A Guide to Ras Al-Khaimah: What to Do and Where to Stay

Ras Al-Khaimah is the self-styled ‘adventure capital’ of the United Arab Emirates – and when it comes to topographical wow-factor, RAK certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here, you can explore the ever-shifting dunes of the desert, the saw-toothed summits of the mountains, and a coastline perfect for snorkelling and diving. The emirate shares its name with its main city, and borders three other UAE regions (Sharjah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain) as well as Oman. Dubai, too, is just a 90-minute drive away. Visit October–February for winter sun with a wild twist.

The best neighbourhoods to visit in Ras Al-Khaimah

Ras Al-Khaimah’s capital is a quiet coastal settlement

Ras Al-Khaimah City

Ras Al-Khaimah’s capital is a quiet coastal settlement, located just a short drive from the emirate’s best things to do – but before you head for the mountains or coast, take a little time to look around.

The National Museum of Ras Al-Khaimah, set in an ancient fortress, highlights the UAE’s incredible rise from tribal fiefdom to wealthy superpower. Take a free guided tour of the museum’s historic weapons, jewellery and archaeological treasures. In the city’s (glorious) absence of skyscrapers, the museum’s rooftop offers Ras Al-Khaimah’s best viewpoint – with a bird's-eye perspective that stretches from the coastal mangroves to the mountains in the distance.

To the north of the city, Dhayah Fort also offers stirring views of RAK’s coastline and mountains, while nearby Suwaidi Pearls looks to the UAE’s past. Suwaidi is run by the grandson of one of the UAE’s last pearl divers, who runs guided tours of his unique ‘pearl farm’ that reveal the age-old techniques of this Emirati craft, from hauling the nets to shucking the oysters. It’s a fascinating insight into life before the oil boom.

The coast

The Hajar mountains stretch throughout the UAE’s northernmost emirates – but Ras Al Khaimah has the most spectacular section

If you love your beaches golden, your waves wild and your horizons uninterrupted, Ras Al-Khaimah’s coastline is for you. Here, the dunes spill into the warm, turquoise shallows of the Gulf sea. It’s an untamed landscape, where you’ll rarely encounter another soul. In true RAK style, it’s also full of alternative things to do: why simply sunbathe when you can snorkel with sea turtles, paddleboard on the waves or start the day with a breakfast picnic on the shore?

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach offers all of these unique things to do – and many more – on its magnificent private peninsula. Each of the hotel’s 32 villas enjoys its own pool and beach access – the epitome of barefoot luxury. Fine seafood is served right on the beach, spa treatments are infused with Arabian spices and vermilion sunsets are greeted with cocktails and canapés. Shore House, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is one of the great places to eat in

Dishes to try include the incredible Arabic mezze and Omani prawns. To explore RAK further, the Experience Concierge can arrange everything from family treasure hunts to guided trips into the desert.

The mountains

The Hajar mountains stretch throughout the UAE’s northernmost emirates – but Ras Al Khaimah has the most spectacular section

The Hajar mountains stretch throughout the UAE’s northernmost emirates – but Ras Al Khaimah has the most spectacular section. At almost 2,000 metres, Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE, as well as a natural border with Oman. On its slopes, the views of the mountain range and coastline are breathtaking, but even more impressive is the terrain beneath your feet: the landscape is formed of fossilised sea creatures, which fell to the seabed over 70 million years ago. Look closely and you’ll spot ancient invertebrates in the rock.

The mountain can be explored by road, which is an adventure in itself – the smooth asphalt winding upwards in a spectacular series of hairpin turns. Along the way, there are lots of fun things to do and wild places to visit – including a zipline (the world’s longest), a via ferrata trail and a ‘Sky Maze’ obstacle course (white knuckles guaranteed). Alternatively, grab a map from the information centre and follow one of the six hiking routes around the nearby peaks, lush wadis (valleys) and up to the summit of Jebel Jais itself.

The desert

The desert allows you to glimpse at life in the UAE before the discovery of oil

At first glance, the Ras Al-Khaimah desert might look devoid of life – but those terracotta dunes are home to wild Arabian oryx and nimble-footed gazelle. They also allow you a glimpse of the UAE as it was long before the discovery of oil: a pristine landscape of silver sunrises, palm-shaded oases and gently shifting sands. The Bedouin culture is inextricably linked to this wild, unforgiving terrain, from travelling by camel and navigating by stars to sleeping in hand-woven tents.

Though Emirati life has changed almost beyond recognition, the Ras Al-Khaimah dunes are still an adventurer’s playground, while The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is far and away the best place to stay. Set in the 1,235-acre Al Wadi Nature Reserve, it’s a magnificent setting for horse riding trips, bike rides, nature walks and birdwatching with experienced guides. Other interesting things to do include Bedouin-style archery workshops, falconry displays and desert explorer activities for children – with the promise of incredible stargazing come nightfall. Even the hotel’s villas are inspired by Bedouin customs, featuring tented ceilings and sweeping desert views – with the sublime addition of private infinity pools.

Go deeper

Outside the city, Ras Al-Khaimah has no public transport system – but you don’t need to worry about hiring a car. Airport transfers, guided tours and chauffeur services are available from both Ritz-Carlton hotels, and it takes just 20 minutes to travel between the two locations. Divide your trip between Ras Al-Khaimah’s best places to stay, with a few nights on the coast and a few in the desert – or arrange an action-packed day tour, via the Experience Concierge at your Ritz-Carlton base.

English is spoken everywhere in Ras Al-Khaimah, but a little Arabic is always warmly received. ‘Shukran’ (thank you) and ‘Marhaba’ (hello) will be well received. Whether you’re riding a camel or braving the Jebel Jais zipline, kick off your journey with ‘Yalla!’ (Let’s go!).

Published: October 07, 2024