Live out your holiday dreams in Ras Al Khaimah, where sensational year-round sunshine ensures never-ending bliss, with opportunities for adventure and relaxation on tap.

Described as “The Nature Emirate” by locals, this not only refers to the unrivalled beauty on display but also the destination’s rich history of pearl fishing. As nature and culture are a huge part of Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal, a “green team” works hard to ensure the emirate is eco-friendly and sustainable, conserving natural and archaeological wonders to be enjoyed for years to come. With so much to discover, you’ll want to fill your itinerary with days soaking up the sun on immaculate beaches, embracing epic outdoor activities in the desert or mountains, discovering ancient treasures and finding calm moments in nature. Everything you need to inspire your holiday can be found right here in this 5-day guide.

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Day 1 - Get To Know Ras Al Khaimah

Capture the real Ras Al Khaimah by visiting some of its most famous and long-standing attractions. Take a stroll along the three-kilometre Corniche Al Qawasim, a beautiful waterfront promenade, where you’ll find cafes, restaurants, playgrounds and water sports. As well as being a great destination for families, there’s also plenty of room for cyclists and joggers on the spacious walkway. Travel back in time at the National Museum, the building itself once being a former fort. Learn how Ras Al Khaimah is one of the longest-settled places in the world, with excavations proving civilization has existed in this area since 5,000 BC. Taste authentic Emirati cuisine by sampling traditional dishes like manakish, fattoush and shawarma. From bustling street stalls to high-class restaurants, you’ll find the perfect spot for a delicious dining experience.

Day 2 - Embrace New Adventures

Follow in the footsteps of your fellow thrill-seekers and immerse yourself in out-of-this-world action-packed activities. The Jebel Jais Mountains offer unlimited family fun or adrenaline-raising solo adventures. Soar on Jais Flight, the longest zipline on the planet, gaining speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour. Zoom round corners, drifting over cliffs and into canyons on Jais Sledder. This white-knuckle ride can race at up to 40 kmph, with epic winds whipping against you. Or if you’re feeling up to a challenge, enrol in a Bear Grylls Explorer Camp course. With varying levels of difficulty for families or seasoned outdoor-enthusiasts, you can sleep in a log cabin and test your skills in rock climbing, hiking and abseiling. Pitch a tent at Camp 1770, the highest site in the UAE. With incredible views of the Arabian Sea, you won't want to leave this authentic Bedouin spot.

Day 3 - Hit The Beach

Soak up glorious rays with a day at one of Ras Al Khaimah’s many scintillating beaches. Flamingo Beach is the perfect sun trap for tanning addicts who seek their perfect shade. Named after the birds that inhabit the nearby mangroves of Mina Al Arab, you’ll find immaculate golden sands and turquoise waters, while swimming and water sports are in high demand here. Shallow shores mean parents can have a relaxing day while their children frolic in the waves.

Day 4 - Seek Out The Local Wildlife

With a myriad of endemic species, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect holiday destination for nature-lovers. A specialised “green team” works to protect endangered animals, with the vulnerable species beginning to regain their numbers. The Al Wadi Nature Reserve is a protected desert area covering 1,235 acres. Here, visitors can enjoy nature drives, bird-watching and stargazing beside Arabian oryxes, Arabian foxes and sand gazelles. The crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf offer incredible opportunities for snorkelling. Adorn your gear and swim alongside the likes of Hawksbill turtles, parrot fish and black-tip sharks. Coastal mangroves provide sanctuary to numerous flora and fauna not seen anywhere else. Kayak, cycle or trek through the tropical forests.

Day 5 - Discover Authentic Ras Al Khaimah

Authentic Arabian culture oozes from Ras Al Khaimah because of its vibrant and extensive history. Visit the abandoned town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, where you’ll find white-stoned houses, a fort, watchtowers and a mosque. Climb up 239 zig-zagging steps to the only remaining hilltop fort in the UAE, Dhayah. A golden, castle-like structure remains from a Late Bronze Age settlement and provides sensational views into neighbouring Oman. See local life in action when you visit the Kuwaiti Souk. This is the perfect place to shop traditional gifts and practise your bargaining skills. Dive into the waters of the Suwaidi Pearl Farm looking for oysters. Open them in hopes of finding a pearl in this activity originating from the 12th-Century.

Best Time To Visit

With enjoyable sunshine all year round, little rainfall, hot summers and warm winters, Ras Al Khaimah is the whole package for a destination holiday. The best time to visit is in the winter season of November to February. Temperatures at this time of year are at a pleasant 12 to 25℃, creating optimum conditions for exploration and high-energy activities, like the epic Jais Flight and Jais Sledder. In summer, temperatures can rise as high as 45℃. This is great for laying beside the pool or on one of the golden beaches, with quick dips in the water and shade to keep you cool. However, visitors should be careful, as issues can arise if they aren’t used to heat like this. Tourism peaks between the months of October to May as this offers the perfect mix between the summer and winter seasons when the weather is warm but not too hot. Air conditioning is always available in public spaces should you find the heat a little overwhelming.

“Ras Al Khaimah is the gem at the tip of the UAE. A place of jaw-dropping beauty and rich history, you’ll find plenty here to fill your itinerary, even if you’re only visiting for a few days.

“Offering refinement and quiet-luxury, this dream destination mixes the opulence you associate with the United Arab Emirates with a rich, interesting heritage and a perseverance from its locals to ensure their culture and natural world continues to flourish.

“If you’re looking for unparalleled outdoor adventure, exquisite beaches, cloud-touching mountains and serene national parks, Ras Al Khaimah is the place for you. Whether it's a family holiday, couples retreat or solo trip, you’ll find it in bundles here.

“Taste authentic Emirati cuisine in this hive of culture. Recipes crafted over multiple generations are yours to enjoy. With fine-dining restaurants, street stalls, and beachfront bistros, you’ll go home with a new found appreciation for this mouth-watering food.”

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Immerse yourself in Arabian charm during a luxury holiday at this immaculate 5-star resort. Here you’ll enjoy a divine mix of fun, relaxation and indulgence on the pristine shores of Marjan Island. Every day promises something different, with new experiences waiting to be enjoyed. Rest easy in your room or suite, and dine in style with an assortment of superb restaurants to choose from. You’ll also find swimming pools, spa facilities, entertainment, sports activities and clubs for children and teenagers.

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Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

Discover a 5-star beachfront paradise surrounded by mangroves during a wondrous Ras Al Khaimah holiday. This haven of peace and serenity welcomes couples, families and friends to escape their cares and relax in harmony with nature. Everything needed for a blissful stay awaits, with the sumptuous accommodation provided including Ras Al Khaimah’s first overwater villas. Global culinary delights can also be savoured, while other sublime features include a swimming pool, water sports, a spa, gym and kids’ and teens’ clubs.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

A world of comfort, style and luxury awaits on Ras Al Khaimah’s glorious Marjan island at this magnificent 5-star sanctuary. Here you’ll be wowed by the 65-metre private beach and exceptional leisure features, which include swimming pools, a spa, gym and Pirate Boat Aqua Zone for children. A choice of exquisite restaurants provide plenty of mealtime options, while you can unwind and socialise in the superb bars, lounges and a nightclub. Factor in the elegant accommodation, and you have everything you need for a magical holiday.

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Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah

Enjoy a taste of luxurious beach living with a sensational holiday at this splendid family-friendly resort, set right beside golden sands and inviting Arabian Gulf waters. Plush accommodation ensures a relaxing and rejuvenating stay, while you’ll discover irresistible flavours from all around the world in the enticing dining destinations. Other key features to enhance your holiday include swimming pools, a spa, a sports club, Rixy Kids Club, a teens club and a host of stylish bars and laid-back lounges.

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