Ras Al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates)
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the larger United Arab Emirates, a quieter, greener and more dramatic emirate where the beach, the desert and the mountains sit within an hour of each other.
Its signature thrill is Jais Flight, a zipline of 2.83 kilometres launched from Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the country, and the same mountain offers viewing decks, hiking trails and cool air when the coast is hot. Below it, red dunes roll toward the Hajar foothills, with desert camps, balloon flights, quad bikes and sandboarding on offer. History is close at hand too: Dhayah Fort crowns a hill above the date groves, and the abandoned pearling village of Jazirat Al Hamra still stands beside the sea. On the coast, the resort islands of Al Marjan and the beaches of Al Hamra, Al Mairid and Mina Al Arab give you everything from family water parks to quiet luxury. Beyond the emirate, day trips reach Fujairah and the Musandam fjords. This guide shows you what to book, how many days you need, when to go and where to stay.
Jais Flight: The Longest Zipline in the World
Fly face-down for almost three kilometres from a ridge high on Jebel Jais, hitting speeds of up to 150 km/h above the Hajar Mountains. The headline adventure of Ras Al Khaimah and the reason many people come.
Ras Al Khaimah Red Dunes Desert Safari with BBQ
Dune drives over rust-red sand, a camel ride, sandboarding and a barbecue dinner at a desert camp under the stars. A classic evening out in the quieter northern emirate.
Ras Al Khaimah Sunrise Balloon Flight
A guided hot air balloon flight of around an hour at dawn, drifting over dunes, the Hajar foothills and the coast with transfers included. Quiet, graceful and unforgettable.
Dhayah Fort
A hilltop fort of mud brick and stone above date groves, reached by a zigzag staircase, with sweeping views to the sea and the mountains. Free to visit and the emirate's best-known heritage site.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Fly face-down for almost three kilometres from a ridge high on Jebel Jais, hitting speeds of up to 150 km/h above the Hajar Mountains. The headline adventure of Ras Al Khaimah and the reason many people come.
A circuit of six ziplines covering about five kilometres across the ridges and valleys of Jebel Jais, with walking sections between lines. A longer, more varied day on the mountain than a single flight.
A guided drive up the winding road to the highest peak in the Emirates, with stops at viewpoints, cooler air and wide Hajar Mountain scenery. The easy way to see Jebel Jais without a zipline harness.
Dune drives over rust-red sand, a camel ride, sandboarding and a barbecue dinner at a desert camp under the stars. A classic evening out in the quieter northern emirate.
A shorter, more active outing to the red dunes focused on sandboarding and a camel ride, with scenic photo stops and no late night. A good fit for travellers who prefer daytime adventure.
A desert dinner at an oasis-style camp with Arabic hospitality, music and a quiet setting under the stars. A gentler alternative to a full dune-bashing safari.
Sleep in a tent in the Ras Al Khaimah desert, with dinner, a campfire, stargazing and a quiet sunrise. A simple way to spend a night away from hotels.
A guided hot air balloon flight of around an hour at dawn, drifting over dunes, the Hajar foothills and the coast with transfers included. Quiet, graceful and unforgettable.
A twenty-minute aerobatic flight with loops, rolls and high-G manoeuvres in a light aircraft, flown by a professional pilot above the coast and desert.
An open-air flight in a microlight aircraft with a pilot, with wide views of dunes, mountains and sea. One of the most direct ways to see Ras Al Khaimah from above.
Drive your own buggy over the dunes on a guided trip, with options for two or four seats. A hands-on way to enjoy the red sand.
A guided quad bike ride across the sand and gravel tracks near Ras Al Khaimah, with return transfer included. Power, dust and a lot of grins.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Al Hamra Village
A luxury beachfront resort at Al Hamra Village with a private beach, three pools, a choice of restaurants and a kids club, close to the golf club, marina and the old pearling village.
Check rates →Al Hamra Village
A beachfront Sofitel resort in Al Hamra Village with a kids club, an all-inclusive package option and highly rated stays, near the marina and the old village.
Check rates →Al Marjan Island
A large all-inclusive beach resort on Al Marjan Island with six outdoor pools, a full-service spa, children's clubs and water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing.
Check rates →Al Mairid
A beachfront Rixos resort at Al Mairid with a private beach, six outdoor pools, a spa and non-motorised water sports, on a quieter stretch of coast.
Check rates →Al Marjan Island
A family-focused resort on Al Marjan Island with a private beach on a long shoreline, a floating water park, a kids club, a 24-hour gym and a games area.
Check rates →Al Marjan Island
A beachfront resort on Al Marjan Island with a private beach, a Turkish bath spa, a shaded kids pool, a children's club, a rooftop terrace and an arcade.
Check rates →Al Marjan Island
A relaxed, family-friendly Hilton hotel on Al Marjan Island with a pool, spa and beach access, a good value way to stay on the resort island.
Check rates →Al Marjan Island
A modern, compact and stylish hotel on Al Marjan Island that prizes value, with highly rated stays and a casual, self-service approach.
Check rates →Al Dhait South
A beachfront resort with a private beach, three outdoor pools, a spa, beach cabanas, a children's club and 24-hour room service.
Check rates →Mina Al Arab
A polished beachfront resort at Mina Al Arab with a private beach, plunge pools, a kids club and a spa, in a waterfront development.
Check rates →Al Riffa and Mina Al Arab
A highly rated Anantara resort in the Mina Al Arab area, with Arabian-inspired design, a waterside setting and the brand's focus on wellness and service.
Check rates →Al Marjan Island
A beachfront resort on Al Marjan Island with an outdoor pool by the sea, a spa, a poolside bar, a children's club, a playground and water sports.
Check rates →Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Jais Flight: The Longest Zipline in the WorldStay
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al KhaimahAl Hamra Village
Do
Ras Al Khaimah Red Dunes Desert Safari with BBQStay
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah ResortAl Riffa and Mina Al Arab
Do
Ras Al Khaimah Sunrise Balloon FlightStay
Sofitel Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach ResortAl Hamra Village
A practical primer for a first visit to Ras Al Khaimah: how the emirate is laid out, what to book ahead, how many days you need, and how to combine beach, mountain, desert and heritage.
How to choose between Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village, Mina Al Arab and Al Mairid for your Ras Al Khaimah hotel, with notes on budget, families, couples and getting around.
A three-day Ras Al Khaimah itinerary that balances the mountains, the red dunes, the forts and old villages and time on the beach, with timings, tips and options for families and couples.
When to go to Ras Al Khaimah: why October to April is the main season, what summer is like, how the mountains stay cooler, and how to plan around holidays and Ramadan.
Everything about the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah: how to choose between Jais Flight and the Sky Tour, where to watch the sunset, which hikes to try and how to plan a mountain day.
How to explore beyond the beach: red dune safaris and Bedouin camps, Dhayah Fort and the pearling village, and day trips to Fujairah, Khor Fakkan and Khasab in Musandam.
