Ras Al Khaimah is a dream come true for thrill-seeking families yearning for a magnificent feast of fun in the sun-blitzed Arabian Gulf.

This spellbinding escape is a treasure trove of excitement and pleasure, with everything from high-speed action on the world’s longest zipline to amazing adventures in the enchanting desert. A winning combination of exhilarating outdoor experiences, fun-filled activities and fascinating attractions will ensure there’s never a dull moment for families in awe-inspiring Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost of the seven United Arab Emirates. Stunning sandy beaches, incredible wildlife, water sports galore and luxury family-friendly hotels are among the delights which await. Enthralling trips and excursions, cultural discoveries and mountain range escapades add to the enjoyment in this magical getaway. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top attractions which help make Ras Al Khaimah an absolute holiday heaven for families.

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Thrilling Activities

Ras Al Khaimah is brimming with fantastic family activities. Jais Flight is an incredible zipline attraction where you’ll soar at speeds of up to 160mph over towering peaks and deep ravines at Jebel Jais, the tallest mountain in the Hajar range. Other delights nearby include the Jais Sledder where you’ll whizz down the mountainside at 40mph in a toboggan-like vehicle, and Jais Sky Tour, a complex route of six ziplines. Bear Grylls Explorer Camp is the place to test your survival skills, with a tailor-made course for families. The desert also offers hours of pleasure, with dune-bashing buggy safaris, camel rides, hot air balloon trips and nights under canvas in a traditional Bedouin camp among a myriad of exciting experiences. Other activities on offer include horse-riding, kayaking and mountain biking

Sun-Drenched Beaches

This mesmerising destination has a multitude of pristine sandy beaches along more than 60kms of coastline. This beach lover’s paradise will wow you with its swaying palms, glistening waters and glorious sunsets. You’ll discover beautiful public sandy expanses, including Flamingo Beach, while many of the emirate’s luxury hotels have their own private stretches of powdery white sands. Grown ups can chill out and catch some rays with a good book and a refreshing cocktail, while the little ones can enjoy a variety of beach games. You’ll also find an array of lively water sports on offer, including jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, flyboarding, wakeboarding and windsurfing.

Fascinating Attractions

Ras Al Khaimah boasts a plethora of sensational family-friendly attractions. The Suwaidi Pearls Farm in Al Rams offers an insight into the pearl fishing history of the emirate. You’ll crack open oysters in the search for a pearl on a traditional pearling boat and maybe even get the chance to dive for one. The imposing Hajar Mountains are worth a visit, and Kuwait Souk and Old Souk offer the chance to try out your bartering skills. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, the 19th century Dhayah Fort and Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque let you delve into the emirate’s rich history, while the abandoned town of Al Jazeera Al Hamra offers a captivating glimpse of yesteryear.

Exceptional Cuisine

From sweet or savoury treats in traditional street food stalls, to gourmet fare in fine dining restaurants, you’ll have no trouble finding something to tantalise your taste buds in Ras Al Khaimah. The bustling souks are home to tasty local produce and you’ll discover superb food courts in shopping malls including Al Hamra Mall and Manar Mall. The emirate’s opulent hotels feature their own top-class dining venues, with lots featuring special menus for children, and the city boasts many wonderful restaurants where you’ll find cuisines from around the globe. Popular local dishes include Jashid, Thareed, Fattoush, Samak and Mhammar, while much-loved traditional drinks include Arabic coffee, karak and laban. For the ultimate 'high tea', head to 1484 by Puro in Ras Al Khaimah, the highest restaurant in the UAE, which is perched 1,484 metres high above sea level in the Jebel Jais mountain.

Luxury Hotels

There’s no shortage of magnificent 5-star family-friendly hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, with each one providing you with the opportunity to live the good life, surrounded by superb dining, leisure and entertainment amenities. Huge swimming pools and lazy rivers, lively clubs for kids and teens, mini water parks, games rooms and playgrounds are among the delights which ensure hours of thrills and spills for young guests. Many of the emirate’s fabulous hotels also have their own private beaches where families can enjoy some serious fun on the sands, with even more action awaiting in the inviting Arabian Gulf waters. Wonderful amenities you’ll discover in these imposing havens of pleasure include state-of-the-art fitness centres, live entertainment venues, world-class restaurants, sumptuous spas and lavish accommodation. Some also have superb all-inclusive programmes, allowing you to savour a completely carefree holiday experience.

Ras Al Khaimah's has year-round sunshine, with a desert climate that brings hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures are appealing and comfortable between November and February when conditions are perfect for lazing by the pool, having fun on the beach, taking to the gulf for water sports action or heading out to explore the emirate’s amazing attractions. The mercury can rise to 45°C in the summer months, but Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels, malls, restaurants and main indoor attractions are all air conditioned. If you visit during this time it’s essential to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and make sure you protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Average temperatures are 29°C to 43°C in July and 12°C to 25°C in January. This magnificent Arabian Gulf destination has very little rainfall, with occasional precipitation and thunderstorms in the winter months.

"Ras Al Khaimah ticks all the boxes when it comes to providing everything needed for a fantastic family holiday, with plenty of that much sought after combination of sun, sea and sand.

“There’s so much to see and do in the great outdoors that your only challenge will be trying to fit it all in. It can get very hot in Ras Al Khaimah, so families should have an adequate supply of sunscreen to hand.

“There are plenty of fun-filled attractions such as water parks, zoos and amusement parks, while the fascinating museums and old forts give families a fascinating insight into the area’s history.

“A trip to the rolling desert is highly recommended, with the chance to ride on a camel across the sands, and Jebel Jais is certainly worth checking out, with its range of incredible attractions, including a daredevil zipline.”

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

A magical family holiday experience awaits at this 5-star beachfront retreat on the sun-kissed shores of the Arabian Gulf. The little ones will enjoy hours of fun in the Starfish Adventure Children’s club, a well-equipped gym is the place to keep in shape and a luxurious spa offers the chance for some indulgent holiday pampering. Lavish accommodation, gourmet dining venues, a sparkling swimming pool, a private beach and water sports thrills are among the other delights you’ll discover.

Check out the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort

It’s luxury and style all the way at this opulent family beach resort where a myriad of amenities for children includes indoor and outdoor playgrounds, kids and teens clubs, video games stations, 7 swimming pools, including a saltwater pool, and twisting water slides. Immaculately-appointed accommodation, imposing dining venues, a beautiful 1.5 km private beach, a cutting-edge gym and a plush spa are among the amenities which will ensure your holiday in the invigorating sunshine is an unforgettable experience.

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InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa

Live the dream at this charming family-friendly haven of 5-star luxury, which is nestled beside a private beach on the sun-drenched shores of Hayat Island. You’ll spend heavenly nights in elegant accommodation and savour gastronomic delights in a choice of top-class dining venues. Fun-filled clubs for kids and teens, a relaxing spa, an ultra-modern gym, a tennis court, beach cabanas, an infinity pool and hammam are among the excellent amenities you’ll discover.

Check out the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa