Top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah

Climb to the top of Dhayah Fort
Yes, there are 234 steps to the top, but persevere and you’ll be rewarded – the views of the lush palm gardens, sea and dramatic mountains from Ras Al Khaimah’s Dhayah Fort are seriously something. The fort dates back to the 16th century when it was built in a strategic hilltop position facing the gulf and it’s now the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE. A must-visit for when in Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Rams, visitrasalkhaimah.com (07 233 8998).

Deep dive with Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Centre
Ras Al Khaimah is a top scuba-diving destination so a must 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 all while focusing on environmental conservation and protecting the surrounding seas. And if you’re not ready (or certified) to take the plunge and start diving, boat rides and snorkelling trips are also available – perfect for if you’re after a relaxed, fun weekend in the sun. For seasoned divers, Ras Al Khaimah has some great sites to check out.
Ras Al Khaimah, aljazeeradivecenter.com (07 244 5331).

Drinks at The Anchor Brew & Grill
Gorgeous Corniche views paired with an ice-cold drink? 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. Populated constantly from the 16th century until just 42 years ago, forts, schools, mosques, and many other buildings still stand in the area and while it’s completely empty now, the village gets its fair share of visits from intrigued tourists (due to its ghostly rep). It even has a celebrity friend in the form of Brad Pitt, who flew down by helicopter to film scenes for War Machine, which was released in 2017.
Between Al Hamra Village and Al Jazeera Port, Ras Al Khaimah.

Go for a steak at Lexington Grill
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. Meat-lover? This is one of the best places for a special meal in Ras Al Khaimah.
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
This Bedouin-style camp in the Ras Al Khaimah desert sits relatively near The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, but far enough away to be completely secluded. 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 in Ras Al Khaimah. 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. Arabic coffee and dates, a barbecue dinner in the desert, breakfast, and 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 Ras Al Khaimah in the small fishing village of Al Rams, Suwaidi Pearl Farm gives an insight into the age-old Emirati tradition of pearl farming. You’ll be collected in a pearl divers’ boat before exploring the surrounding mangroves while learning all about the history and culture associated with pearls. Experiences range from two to four hours with morning, afternoon, and evening tours available and once back on land you can refuel with an authentic Emirati meal and explore the village.
From Dhs335.50 (per adult – tour with lunch), from Dhs250.50 (per adult – farm tour only), half price (nine-12 years old), Dhs50.50 (five-eight years old). 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? Drink your own… never mind. You can 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. Wannabe Bears can expect to be exposed to both practical and extreme survival techniques necessary to survive some of the toughest terrains with half-day sessions (three to four hours), eight-hour, and even 24-hour options. 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 (per adult – Basic Survival Course). Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, beargryllscamp.ae (056 501 5831).

Share a pizza with the kids at Thunder Road Pizza & Grill
This family-friendly America-meets-Italy pizza joint in Ras Al Khaimah serves up some of the best pizzas in the emirate with all your pizza bases covered – 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 to tuck into, 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
Here at Time Out, there’s nothing we love more than going on a huge adventure – and at 1,934m 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 (and perfect for those all-important Instagram shots, too), Jebel Jais is also home to the world’s longest zipline – and it’s probably the number one thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah. You can fly through the sky at speeds of up to 150 kph, travelling 2.8 km (that’s the equivalent of 28 football pitches) with prices starting from Dhs225. But there’s more to Jebel Jais than that, including an aerial obstacle course, so 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 10km) 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. There’s a small food vendor where you leave the car, but bring plenty of water and snacks so you don’t start thinking about James Franco in 127 Hours. 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
Looking 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 – if not the – most impressive spa settings in the UAE, and if we had to pick one treatment to test out it would be the Rainforest experience. Combining European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals to creating a rejuvenating sanctuary in the desert, the unique spa experience includes 16 different stations including affusion showers, aroma steam, brine cavern, bucket drench shower, grotto steam, herbal sauna, traditional hammam, ice igloo, rain walk, sauna, sole therapy, and tropical rain shower before ending with a dip in a vitality pool. And, at just Dhs150 for one hour, it’s a top value way to enjoy some “me time”. And, relax.
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
According to our resident fish and chips experts, Ras Al Khaimah’s The Codfather serves up some of the best battered cod around – and it’s licensed, too. 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? Oh, and this place is licensed, with regular deals on everything from bottles of grape to buckets, plus glorious views of the marina. Other-worldly, in all the right ways.
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 – from date farmers to the desert community to the people of the region’s mountains. 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.
Open Sat-Sun & Tue-Thu 8am-6pm, Fri 2pm-8pm. Al Hisn Road, Ras Al Khaimah, rakheritage.rak.ae (07 233 3411).