Top Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah

Discover a place where land and sea come together in utter magnificence, with the majestic mountains fringing desert beauty and seaside splendour at once. In this marvel of natural beauty, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah makes its home, inviting travellers to come and experience its myriad wonders. When you holiday here, there are so many incredible things to do that you could never count them all…but we’ll list a few of our top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah to help you choose.

1. Enjoy the height of Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury

This emirate isn’t short on luxury hotels and resorts, and hotels like Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah or The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra would make a gorgeous place to stay. Walk barefoot in the soft sands of a private beach, sip champagne in your suite while you watch the sunset over the ocean, and enjoy an incredible range of luxury amenities. Step into a world of indulgence in your resort’s spa, revelling in the pure serenity and relaxation of the treatment rooms, enjoying massages and hors d’oeuvres in utter indolence.

You won’t want to miss out on the full luxury experience, so when you holiday in Ras Al Khaimah, a stay in one of its famous luxury resorts is a must. Whether you wish to stay in the desert or by the sea, you have so many wonderful resorts to choose from.

Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra

2. Explore the breathtaking Hajar Mountains

Stretching up to the sky in their boundless majesty, the summits of the Hajar Mountains loom on high, framing the horizon and making the scenery all the more splendid. But they aren’t only distant elements of the landscape: you can explore them in person. A hike in these mountains will give you memories to treasure, from the accomplishment of reaching the peak of Jebel Jais to the absolutely incredible views of the emirate below. Imagine looking down upon the landmarks of Ras Al Khaimah where they rest, glimmering like distant jewels in the desert sun. From the hikers among us to the hikers among you, take heed: it’s not an experience to be missed.

Jebel Jais Mountains

3. Soar through the skies on the world’s longest zipline

There’s more than one way to touch the skies in Ras Al Khaimah. From the towering peak of Jebel Jais extends the longest zipline in the world: 2.83 kilometres of pure exhilaration, stretching over a breathtaking sprawl of valleys and canyons and rugged mountain terrain. This is Jais Flight – an unmissable experience for anyone who dreams of flying. Soar over the landscape at incredible speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour, feeling the wind in your face and the deep blue sky all around you.

Alternatively, for those who prefer to take a more sedate and leisurely flight, the Jais Sky Tour awaits, presenting a route of 6 ziplines through the most incredible sights of the Hajar mountains. With an average speed of 60 kilometres per hour, this is the perfect choice for itinerant flyers who want to take the time to appreciate the scenery.

Jebel Jais Flight

4. Kick back at a beautiful Ras Al Khaimah beach

For those who love to languish in the sun on a beautiful sandy beach, Ras Al Khaimah will provide. Famed world-wide for its golden beaches, the shores here veer between towering dunes and stunning mangrove forests, with some real gems waiting for you to enjoy. Whether you prefer to investigate the emirate’s famous beaches, or simply enjoy the stretch of sand at your chosen Ras Al Khaimah resort, you can be sure you’ll find the perfect place to pick out a sun lounger or take a dip. There’s even some special attractions that you’ll only find on the coast…

Beach at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

5. Uncover the rich history of pearl diving

Here in Ras Al Khaimah, a long and noble history of pearl diving continues to this day, with divers upholding the proud traditions of their forebears and making their living from the sea. In places like the Suwaidi Pearls Farm, you can marvel in this rich tradition, going aboard a pearl diving boat to learn how it’s done. From the importance of the shallow bay and the mangroves to historic fishing techniques, your tour will reveal all…and at the end, you can open your own shells to see what lies within. Admire the nacreous mother-of-pearl sheen inside, and – if you’re lucky – you might take home your very own Arabian pearl. The world, as they say, is your oyster.

Suwaidi Pearl Farm

6. A day-trip to Dhayah Fort

Amidst a lush oasis within the arid mountains, Dhayah Fort stands proud, the only hilltop fort remaining in the UAE. Dating all the way back to the latter part of the Bronze Age, this incredible fortress is on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, with a long past of settlement and battles that will delight any history or culture buffs among you. Even for the views alone, Dhayah Fort is well-worth the visit, with spectacular panoramic vistas of the verdant surroundings all the way down to the sea.

Dhayah Fort

7. Discover the desert in style

From the dunes to the delightful local destinations, the desert of Ras Al Khaimah has so much to offer. Take a Bedouin-inspired journey into the desert’s heart, exploring the history of a culture whose people have been wandering the sands since 3000BC, or visit the Bassata Bedouin Camp to see the way they live today. This rich nomadic tradition is sure to fascinate anyone who wishes to learn about the cultures in Ras Al Khaimah.

The beauty of this desert is alive in every inch of its vast golden expanse, and greatest of all at its heart: the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. In this gorgeous, protected reserve, animals like the oryx, camel, desert fox and even the reclusive desert cat still thrive, living their lives beneath the endless desert skies. In the midst of this splendour sits The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert – a 5* luxury resort that brings an oasis of sublime quality and relaxation to the heart of the desert. If you want a taste of Ras Al Khaimah luxury, with the wildlife and cultures of the desert right at your doorstep, this resort couldn’t be more perfect.

Al Wadi Desert

Book your phenomenal Ras Al Khaimah experience

No matter which activities and unforgettable experiences you choose to fill your stay, there’s no denying that a holiday in Ras Al Khaimah has plenty to offer. Get in touch with us today on 020 7749 9220 and let our travel experts help you pick the perfect resort, or visit Kenwood Travel online to check out our latest offers.