Looking for excellent things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? Home to the highest mountain in the UAE and with a really cool name (Ras Al Khaimah translates to ‘head of the tent’), there’s lots to love about RAK.
Bordering Oman’s Musandam, Ras Al Khaimah is located in the most northern part of the UAE and its rich history dates back to the Bronze Age (which makes it one of the few places in the world that has been continuously settled for over 7,000 years).
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For both residents and tourists alike, it’s an extremely popular spot for a beachside break or staycation thanks to its white sandy shores, five-star hotels, and stunning surroundings. But beachside lounging aside, there’s so much to see and many things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
From ancient archaeological sites, mountain climbing, sea expeditions, zip-lining, camping experiences and more, there’s a real sense of adventure to be had.
If you’re planning a road trip to Ras Al Khaimah, we’ve rounded up all the very best things to do (and places to eat) in the emirate.
Let’s RAK and roll.
Climb to the top of Dhayah Fort
Looking for sporty things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? Yes, there are 234 steps to the top of Dhayah Fort but persevere and you’ll be rewarded. The views of the lush palm gardens, sea and dramatic mountains are seriously something. The fort dates back to the 16th century when it was built in a strategic hilltop position facing the gulf. It’s now the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE. A must-visit when in Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Rams, visitrasalkhaimah.com (07 233 8998).
Deep dive with Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Centre
Scuba divers, listen up. Ras Al Khaimah is a top diving destination if you’ve got your PADI licence. Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Centre, the only certified dive resort in the Ras Al Khaimah, has been operating in the emirate since 1997 and specialises in diving while focusing on environmental conservation and protecting the surrounding seas. There are boat rides and snorkelling trips also available for non-divers, making this one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
For the best places to go diving in the UAE, click here.
Ras Al Khaimah, aljazeeradivecenter.com (07 244 5331).
Drinks at The Anchor Brew & Grill
Gorgeous Corniche views and a relaxing evening? What more could you ask for? This cool maritime-inspired sports bar is a top spot for a relaxed drink in Ras Al Khaimah. With plenty of big screens showing all the latest sporting action, a seven-metre bar, pool tables and darts, there’s lots to love about The Anchor. A top place for sloping off to if you’re keen to catch the day’s big match.
Open daily 6pm-2am. DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah Corniche Hotel & Residences, Al Qawasim Corniche Road (072030000).
Explore a deserted “ghost” village
If the hustle and bustle of daily life gets a bit too much, then there’s a place you’re guaranteed a bit of peace and quiet: the abandoned pearling village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra in Ras Al Khaimah. The “ghost village” has remained almost unchanged since its inhabitants left in 1968, making it a permanent monument to a bygone era. It even has a celebrity friend in the form of Brad Pitt, who flew down by helicopter to film scenes for War Machine. This is one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah if you’re hoping to get spooked.
Between Al Hamra Village and Al Jazeera Port, Ras Al Khaimah.
Go for a steak at Lexington Grill
Looking for the ultimate meat-lovers’ things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? Lexington Grill at the grand Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah will satisfy any steak-lover. Headed by chef Lendl Pereira, the slick and stylish New York-themed steakhouse serves up some impressive steaks including unique air-dried beef cuts along with superbly fresh seafood. And if you’re after a drink with your steak, the temperature-controlled cellar stocks over 350 labels of grape that can be paired with your meal.
Open Thu-Fri 7pm-11pm. Vienna Street, Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah (07 203 5555).
Go camping, Bedouin-style at Bedouin Oasis Desert Resort
Looking for traditional things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? Check out this Bedouin-style camp in the desert. With tents made using natural materials, cushions for seating, a barbecue, an authentic underground oven and, of course, a campfire, it’s the perfect place for an authentic, unique getaway. Prices for a Bedouin tent for two start from Dhs450 per night and the air-conditioned tent comes complete with a queen-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and outdoor dining area. Activities like sandboarding and camel rides are included in the overnight experience, too.
From Dhs450 (per night, per couple). Ras Al Khaimah, bedouinoasis.org (055 228 4984).
Learn all about pearls at Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Nestled at the bottom of the Al Hajar mountain range in the small fishing village of Al Rams, Suwaidi Pearl Farm gives an insight into the age-old Emirati tradition of pearl farming. Jump in a pearl divers’ boat and explore the mangroves while learning all about the history and culture associated with pearls. Once back on land you can refuel with an authentic Emirati meal and explore the village. This is one of the prettiest things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
From Dhs335 (adults – tour with lunch), from Dhs250 (adults – farm tour only), half price (nine-12 years), Dhs50 (five-eight years). Open daily 10am-5pm. Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah, suwaidipearls.ae (07 221 1124).
Prepare for survival (the Bear Grylls way) at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
Want to get back in touch with nature? Conquer the elements? This is one of the tougher things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. Test your mettle on of the UAE’s highest mountain because the world’s first Bear Grylls Explorers Camp can be found in Ras Al Khaimah. Run by UK survival experts, activities include how to make a fire in the wild, building emergency shelters, learning the best ways to use a knife for survival, navigation techniques, and extreme weather survival. Oh, and with an element of surprise. Because you never know what might happen.
From Dhs450. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, beargryllscamp.ae (056 501 5831).
Ride the region’s longest toboggan ride
Calling all thrill-seekers. Looking for adventurous things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? If you love to get the adrenaline pumping then the Jais Sledder should be up to your speed. Hold onto your hats because you’ll be in for a high-octane, eight-minute ride on this alpine coaster track that stretches 1,885 metres. You’ll get to enjoy some stunning mountain views on your rapid descent, which takes a total of eight minutes.
Click here to read more about the new Jais Sledder.
From Dhs40. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah.
Share a pizza with the kids at Thunder Road Pizza & Grill
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Ras Al Khaimah with hungry kids? America-meets-Italy in this pizza joint that serves up some of the best pizzas in the emirate. You’ve got a classic marg, the bufalina, frutti di mare, and pepperoni (to name a few) plus loads of more grown-up dishes for mums and dads too.
Open Sun-Wed 4pm-3am, Thu-Sat 11am-3pm. Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, thunder-road.ae (052 994 9056).
Soar through the sky at Jebel Jais
Looking for adventurous things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? At 1,934 metres above sea level, Jebel Jais is a pretty big one. The UAE’s highest mountain has plenty to offer and while the view from the top itself is incredible. Jebel Jais is also home to the world’s longest zipline. You can fly through the sky at speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour, travelling 2.8 kilometres (that’s the equivalent of 28 football pitches) with prices starting from Dhs225. If you’re an adrenaline seeker it should shoot to the top of your must-try list, now.
From Dhs225. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, visitjebeljais.com (050 423 1542).
Take a hike at Wadi Shawka
Fancy yourself a king or queen of the mountain? It’s time to lace up those hiking boots and head to Ras Al Khaimah’s Wadi Shawka. You’ll need a decent pair of legs to scale the man-made staircase cut into the first range of mountains, but once at the top, there’s a choice of slaloming loops (up to 10 kilometres) back to base camp (the car park in this case). The views are ace and the air up there fills your lungs differently – trust us. If you don’t have a head for heights, don’t look down when ascending the stairs to the summit. You’ve been warned.
Wadi Shawka, Ras Al Khaimah.
Treat yourself to a Rainforest experience in the desert
After for some relaxation in Ras Al Khaimah? Set in a 1,235-acre protected nature reserve, the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert boasts one of the most impressive spa settings in the UAE.
The unique spa experience includes 16 different stations including affusion showers, aroma steam, grotto steam, herbal sauna, traditional hammam, ice igloo, rain walk, sauna, and tropical rain shower before ending with a dip in a vitality pool. This is one of the top relaxing things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Dhs150 (60-minute experience), Dhs250 (two-hour experience), Dhs350 (2.5 hour experience). Daily 10am-7pm. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert (07 206 7777).
Tuck into fantastic fish and chips at The Codfather
Looking for foodie things to do in Ras Al Khaimah? According to our resident fish and chips experts, Ras Al Khaimah’s The Codfather serves up some of the best battered cod around. Standout sides include mushy peas (obvs), chips drenched in curry sauce (get in) and it would be rude to leave without trying the battered Mars bar, right?
Open Sat-Wed 1pm-11pm, Thu-Fri 1pm-midnight. Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah (052 569 7781).
Visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Part of an old fort, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah offers an interesting insight into the history and traditions of Ras Al Khaimah as well as the many different tribes who have called the emirate home. Its history is rich (and eventful) as the museum has served as the residence of the ruling family until 1964, a police headquarters and a prison before it was finally converted into the National Museum in 1987.
Many of its rooms are open to the public and you’ll be able to explore historical, ethnographic, and archaeological material relating to the emirate. This is one of the top cultural things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Open Sat-Sun & Tue-Thu 8am-6pm, Fri 2pm-8pm. Al Hisn Road, Ras Al Khaimah, rakheritage.rak.ae (07 233 3411).
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