Ras Al Khaimah

One of the 7 United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is located just 60 minutes from Dubai in the northern part of the UAE, and borders the exquisite warm waters of the Persian Gulf.

Unlike its sister Emirate, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah's landscape is not one of skyscrapers and towering structures. Instead, it boasts a variety of stunning natural vistas from breathtaking mountainous peaks to lush green plains and turquoise lagoons.

With so much natural beauty, it is no surprise that Ras Al Khaimah is quickly becoming one of the best and most popular year-round holiday destinations in the world.

When to go

Ras Al Khaimah is comfortably warm between November and April, making it the perfect getaway from cold, British winters. If you like to get outdoors and keep active, this is an especially great time to go. There is plenty of daylight between November and April, too. With roughly ten and a half hours per day in December, there will be plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxing in the sun.

Top Attractions

Ras Al Khaimah has something for everyone.

The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is a great place to visit for those interested in the culture of the UAE. If you fancy seeing indulging in the natural beauty of the emirate instead, check out the highest mountain peak in the area, Jebel Jais.

Khatt Springs and Hajar Mountains are also fascinating natural mountain sights to visit.

Interested in shopping? There are several sprawling malls in Ras Al Khaimah, including: Al Hamra Mall, Safreer Mall, RAK Mall and Manor Mall.

Sun worshippers will relish the opportunity to bask in mile after mile of untouched beaches and explorers will enjoy discovering the emirate's rich and colourful heritage.

Beaches

Ras Al Khaimah Beach is a luxurious and popular beach with golden sand backed by resorts all the way along the shoreline.

There are also nearby public beaches, mainly used by locals but open for tourists too.

Restaurants and Dining

A quiet and welcoming place renowned for hospitality, Ras Al Khaimah's international restaurants and exquisite spas offer the best of the best.

Tourists can enjoy private beach dining at The Cove Rotana while those looking for local fare can enjoy a meal at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe.

For dinner with a view, why not dine at the top of an Arabian watchtower at Al Wadi Desert Resort?

Nightlife and Entertainment

Beach bars, rooftop bars and nightclubs - Ras Al Khaimah has it all. Put your feet up (on the sand) with a cocktail or coffee at Cove Rotana Resort beach bar or party hard at Club Inferno Ras Al Khaimah.

Culture

Ras Al Khaimah has a history dating back over 5000 years, with numerous forts, markets, museums and ancient sites.

Al Jazirah Al Hamra is a fascinating sightseeing opportunity, with ruins from a fishing village dating from the 1960s.

You can also visit some of the destination's most traditional Souqs and Markets, including Old RAK Souq, Kuwaiti Souq and other local markets.

Adventure and Sports

There are a range of water sports and other activities to enjoy in Ras Al Khaimah including: scuba-diving, golf, horse riding, showka bicycles, canoeing, water skiing parasailing and fishing to name a few

Getting around

Getting to Ras Al Khaimah is simple. It is a 45-minute drive from Dubai airport and there are generally shuttles available.

When you arrive in Ras Al Khaimah, there are plenty of buses and taxis, making it easy to get around.