Ras Al Khaimah is a hive for nature, leisure activities and adventure.

Offering the same luxury as its fellow emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while remaining a centre for serenity, you can expect fun-filled days of exploring, relaxing and getting active in glorious sunshine. Stay in an opulent 4-star or 5-star hotel and enjoy having every whim and want catered to, feeling rejuvenated in the comfortable living spaces and exceptional wellness facilities. Across the emirate, you’ll find an outstanding array of activities and attractions, ensuring there’s never a dull moment and everyone makes life-long memories. Whether you're travelling as a family, couple, with friends or solo, you’ll love discovering the beaches, mountain regions and desert dunes that await. The city centre is bursting with a vibrant culture and deep-rooted history that highlights traditions reaching back as far as the Bronze Age. Use this handy first-timer’s guide to find out all about Ras Al Khaimah and book your dream holiday today.

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Blissful Beaches

Nestled in picturesque areas across Ras Al Khaimah are a selection of divine beaches. For families, your number one stop should be Flamingo Beach. Located between the city centre and Al Hamra, you’re in superb proximity to every amenity you could need. The pink-feathered birds that give this spot its name inhabit the nearby mangroves, offering the chance for exciting encounters. More birdlife, including great cormorants, can be found at Jazirah Al Hamra Beach, while Titanic Beach is wonderful for camping and favoured by the locals. Couples will find serenity at the Al Mairid Public Beach as the cabanas are perfect for cosying up and relaxing in the sunshine. For those who like to tee off in beautiful surroundings, the Tower Links Golf Club is not far from here. Get active with some water sports at Al Rams Beach and the shores of Saraya Island. Shallow waters make this a wonderful place to paddle board, snorkel and more.

Majestic Mountains

The Al Hajar mountain range is an iconic part of Ras Al Khaimah’s skyline, with Jebel Jais being the tallest peak in the UAE. Hidden amidst the landscape is a wonderland for adventure-seekers. Feel like a superhero when you soar at speeds on Jais Flight, the longest zipline on Earth. Similarly, Jais Sky Tour is a route of ziplines and platforms built into the mountain tops, with the sky bridge sitting 300m in the air. Jais Ropes Course is a family-friendly floating obstacle course, while you can put your survival skills to the test at the neighbouring Bear Grylls Explorer Camp. If you feel the need for speed, you can hurtle down the mountain on Jais Sledder, gaining speeds of 40mph and feeling an immense rush. Camp 1770 lets you experience the great outdoors at the highest camping point in the UAE. Take in the awe-inspiring views while sitting by the campfire listening to stories.

Desert Dunes

The Arabian desert is synonymous with a holiday to Ras Al Khaimah. Whether it's a day trip or an extended visit, you’re promised never-before-seen wonders. The Al Wadi Equestrian Centre offers horse riding lessons and trekking excursions through the dunes to spot desert foxes, Arabian oryxes and, if you’re lucky, the elusive desert cats. Thrill seekers will love a day of action-packed adventure. Try your hand at sandboarding, dune buggying and quad biking to feel your pulse raise or, for something a little more relaxed, 4X4 jeep safaris and hot air balloon rides are also fun options. Venture into the wilderness for a true Bedouin experience, where you’ll live like a member of a nomadic tribe and camp, camel ride, barbeque and stargaze. The Bassata Desert Village is perfect for a little luxury out in the open, where you’ll find spacious tents, cultural dancing, folkloric music and authentic dishes to sample.

Kaleidoscopic Culture

With traditions and histories blending together to form the modern, thriving Ras Al Khaimah, there’s a whole host of extraordinary and insightful culture to experience. The many museums located across the city detail the extensive history, while you can also visit a souk and tour sites of incredible significance at your leisure. Al Qassimi Palace is a former royal residence that showcases the majestic architecture on display here. Tour the 35 rooms to hear about the myths and paranormal activities that supposedly took place. Situated on its own mountain top is the Dhayah Fort. This amber-coloured building offers incredible views of the emirate. Nestled between the modern city centre and bustling downtown areas are traditional villages that are steeped in secrets. Al Jazeera Al Hamra is the only remaining pearling village in the entire Gulf region, while Khatt Village sits at the foot of the Jebel Jais mountain and boasts hot springs and thermal pools.

Luxury Stays

Being one of the modern emirates of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has luxury seeping from every angle. Al Marjan Island is located in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah and is the city’s first man-made archipelago. Oozing sophistication, you can expect high-quality holidays and dedicated service when you stay in this premier leisure destination. Promoting a more laid-back approach to life, Mina Al Arab is an area that separates you from the bustle of the city centre without taking you miles away. A marina, excellent cafés, aromatic restaurants and boutique shops showcase the authentic Arabian hospitality on offer here. Al Hamra is home to a yacht and sailing club that provide once-in-a-lifetime boat trips as well as a golf course, children’s play area and multi-screen cinema. In all of these areas you can expect luxury beachfront resorts, spas, fitness facilities, swimming pools and unrivalled entertainment.

Best Time To Visit

Ras Al Khaimah is an endless sunshine paradise no matter what time of year you visit. Boasting scintillatingly hot summers and pleasantly warm winters, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to when you can enjoy a holiday to this exceptional emirate. With temperatures stably remaining between 12 and 25℃, we would recommend travelling to Ras Al Khaimah in the months of November to February. Conditions are perfect for exploring the vibrant city, expansive desert and natural wonders. Summer (May to September) sees temperatures rise to average around 40℃, sometimes reaching 45℃. This time of year doesn’t suit everyone, but if you’re seeking a sun-soaked holiday to lounge by the pool or on one of the soft sandy beaches, it’s spectacular. January is the wettest month but the rainfall is by no means a monsoon, so if you don’t mind dodging a few short-lived showers and are searching for a great deal, this may be the best time for you.

“Your first holiday to Ras Al Khaimah won’t disappoint. You’ll be filled with wonder at the unreal surroundings and scenery on offer in this magical emirate, as well as unmatched attractions and cultural hotspots in the city centre.

“A variety of golden sandy beaches means you can choose the perfect spot for you. Soak up some rays with your better half on a secluded and peaceful shore or get active with some thrilling water sports in the Arabian sea. Families will find sun-kissed areas located near all of the attractions of the city centre so your days are full of action.

“Adrenaline-junkies should venture to the Jebel Jais mountain for some epic adventure activities. Soar through the sky on the world’s longest zipline or race against your friends on the Jais Sledder. The Arabian desert is another playground waiting to be explored. Camel riding, dune buggying and sand boarding are sure to get your heart racing!”

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Bordering a private stretch of beach, the 5-star Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a haven for family holidays. Luxury suites boast views of the sea as well as the palm tree-lined swimming pools. Splash around in the on-site aqua park or have a moment of tranquillity in the adult-only infinity pool while children play in the kids club or jungle gym. Wellness is a priority at this hotel, with yoga studios, a fitness centre, spa and an array of water sports available.

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Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Step into tranquility when you stay at the 5-star Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. Take advantage of the all-inclusive benefits on offer and enjoy the culinary delights that await in the restaurants, sip delightful beverages in the bars and nightclub, and relax in the spa. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness centre for those wanting to keep active. Families will love this luxury resort, with a private beach, water sports facilities and aqua zone with water slides.

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Mӧvenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

A taste of luxury island life awaits families, couples and friends at this sublime 5-star resort set right on the beachfront in Ras Al Khaimah. Plush, well-equipped living spaces ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible, while you’ll discover an array of taste sensations in the innovative bars and restaurants. Opportunities for leisure, relaxation and rejuvenation can also be enjoyed, with facilities including swimming pools, a spa, floating water park, wellness hub, kids club and water sports centre.

Check out the Mӧvenpick Resort Al Marjan Island