Ras al Khaimah Holidays

Whatever adventure means to you, gear up for thrills, romance, luxury and family fun on holidays to Ras Al Khaimah.

• Desert adventures: From camel riding to quad biking and dining beneath the stars, the Bedouin Oasis Camp offers a glimpse of Bedouin life. Experience the Arabian Desert with a range of off-road tours within the magical landscape.
• Amazing artefacts: Located in a fort, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah housed the ruling family until the 1960s. You’ll see manuscripts, weapons and archaeological artefacts from the earliest settlers.
• Unique events: Traditional camel races are still big news in Ras Al Khaimah. Head to the Camel Race Track to see the colourfully adorned residents either racing or training for their big winter events.
• Sky-high thrills: Explore the UAE’s highest mountain from the world’s longest zipline. Strapped safely in a harness, you’ll soar 1,680 metres above sea level to a suspended platform on top of Jebel Jais mountain.
• Superb shopping: A range of traditional souks offer Arabian treasures like rugs, gold jewellery and spices. If you’d rather shop in air-conditioning, 5 shopping malls combine authentic goods with modern luxuries.

From private, sandy stretches fronting luxury resorts to family-friendly public beaches, holidays to Ras Al Khaimah are a sun-drenched dream.

• Flamingo Beach: Just a short drive from the city centre, Flamingo Beach is a family favourite, surrounded by snack shacks and restaurants. Handy walkways take you across the sand to sunbeds just steps from the crystal-clear sea.
• Al Rams Beach: Sweeping and unspoiled, Al Rams Beach rests against the impressive backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. There’s a walking track to explore and it’s a great spot for spectacular sunsets.
• Al Mairid Beach: Pack a picnic to join the locals at Al Mairid Beach for the day. Wooden cabanas provide shady spots for lazy lounging while cashmere-soft sands and turquoise waters invite visitors to take a dip.
• Ras Al Khaimah Beach: Ras Al Khaimah Beach is located near the lively Kuwaiti Souk. After a swim in the tranquil waters, savour a meal at one of the area’s traditional cafés.
• Al Marjan Island: For a unique experience, the award-winning New Year’s Eve fireworks show by the sea on Al Marjan Island is a must. However, the Corniche, running track and beach hotels are open year-round.

Scenes straight from Arabian Nights, pristine beaches and brilliant all inclusive hotels make Ras Al Khaimah a hotspot for family holidays.

• Bassata Desert Village: Get an enticing glimpse of nomadic life at Bassata Desert Village. Kids and the young-at-heart alike will love sandboarding down the dunes, going on camel rides and gathering for campfires under the stars.
• Saqr Park: Saqr Park is Ras Al Khaimah’s largest. It provides the perfect green spot for little ones to run around. Carnival rides and playgrounds keep a smile on everyone’s faces and barbecues are available for picnics.
• RAK Track: Feeling the need for speed? Gear up and buckle in for a day of racing at RAK Track in professional racing karts. Children as young as 7 years old can participate in driving sessions.
• IMG Worlds of Adventure: Pop over to Dubai for the day and visit the world’s largest indoor theme park. IMG Worlds of Adventure thrills with rides and themed areas dedicated to Cartoon Network, Marvel superheroes and more.
• Mangrove kayaking: Outdoorsy families will love exploring Ras Al Khaimah’s flourishing coastal mangroves via kayak. Boating in pairs means you can explore as a team while keeping an eye on the kids.

Glamorous resorts, romantic sunsets and candlelit dinners with ocean views await on couples holidays to Ras Al Khaimah.

• Khatt Springs: Nestled in a lush, green oasis surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, Khatt Springs features natural hot pools infused with skin-enhancing minerals. Spas and cafés complete the rejuvenating experience.
• Treatments for 2: If you love indulgent couples’ massages and lavish treatments, Ras Al Khaimah is home to some of the world’s top names in the spa industry. Book into a spa hotel to make the most of the pampering.
• Dhow cruises: Whether you set sail in the morning or at sunset, a dhow cruise is a must for romantics. Private trips on these traditional wooden boats typically include delicious dinner and drinks.
• Palatial ruins: Pay a visit to the achingly atmospheric medieval ruins of Queen Sheba’s Palace. They’re perched atop a 200-metre hill overlooking the dazzling desert landscape and village of Shimal.
• Tower Links Golf Club: Tee off together at championship golf courses surrounded by epic views. Tower Links Golf Club is set around a mangrove reserve that’s home to a variety of bird species.

Discover fascinating remnants of over 7,000 years of heritage through museums and archaeological sites in Ras Al Khaimah.

• Dhayah Fort: Dhayah is the only remaining hilltop fort in the UAE. There’s evidence that the hill itself was used as a prehistoric settlement. The 19th-century structure offers panoramas of palm gardens, the mountains and the ocean.
• Al Jazirah Al Hamra: Visit the abandoned town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra to step back in time. The preserved aspects of a traditional town include a fortress, mosques, a market and ornate houses that once belonged to wealthy pearl merchants.
• Mesmerising mosques: Get your camera ready for memorable shots of Ras Al Khaimah’s mosques. Admire the minarets of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Mohammad Bin Salim Mosque.
• Pearls of history: It’s thought that the history of pearl fishing in the Arabian Gulf dates back to the 1st century AD. Learn about this unique cultural heritage at Suwaidi Pearls and the RAK Pearl Museum.
• Archaeological treasures: The small village of Shimal is a treat for archaeology enthusiasts. Explore Husn al-Shimal Fort and pre-Islamic tombs from the Wadi Suq period.

Adventure seekers flock to Ras Al Khaimah for heart-pumping activities surrounded by natural wonders.

• Wild water sports: Whether you love to jet ski, snorkel, dive or cruise, launch into a range of exciting water sports across the azure Arabian Gulf. Most water-based activities are offered by Ras Al Khaimah hotels.
• Jais Adventure Park: Head to the Jais Adventure Park to experience attractions such as Jais Sky Maze, the Jais Flight, Jais Sky Tour (a series of 7 exhilarating ziplines) and Jais Sledder (the region’s longest toboggan ride).
• Mountain hiking: Pack your hiking boots for intrepid trails weaving throughout the Hajar Mountains. You can hire a guide, explore wide-reaching wadis (valleys) and spot mountain goats and wild oryx.
• Mangrove kayaking: Delve into the wildlife-rich mangroves that stretch from the coast to the city on a kayaking tour. Keep your eyes peeled for the exotic birds that flock here to nest and feed.
• Horse riding: No matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced equestrian, you can trot through the desert dunes on a horse riding tour. The Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre is the best place for lessons.

From local shisha bars to 5-star hotel dining and street food snacks, Ras Al Khaimah offers something to suit everyone’s taste buds.

• Cuisine on the Corniche: Corniche Al Qawasim rests at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah along the beautiful mangrove coast. Drink in the views from the fantastic range of international restaurants that line the bustling promenade.
• Elevated dining: Head to 1484 by Puro for exceptional views. The restaurant is set 1,484m above sea level in Jebel Jais, making it the highest restaurant in the United Arab Emirates.
• Waterfront dining: Luxuriate in the exclusive atmosphere at Al Hamra Marina, where you’ll find a range of elegant restaurants to dine at with gorgeous views of yachts bobbing on the sparkling water.
• Classy cocktails: Skip the food and go straight for the cocktail menus at resort bars right on the beach. Ras Al Khaimah’s coast is lined with international hotels that host renowned restaurants and bars.
• Food court favourites: For casual eats to suit everyone’s mood, indulge in some shopping at Manar Mall then choose an ocean-facing seat in the food court. You’ll find international favourites, local cuisine and outdoor seating areas.

Don’t miss out on trying mouthwatering Middle Eastern specialties that attract foodies from across the globe.

• Upgraded kebabs: Shawarma is the king of street food in Ras Al Khaimah. Take your thinly sliced lamb or chicken layered with fresh salad and herbs then drizzled in yoghurt or chilli and rolled in pillowy pita bread.
• Date in the diary: Your sweet tooth won’t go neglected on holiday in Ras Al Khaimah as Emirati meals traditionally start with a plate of dates. We recommend trying a cup of spiced Arabic coffee with this sticky fruit on the side.
• Superb seafood: Due to its prime coastal location, this emirate is great for seafood lovers. Try Samak Mhammar – a whole fish grilled to perfection and served with spiced yellow rice and caramelised onions.
• Doughnuts for dessert: End your meal on a high note with the UAE’s answer to doughnuts – luqaimat – which are fried until golden then covered liberally with date sauce and sesame seeds.
• A medley of meze: Meze platter favourites include perfectly sculpted falafel, bulgur and beef-stuffed kibbeh, smooth hummus, slow-roasted aubergine moutabal and crispy feta-filled börek parcels. You won’t want to share!