Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah

Our guide to things to do in Ras Al Khaimah

The best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah combine two landscapes you rarely find so close together: the highest mountain in the UAE and a long, sandy Gulf coastline. RAK, as almost everyone calls it, is the northernmost emirate on the west coast, and it has become the UAE’s adventure capital, with ziplines and hiking trails in the Hajar Mountains, plus beach resorts, desert camps, hill forts and an abandoned pearling village. It suits a long weekend better than a rushed day trip. Here is how we would plan one.

Getting there and when to go

Ras Al Khaimah city is typically around an hour to an hour and a half by car from Dubai, mostly via Emirates Road (E611) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), with the mountain roads up Jebel Jais adding roughly 45 minutes from the city. Intercity buses also link Dubai and RAK. The main season runs from October to April, when the coast is warm and sunny and the mountain is pleasantly cool. On the highest slopes winter temperatures can drop close to or even below freezing on the coldest nights, so pack layers. In summer, Jebel Jais is noticeably cooler than the coast and makes a welcome escape, but plan beach time for early morning and late afternoon.

Jebel Jais: ziplines, sledding and mountain views

Jebel Jais is the emirate’s headline attraction. A smooth paved road climbs through dramatic switchbacks to the top, and you do not need a 4x4. The star is Jais Flight, one of the longest ziplines in the world, where you fly over the valleys in a harness at high speed. Other experiences on the mountain include the Jais Sky Tour, a chain of ziplines, the Jais Sledder, a family-friendly toboggan ride on rails where you control the speed, and a via ferrata route with climbing sections. The viewing deck park has picnic areas and huge views, and 1484 by Puro is known as the highest restaurant in the UAE, so book ahead at weekends. Zipline rides have height and weight limits, so check the official requirements before you go.

Hiking and the outdoors

Ras Al Khaimah has the best mapped hiking in the country. Marked trails on Jebel Jais range from short family walks to full-day routes, and organised multi-day treks run in the cooler months for experienced walkers. Start early, carry far more water than you think you need and wear proper shoes, because the rock is sharp and shade is scarce. Inland, sand dunes stretch towards the border, and desert camps offer dune drives, camel rides and overnight stays in Bedouin-style tents, with clear starry skies in winter.

Beaches, islands and resorts

RAK’s coastline has some of the most relaxed beaches in the northern emirates. Al Marjan Island, a group of man-made islands just off the coast, is lined with large resort hotels, and many sell beach and pool day passes. Al Hamra Village has a marina, golf course and beachfront hotels, while the public beaches near the city corniche are popular with families on weekend evenings. Water sports, from paddleboarding to jet skis, are offered at most resorts. For a sunset dinner afterwards, our dinner and brunch page has ideas across the UAE.

Heritage: forts, pearls and a ghost town

RAK’s history runs deep. Dhayah Fort, near the northern town of Rams, is one of the last hill forts left in the UAE, and a climb of more than two hundred steps rewards you with views over palm groves and the sea. Al Jazirat Al Hamra, an old pearling and fishing town left empty by its residents in the early 1970s, is one of the best-preserved traditional towns on the Gulf, with coral-stone houses, a mosque and a fort to explore. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah occupies a historic fort in the old town and covers archaeology, pearling and the ruling family. Near Rams, the Suwaidi Pearls farm runs boat tours that explain how pearls are cultivated, a fascinating link to the region’s seafaring past. See our art and culture page for more heritage and gallery ideas.

Plan by the kind of trip you want

• Adrenaline: Jais Flight in the morning, the Sledder after lunch, then dinner at the summit.
• Families: beach resort pools, the Sledder for older children and a desert camp evening. Our kids and family events list more ideas.
• Culture: Dhayah Fort at golden hour, Al Jazirat Al Hamra and a pearl farm tour.
• Sport: RAK typically hosts a half marathon and other road races in the cooler months; see our sports events page.

Practical tips and nearby ideas

Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and some restaurants, and swimwear is fine at resorts and beaches, but dress modestly in the old town, souks and heritage sites. The mountain road can be foggy or wet in winter, so drive slowly and check the weather before setting off. Buy tickets for ziplines and tours from official sellers; every listing on this page links to the official booking page. RAK is around half an hour or so from Umm Al Quwain, so you can stop at its lagoons on the way, see our Umm Al Quwain guide, or cross the mountains to the east coast with our Fujairah guide. Planning ahead? Our January guide covers peak season ideas.

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