Unlike its glitzy neighbors, Ras Al Khaimah lets its rich natural landscape speak for itself. The capital emirate is surrounded by crystal clear waters along the coast, with the Hagar Mountains just right across. Beyond its strip of luxury resorts are some of the United Arab Emirate’s prehistoric landmarks, set against a vast sea of sand where you can experience the Bedouin way of life via desert safaris. Don’t miss the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah with this travel guide!
Located in a 19th-century fort formerly inhabited by the Qawassim rulers, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah holds the key to the city’s colorful history. Travel back to the Neolithic period up to the Islamic era as you discover ancient artifacts excavated from the emirate itself. Hordes of archaeological evidence and antiquities are on display, as well as historical exhibits and archival documents telling the heritage and culture of Ras Al Khaimah.
Off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah lies the man-made Marjan Island. Its Breeze Island, Treasure Island, Dream Island, and View Island are home to the country’s best luxury hotels, beach resorts, and extravagant rest homes. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery is perfect for families and holidayers looking to escape the city. More than 100,000 visitors frequent the shores of Marjan Island every year, especially around New Year thanks to its impressive fireworks display.
Take a breather at Saqr Park, Ras Al Khaimah’s largest public park. This green space was built in the 1990s and has since been one of the most frequented attractions by tourists and locals alike. Various facilities and gardens have been installed over the years, such as the skate park, child-friendly park rides, a carousel, and a tree path. Entertainment showcases and BBQ sets are also available, as well as a mosque for a quick prayer. Enjoy a picnic with your loved ones while the sun is out.
Experience water fun at Ice Land Water Park, the biggest of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. As its name suggests, you’ll quickly forget the heat inside this ice-themed park’s attractions that range from high-speed slides to child-friendly pools. Take a dip in the Olympic-sized lap pool or lounge under the sun at their beautiful man-made beach. Or, you can always sit back and relax in one of their high-end private cabanas complete with top-grade facilities.
Most golf courses are just plain green spaces, but not Al Hamra Golf Club. The beautiful Hajar Mountains surround the 18-hole championship golf course and is merged with the Arabian Gulf via four interconnected lagoons. Its breathtaking views create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for golfers of all levels, making this challenging landscape a delight to play in. Its clubhouse is the perfect spot for sunset-viewing thanks to its proximity with the 18th hole and the surrounding beach.
Adrenaline junkies are more than welcome to explore the wild expanse of Wadi Shawka. Directly translatable to “Shawka Dam”, this natural attraction becomes a dam during the heavy rainfall season. But thanks to its fortified walls, bridges and roads, Wadi Shawka is safe enough to become a popular picnic spot for families. Its also the perfect getaway for adventure seekers looking to hike, cycle, or climb challenging rocky terrains. Plan your visit during the winter months to see the wadi at its best.
At 1,934m above sea level, the Jebel Jais Mountain is the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates. This towering mass is situated along the Hajar Mountains and is best known for its cooler temperature and exciting adventures. Some of the most popular activities are camping, hiking, trekking, and riding the 2.8km-long zipline. Don’t miss the wadis or natural dams, deserts, mangroves, mountainous terrains, salt flats, and coastal viewpoints. Get to meet foxes, camels, wildcats, and mountain goats along the way.
A piece of wilderness awaits at RAK Zoo, the third biggest animal enclosure in the United Arab Emirates. This sanctuary is home to 40 rare and endangered animals, which include lions, tigers, panthers, cheetahs, chimpanzees, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of exotic bird species. All animals are kept in air-conditioned pens modeled after their respective natural habitats. Besides wilderness exposure, visitors can also learn horse riding and camel riding at the zoo’s training club. Kids and kids at heart will thoroughly enjoy the safari-inspired footpaths, spacious rest areas, and photo-ops with wildlife.
See more of Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular mountainscape with a drive to Jabal Yibir. This high mountain pass is 1.527m above sea level and reaches 15 degrees Celsius in temperature at the peak. The rocky terrain is paved by steep and winding asphalt roads that lead to scenic hiking trails, wadis, panoramic viewing points, and end at a military checkpoint. Its location in the Hajar Mountains may seem challenging to reach but the local villages make the trip all the more worth it.
Just like its more famous counterpart in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a stunning landmark that tops every visitors’ Ras Al Khaimah itinerary list. This architectural wonder’s towering spires and all-white exterior has become a common point of reference for local travel. Located in the Dafan Al Khor neighborhood and accessible via old Al Qawasim Corniche Road, this place of worship is a sight to behold during sunrise and sunset. Evening walks along its riverbanks allow an unprecedented view of the place as it lights up at night.
History surrounds Ras Al Khaimah, one of the oldest cities in the world. Remnants of lost civilizations date back to 7,000 years, with archaeological evidence still being discovered to this day.
The sun shines all year round in the emirate, but wintertime in Ras Al Khaimah is the opposite of unforgiving cold. The relatively mild heat from November to January makes the city the ideal getaway for beach and hiking trips.
Experience the luxurious yet lowkey island life along the city’s beach strip, where 5-star resorts that offer high-end services await your arrival. Thanks to its relatively low profile status, stays at Ras Al Khaimah are cheaper than its neighbors.