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Take an easy drive north of Dubai, through the sand dunes towards the majestic Al Hajar Mountains and you’ll reach the peaceful desert oasis of Ras al Khaimah. Relaxing, authentic and fun, Dubai’s chilled out neighbour, is rapidly becoming a top choice for families looking for an alternative holiday destination. Here’s why:
With year-round hot and sunny weather, Ras al Khaimah (also known as RAK) has a multitude of fun family activities based in the water. Whizz through the sapphire sea on a jet ski, hold on tight as you fly the banana ride, or slow it down to gently explore the area by pedalo. Aqua-loving families can find all the latest water sports on the shores of RAK’s Marjan Island.
Another favourite for a super-fun watery day out for all ages is the Iceland Water Park. With adrenaline fuelled slides, a massive beach, exciting wave pool and an area especially for kids, everyone is set to have a great time. Who knew that penguins could have so much fun in the desert?
Ras al Khaimah is unique in the UAE for having fantastic family-friendly attractions that allow you to discover the rich culture and history of this part of the world. Take time to visit the 16th Century Dhayah Fort, or experience long-established Arabic activities at the Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp. At Ras al Khaimah’s National Musuem you’ll get a fascinating insight into the traditions and lifestyle of the emirate.
Spend an afternoon wandering the souks of the old town where you’ll find authentic souvenirs amongst the aromas of Arabian spices. For all the bright lights and skyscrapers of Dubai, it can be surprisingly difficult to find any local cuisine. RAK has a tasty selection of restaurants and market stalls serving traditional dishes, from Balaleet to Chbaab (pancakes). Don’t miss the sweet honey cake for a mouth-watering treat, that will make even youngsters want to go back for more.
The Sea Wings adventure offers a once in a lifetime family experience. A luxury seaplane will sweep you into the sky to see breath-taking views of the turquoise waters below, the mountains and the terracotta expanse of the desert. Kids go free on Sea Wings during the summer of 2017, so it’s even easier for you to give them memories they’ll never forget.
One of the charms of Ras al Khaimah is the peaceful-vibe, that makes for a truly restful holiday. RAK is not as built up as Dubai, so there’s less people and less cars. Beaches aren’t crowded so you’re sure to find a tranquil spot to spend time together and chill out while you’re away. It’s getting more popular every year though, so it’s worth visiting soon - this rare bit of tranquillity may not last forever!
The growing number of world class luxury hotels in Ras al Khaimah offer the ultimate in comfort and opulence, perfectly complimented by RAK’s relaxed ambience. Immense swimming pools, lavish décor and soft-sand private beaches are just the start of what you can expect. Many of these hotels have the fantastic addition of a kids’ club, where youngsters of any age can enjoy games and adventures of their own. This allows you to balance quality family time with some blissful space for yourself.
It’s no secret that the glitz and glam of Dubai can be a little hard on your wallet. Well, the great news is that Ras al Khaimah is significantly cheaper than its neighbour. There’s some seriously good deals on luxury hotels that leave you more cash to spend on having a great time during your holiday. Happily, when you get there, it’s cheaper too! Prices in restaurants, for activities and taxis are up to 20% cheaper, so you can afford to stay longer. Perfect for your family budget!
And there’s more...!
This summer, kids go FREE in Ras al Khaimah’s top hotels and get FREE entry to a whole host of super-fun activities when you’re there.
Find out more about Ras al Khaimah holidays and book your 4 or 5-star hotel today.
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