for a day (and night) of dancing - with live music, food courts and chill-out zones
Al Marjan Island Festival (March) - bring the whole fam along to this event that sees a tonne of activities, entertainment and performances all oozing with local culture, oh, and don't skip out on the food stalls when you get peckish either.
Oktoberfest Celebrations (October) - a beer lovers dreamscape come to life, german-themed events take over hotels and restaurants from traditional food to music and, naturally, plenty of beer.
Ras Al Khaimah Adventure Week (October) - intrepid adventurers, this one's for you, a whole week dedicated to adventure sports in all their glory from zip-lining to hiking and a tonne of water sports too.
Christmas Markets (December) - hotels, malls and public spaces are transformed for the most wonderful time of the year with markets, Santa meet-and-greets and performances to turn your Ras Al Khaimah holidays into magical memories.
What are evenings like in Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah might be a bit more on the quieter side, but there's still plenty to do after sundown. Flock to one of these places after dinner, and you're guaranteed a top-tier time of tunes and tinnies:
Pulso Nightclub - bright lights, live music and regular food and drink combo deals will have you dancing 'til dawn at this place
Dome Lounge - if you prefer something a bit more refined, you'll love the cosy atmosphere here. By day it's a hub for a quiet afternoon tea, but by night it's a laidback piano bar with cocktails and shisha on the menu
Avalon Disco Bar - located in the Camphor Hotel, this lively club is home to disco nights, DJ sets and all your favourite drinks to hand - from cocktails to beers and vodka
XclusiV Nightclub - ain't no party like an XclusiV party. The in-house DJ will have you throwing some major shapes on the dance floor on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays.
Shofee Rooftop Lounge - this lounge is tucked away inside DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, with shisha, Arabic snacks and a range of drinks - all under one air-conditioned roof. Oh, and it's open 'til 2am.
Purobeach - a beach club that puts the chic in fantaschic, you've got stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, you've got pools, you've got live DJ performances, heck you've even got a Mediterranean restaurant, this spot is kinda an all-rounder, the perfect pick for your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah.
What's the food like in Ras Al Khaimah?
Arabian food is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds, with hearty dishes and warm spices. For a true taste of the region on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays, give these local dishes a try:
Machboos - a traditional rice dish cooked with either spiced meat or fish
Therid - a comforting stew made with chunky meat and veg, served with flatbread on the side
Shawarma - think Doner kebab but a lot more tasty with some much nicer memories tied to it
Tabbouleh - a refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onion, mint and heaps of chopped parsley - all tossed in olive oil and lashings of lemon juice
Luqaimat - a deep fried sweet dumpling with a dash of saffron and cardamom drizzled with date syrup or honey, the perfect sweet treat to enjoy after a delish dinner.
Got you drooling? We've handpicked a few restaurants where you can try all that and more. Eat your heart out on your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah at:
1484 by Puro (pictured) - as the highest restaurant in the UAE, you'll be right up in the clouds (or stars) at this place. Load up on incredible local food, plus dishes from Italy, Thailand and Korea - or - keep it familiar with some good ol' fish and chips (great for the kids). For the best experience, come by at sunset, and then relax under twinkling fairylights as it goes dark.
Karma Kafé - tuck into classic Pan Asian food (think Chinese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese), all under one roof at the Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island.
Ashuk Ice Cream - your one-stop-shop for the best of the sweet stuff in Ras Al Khaimah, with tons of flavours (from mango to oreo), and fresh fruit toppings for a 'healthy' touch. Just prepare to queue, because this place is a hit.
Shakespeare and Co. Al Hamra Mall - the interior of this place is like something from the Mad Hatter's tea party, with bright colours, funky patterns and mismatched furniture. You'll find it on the ground floor of Al Hamra Mall, serving some dishes you might be more familiar with, from vegan grilled cheese to a full 'American' breakfast (with hash browns), and a tempting dessert menu. Nutella pizza, we're looking at you.
The Anchor Bar - a maritime-inspired restaurant and bar with a swanky roof terrace, a pool table, dart board and a menu with plenty of British staples - from burgers and fries to sticky ribs.
Ula - the name means sea jewel, and that's exactly what this spot is, complete with an extensive menu that varies from tapas nibbles to gyros, rice and pasta dishes and a tonne of grilled meats, it's kinda a combo of everything you could ever want for your dinner... so good luck narrowing down your choices.
Places to visit
Suwaidi Pearls Farm
The pearlfect day out if you fancy yourself a bit of culture. Suwaidi is the first farm of its kind in the gulf region, and tours here are always a hit with guests. You can hop on a traditional pearl fishing boat from Al Rams, where your guide will tell you everything you need to know about the history of pearl fishing in Ras Al Khaimah over seven millennia (that's a really long time, to you and me). From diving techniques to old fisherman's tales and the inside scoop on what kinds of pearls you can actually get your hands on (yep, there's more than one kind!) - you'll be in for a history lesson to remember on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays. You'll even have chance to explore the Suwaidi Pearl farmhouse - tucked away on its own floating pontoon, and there's a gift shop where you can bag yourself a cheeky souvenir to remember your trip.
Jais Flight
Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's you on the longest zipline in the world. Did we mention that? It's 2.83km if you want to get your metre stick out. You'll find it at Jebel Jais - the highest mountain in the UAE, although it's not for the faint-hearted - so if you're more of a teacups person than a loop-de-loop rollercoaster person, this might not be for you. If it does tick your boxes though, then how's this for excitement: you'll be reaching speeds of around 150kmph as you're zipping over the valley. Wowzer. Plus, it only takes around 3 minutes to get from top to bottom, so there are no excuses when it comes to fitting this adrenaline rush into your schedule on your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah.
Mangrove Forests
Fun fact time: mangroves are woody plants found along tropical and subtropical coasts. They have roots that sit above water level, giving them a funny topsy-turvy look as though they've been planted upside down. The mangrove forests in Ras Al Khaimah are perfect if you prefer your activities to be more peaceful than heartpounding. Hopping on a paddleboard or kayak is the best way to explore them, with guided tours available to talk you through the journey if you want to load up on facts during your Ras Al Khaimah holidays for the next mangrove-themed pub quiz you take part in. Aside from being a calming and otherworldly experience, these forests are a magnet for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers, eagles, flamingos and flippin' loads of fish (obviously).
Key facts about Ras Al Khaimah
Flight Time
7 hrs
Time Difference
+4hrs
Currency
UAE Dirham
Language
Arabic
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Ras Al Khaimah?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Ramadan in Ras Al Khaimah
The holy month of Ramadan usually takes place from mid-March to April. During this time, many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, there might be restrictions on alcohol sales, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests might take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas might also be restricted during this time.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Ras Al Khaimah?
There is a tourism tax of 15 AED per room, per night in Ras Al Khaimah that is payable directly to the hotel on arrival. This charge is subject to change.
