Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: travel guide
Hajar Mountains, Jebel Jais and long beaches in the northern emirates
The UAE's adventure emirate — where the Hajar Mountains meet pristine desert and the world's longest zipline, Jais Flight, runs at 1,934 m.
About Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE's outdoor emirate, where the Hajar Mountains rise behind a coastal plain of beaches, mangroves and desert. Jebel Jais is the draw for walkers and thrill seekers, with viewing platforms, trails and a long zipline above the valley.
On the coast, Al Marjan Island has the beach resorts, while Dhayah Fort stands on a hill above the date palms and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah sits in a former ruler's fort. Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an abandoned pearl-fishing village, gives a sense of life before oil. Kayaking, rock climbing and desert camping are all close.
Ras Al Khaimah suits active travellers and beach lovers who want a calmer alternative to Dubai. The mountains are cooler than the coast, and October to April is the most comfortable season.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Currency
- AED
- Time zone
- Asia/Dubai
- Nearest airport
- RKT
- Typical trip
- 3-4 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah
Jebel Jais
mountain · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The UAE's highest mountain at 1,934 m, home to the world's longest zipline — Jais Flight — at 2.83 km, reaching 120+ km/h above the canyon floor. Also features the Jais Sky Tour (6 ziplines), Jais Sledder toboggan, multiple hiking trails…
Al Marjan Island Beach RAK
island beach · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Four coral-shaped man-made islands extending 4.5 km into the Arabian Gulf. Wide, clean beaches with crystal-clear water, Marjan Island Resort & Spa and a pleasant promenade. Far less crowded than Dubai beaches with spectacular sunsets.
Dhayah Fort RAK
hilltop fort · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The only hilltop fort in the UAE — perched on a 200 m basalt outcrop above the Dhayah valley with sweeping views to the Arabian Gulf. Built in the early 19th century, the last stronghold to resist British forces during the 1820 Gulf…
Jais Viewing Deck Park
Viewpoint · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Terraced viewpoint high on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, overlooking the rugged Hajar Mountains.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Museum · about 1.3 h · entry AED 5 (≈ ₹130)
Former ruler's fort housing archaeology, ethnography and natural-history exhibits of the emirate.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Heritage · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Abandoned pearling-era coral-stone town, the best-preserved traditional village and "ghost town" in the UAE.
Suwaidi Pearls Farm
Cultural · about 2 h · entry AED 350 (≈ ₹9,080)
Working pearl farm in Al Rams offering dhow trips and demonstrations of the UAE's pearling heritage.
Iceland Water Park
Activity · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Arctic-themed water park with slides, a wave pool and the "Penguin Bay" area on the RAK coast.
Khatt Springs
Nature · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Natural thermal mineral springs at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, long used for their warm therapeutic waters.
Ras Al Khaimah Corniche
Nature · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Waterfront promenade along RAK Creek with views of the old town and mangroves.
Things to do
- Jebel Jais Flight — World's Longest Zipline Adventure · 3 h · from AED 300 per person
- Al Marjan Island Kayaking & Snorkelling Water Sports · 2.5 h · from AED 110 per person
- Bear Grylls Explorers Camp Adventure · 4 h · from AED 450 per person
- Jebel Jais Via Ferrata Adventure · 3 h · from AED 320 per person
Day trips and tours
- Jebel Jais Mountain Adventure Day 8 h · from AED 330
- RAK Northern Emirates Discovery 10 h · from AED 210
Where to stay in Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Marjan Island about AED 700 per night
RAK's artificial island extending 4.5 km into the Gulf. Beach hotels, clubs and the planned Wynn resort (2027). One of the UAE's best beach stays outside Palm Jumeirah.
- Al Hamra Village about AED 1,200 per night
Heritage-themed village around a golf course and pristine beach. Home to the Ritz-Carlton RAK villas. The most romantic UAE base outside Emirates Palace.
Hotels
- Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach 5-star · AED 1,800 to AED 7,500 per night
- Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah 5-star · AED 900 to AED 1,800 per night
- DoubleTree by Hilton RAK — Marjan Island 5-star · AED 500 to AED 1,800 per night
- Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island 3-star · AED 300 to AED 500 per night
- Bin Majid Beach Hotel RAK 3-star · AED 200 to AED 450 per night
Where to eat
- Wox pan_asian, japanese, chinese · about AED 280 per person
- Mannar Restaurant sri_lankan, south_indian · about AED 50 per person
- The Dining Room — Al Hamra Palace international, buffet · about AED 175 per person
- Jebel Jais Camp Café cafe, international · about AED 45 per person
- Al Bahar Restaurant Seafood, International · about AED 180 per person
- Trader Vic's Ras Al Khaimah Polynesian, International · about AED 220 per person
- Puro Beach RAK Mediterranean · about AED 200 per person
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah
Airport: Ras Al Khaimah (RKT)
How visitors arrive in Ras Al Khaimah
- Flights into Ras Al Khaimah International By air · common
The emirate has its own international airport. Source: visitrasalkhaimah.com
- Road or bus from Dubai By road from Dubai · common
Dubai is the closest big gateway by road, and the emirate bus network links Ras Al Khaimah with Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Source: visitrasalkhaimah.com
- Via Abu Dhabi or Sharjah airports By air from Abu Dhabi · possible
Abu Dhabi and Sharjah international airports are alternative gateways reached by road. Source: visitrasalkhaimah.com
From the airport to the centre
- Taxi from RAK airport
Taxis run to the city; hotels may offer pickup. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Bus to Al Nakheel station
A RAKTA city bus (listed as the Green Line) links the airport with Al Nakheel station, and the RAK Ride express also stops at the airport. Check the route name at the stop. Source: rakta.gov.ae
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
International car rental companies are available at most hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, and roads are generally in good condition.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial Zipline "Resellers"
Jebel Jais access road, RAK city hotels
Individuals approach tourists claiming to sell Jebel Jais zipline tickets at a discount. These are either counterfeit, previously cancelled, or non-existent tickets.
How to avoid it: Book only on jebeljais.ae or at the official Toroverde ticket counter at the mountain base. There are no authorised resellers.
Best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah
- Jan 25°C
- Feb 27°C
- Mar 30°C
- Apr 36°C
- May 41°C
- Jun 42°C
- Jul 43°C
- Aug 43°C
- Sep 41°C
- Oct 38°C
- Nov 32°C
- Dec 27°C
More in United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions about Ras Al Khaimah
- How many days do you need in Ras Al Khaimah?
- A typical trip to Ras Al Khaimah is 3-4 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah?
- The highest-rated places in our Ras Al Khaimah guide are Jebel Jais, Dhayah Fort RAK, Al Marjan Island Beach RAK.
- Where should I stay in Ras Al Khaimah?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ras Al Khaimah: Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village.
- How do I get around Ras Al Khaimah?
- Ways to get around Ras Al Khaimah covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Ras Al Khaimah?
- Scams reported to us for Ras Al Khaimah include Unofficial Zipline "Resellers". Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Ras Al Khaimah?
- Average daytime highs in Ras Al Khaimah run from 25°C in Jan to 43°C in Jul.
- Which airport is nearest to Ras Al Khaimah?
- The nearest airport to Ras Al Khaimah has the code RKT.