Ras Al Khaimah is quite possibly the UAE’s best-kept secret. While its convenient proximity to the metropolis of Dubai boosts the city’s tourism, the Emirate demands the awe of travellers with its own unique charm as the place where terracotta dunes meet lush, green oases and global heritage sites mix seamlessly with opulent hotels and thrilling attractions.
Ras Al Khaimah is even pioneering sustainable tourism in the UAE with its progressive ‘balanced tourism’ strategy, which is underpinned by four key areas of sustainability (environment, culture, conservation and liveability) as it strives to become the region’s leader in sustainable tourism by the year 2025.
With the perfect blend of thrilling attractions, rich cultural and historical roots and extravagant hotels, Ras Al Khaimah bounds with adventure and is sure to delight anyone lucky enough to visit.
As the highest mountain peak in the Hajar mountain range, Jebel Jais is magisterial in stature at 1934 metres above sea level. Jebel Jais offers a cooler haven to other popular landmarks in the region, making it an ideal location for some of the most exciting adventures in the country. A pilgrimage for the most thrill-seeking of travellers, the Jais Flight is not to be missed as the world’s longest zipline – reaching dizzying speeds of up to 93mph!
A great option for families, the Jais Sledder is an exhilarating ride and one of the best ways to appreciate the panoramic views from above. For those who like to enjoy themselves at a slower speed, the Hajar Mountains provide a choice of trails for hiking. Visitors can take in the breathtaking vistas from the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park while enjoying temperatures ten degrees cooler than the rest of the country.
Ras Al Khaimah’s historical roots are buried deep beneath its desert dunes, and those travellers with refined cultural sensibilities will be able to visit the city’s global heritage sites, including the Dhayah Fort – the site of the last battle between the British and local tribes.
Dhayah Fort is the most visited archaeological site in the Emirate and is a prime example of heritage site conservation. This 16th century mud-brick fort is the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE and offers a fantastic view of the lush palm gardens, the sea and the dramatic mountain range.
Over 5000 years ago, the Bedouins roamed the vast terracotta expanses of the Arabian desert. Yet, although the imprints of those nomadic Arabian tribes have long disappeared with the ever-changing desert landscapes, the Bedouins have left behind an indelible imprint on Ras Al Khaimah culture. The Bedouins had many great traditions which they still practice to this day and visitors to Ras Al Khaimah can attend festivals in celebration of these – traditional stick dances, belly dancing and Bedouin poetry are among the celebrations on offer.
But when visiting Ras Al Khaimah, nothing epitomises the spirit of Arabian adventure quite like dune bashing. Dune bashing is the high-octane activity which allows visitors to roar through the soft desert sand dunes on a 4×4, sand buggy or quad bike. Visitors can also enjoy horse-riding lessons and horseback walks through the desert and become acquainted with ancient Bedouin ways in Bedouin-inspired camps. Ras Al Khaimah promises something for everyone when visiting the desert dunes – adventure is as guaranteed as the sunshine in Ras Al Khaimah!
If year-round sunshine, rolling sand dunes, rugged mountain ranges and ancient history isn’t impressive enough, Ras Al Khaimah has lush mangrove coastlines to add to its repertoire. Mangrove trees are nature’s veritable utility men: their carbon sequestering abilities make them a top choice for carbon offsetting and they protect shores from flooding and coastal erosion. The humble mangrove also acts as a nursery for thousands of smaller sea-life to grow safe from larger predators.
The mangroves create vital ecosystems and in Ras Al Khaimah a trip to the mangroves gives intrepid explorers the opportunity to marvel at nature by kayak or paddleboard. A fan favourite, the pink flamingo can be found here in abundance along with heron, kingfishers and spotted eagles, to name but a few. Experienced guides allow adventurers to get the best out of Ras Al Khaimah’s mangrove coastline.
Pearl diving has had a huge place in the shaping of the United Arab Emirates and is a testament to Ras Al Khaimah’s indomitable history in particular. A booming industry in centuries gone by, pearl diving provided the UAE with real economic growth and was one of the principal jobs for Emiratis.
Today, the Suwaidi Pearls Farm tour takes visitors on a journey through the history of Ras Al Khaimah’s pearl fishing past. The tour begins by taking you on a boat from the original fishing village in Al Rams upon which you will hear the magical tales of the courageous pearl divers and the techniques they used. The tour then arrives in the present day at the Suwaidi Pearl farmhouse which details the innovative scientific methods of modern-day pearl farming and culminates in visitors opening their oysters to find out if they have beat the 1 in 10,000 odds of having a pearl inside!
The Ritz-Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach draws inspiration from the rejuvenating beauty of the Al Hamra beach it borders with luxurious Arabian-inspired tented villas and relaxing surroundings. 24-hour in-villa dining options make sure that guests can slow right down to the place of the calm waters while an experience concierge awaits those looking to trial the myriad activities on offer.
For an unforgettable twin centre experience with the Ritz Carlton Rays Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, please enquire with us for prices and availability.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights in a Bahar Tented Beach Pool Villa
- Half board
- Return flights with Emirates
- Private transfers
- Saving up to 20% on accommodation
From £2,789 per person
Valid for stays from 10 Sep – 10 Dec 2022, prices based on 31 Oct 2022 and are correct at time of publishing. Must be booked by 10 Oct 2022.
At Rixos Bab Al Bahr, guests can virtually step out of their stylish their rooms onto the flawless white sand in this Ultra All Inclusive five star hotel on Marjan Island. With a choice of 13 restaurants, nightlife and spas for the adults along with plenty to keep the kids happy, Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a real crowd pleaser.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights in a Deluxe Room Garden View Double
- All Inclusive
- Return flights with British Airways
- Private transfers
- Saving up to 20% on accommodation
From £1,749 per person
Valid for stays from 10 Sep – 10 Dec 2022, prices based on 3 Oct 2022 and are correct at time of publishing. Must be booked by 10 Oct 2022. *Glasgow & Birmingham with EMirates.
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is the luxury beachfront resort surrounded by desert, mountains and sea. Designed to inspire a palatial atmosphere, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah ensures elegant finishes and first-class service deliver a truly luxurious stay.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights in a King Junior Suite Sea View
- Breakfast daily
- Return flights with British Airways
- Private transfers
- Saving 10% on accommodation
From £2,079 per person
Valid for stays from 30 Sep 2022 – 31 Oct 2023 (black out dates apply), prices based on 8 Nov 2022 and are correct at time of publishing. Must be booked by 31 Oct 2022. *Glasgow & Manchester with Emirates.