Ras Al Khaimah: a first-timer's guide to the UAE's mountain emirate

Why visit Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, often called RAK, has more history and more landscape than its size suggests. Archaeologists have traced settlement here back seven thousand years, and the town of Julfar was a famous port in the medieval Gulf. Today it mixes beach resorts on Marjan Island and Al Hamra with mountain adventure and quiet heritage sites. In winter, temperatures on Jebel Jais can be strikingly cool, sometimes near freezing at night.

Jebel Jais

A superb road climbs Jebel Jais through bare rock and switchbacks to viewing decks near the summit. Jais Adventure Park runs the Jais Flight, one of the longest ziplines in the world, along with the Jais Sky Tour and the Jais Sledder, a mountain coaster. There are marked hiking trails, a viewing deck park, and restaurants including one near the summit with wide views. Book adventure activities ahead, and check weather closures; activities stop in high wind.

Heritage and history

Dhayah Fort, on a hilltop above date palms near the coast, is the only hilltop fort in the UAE, and the climb rewards you with views over the mangroves to the mountains. Jazirat Al Hamra is an abandoned pearling and fishing village of coral stone houses, a mosque and a fort, slowly being restored as a heritage area; it is atmospheric at golden hour. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, in a former ruler's fort in the old town, has been undergoing restoration, so check if it is open.

Beaches and the coast

Marjan Island and Al Hamra have resort beaches with calm water, while public beaches like Flamingo Beach are good for a simple swim. The Al Qurm mangroves are home to herons and flamingos, and you can kayak through them. Suwaidi Pearls, a pearl farm reached by boat from Al Rams, explains how pearls are cultivated and lets you open an oyster yourself.

Hiking and the mountains

The Hajar mountains around RAK have some of the best trails in the country, from short wadi walks to full day ridge routes on Jebel Jais. Hike only in the cool months, start early, carry plenty of water and tell someone your route. Flash floods can fill wadis after rain, even when the sky above you is clear.

Onward to the east coast

From RAK, the mountain roads lead on to Fujairah and the east coast, where the Gulf of Oman offers snorkelling around Snoopy Island near Dibba, Al Bidyah, the oldest mosque in the country, and Fujairah Fort. Many visitors make a loop through the mountains to the east coast and back to Dubai.

Where to stay

Marjan Island and Al Hamra are the main resort areas, with all inclusive and family friendly options. In the mountains, a lodge and glamping options near Jebel Jais offer cool nights. RAK city has simpler mid-range hotels.

Getting there and around

RAK has a small international airport with flights from some regional and European cities. Most visitors come by road from Dubai in about an hour, by taxi, tour or intercity bus. Once there, taxis and ride hailing are the easiest way to move between beaches, forts and the mountain.

Before you go

Bring a warm layer for Jebel Jais in winter, and sun protection for everything else. Use the free trip planner to fit RAK in with Dubai and the east coast.