--- title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates | Wimup" description: "The 10 best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah: Jebel Jais and its zipline, Dhayah Fort, the ghost town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, the mangroves and a pearl farm." url: https://wimup.com/city/ras-al-khaimah type: City guide updated: 2026-10-23 publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com) --- # Top 10 Things To Do in Ras Al Khaimah Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates · Asia · By Wimup Editorial, 10 min read Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven emirates, about an hour up the coast from Dubai. It has what Dubai lacks: the country's highest mountain, real forts, a ghost pearling town and long beaches without the crowds. Come between November and March. ## Quick answer Drive the hairpins up Jebel Jais in the morning, when the mountain is ten degrees cooler than the coast, and fly the Jais Flight zipline if you have booked it. Climb Dhayah Fort in the late afternoon, walk the coral-stone lanes of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, see the National Museum in the old town, paddle the mangroves at dusk, and keep a day for the beach on Al Marjan Island. ## Quick facts - **Best months:** Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar - **Ideal length:** 2–3 days - **Budget per day:** $90–200 - **Language:** Arabic; English widely spoken - **Getting around:** Car hire, taxis & RAKbus - **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## The 10 best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah ### 1. Drive up Jebel Jais Mountain · Jebel Jais Road, Ras Al Khaimah The UAE's highest ground, reached by a road of hairpins climbing out of the Hajar foothills to a viewing deck park and a welcome centre near the top. Drive up early and stop at the switchback lay-bys on the way down for the clearest light. - **Time:** Half a day - **Cost:** Free road - **Best at:** Early morning - **Tip:** Bring a layer in winter Links: [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 2. Fly the Jais Flight zipline Adventure · Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah Billed as the world's longest zipline, 2.83 km at about 1,680 metres, flown face down at speeds of up to 160 km/h. Tickets sell online only and the slots fill at weekends, so book before you drive up. - **Time:** 2–3 hrs - **Cost:** Paid, book online - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Weight and height limits apply Links: [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/play?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 3. Visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah Museum · Al Hisn Road, Old Town, Ras Al Khaimah The former fort and home of the ruling Al Qasimi family, rebuilt in coral stone and opened as a museum in 1987. Archaeology from Julfar and Shimal sits beside pearling gear and the old wind tower, so come before the forts. - **Time:** 1–2 hrs - **Cost:** Small fee - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Check hours before going Links: [Website](https://rakheritage.rak.ae/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 4. Climb Dhayah Fort Fort · Dhayah, north of Ras Al Khaimah city A 19th-century fort on a hilltop above the date gardens, and the site of the 1819 battle between British troops and the Qawasim. The climb is a couple of hundred steep steps with no shade, so go in the last hour of daylight. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Late afternoon - **Tip:** No lighting after dark Links: [Website](https://rakheritage.rak.ae/dhayah-fort/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 5. Walk Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage · Al Jazirah Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah A coral-stone pearling town abandoned in the early 1970s, now conserved, with houses, mosques and a fort standing empty by the sea. Walk it in the cool of the morning, or come in January and February for the RAK Art festival. - **Time:** 1–2 hrs - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Stay out of unsafe ruins ### 6. Take a boat to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm Experience · Al Rams Marina, Ras Al Khaimah A working cultured pearl farm on a floating platform, reached by a 20-minute boat ride through the mangroves off Al Rams. The guides open live oysters in front of you, so book a morning tour and keep the pearl you find. - **Time:** About 2 hrs - **Cost:** Paid tour - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Board at Al Rams pier Links: [Website](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/activities/suwaidi-pearls/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 7. Kayak the mangroves Nature · Corniche Al Qawasim, Ras Al Khaimah The mangroves around the creek and the corniche hold herons and crabs a few minutes from the old town. Guided tours launch from the water frontage near Al Naeem Mall; go at dusk, when the light is low and the water flat. - **Time:** 2–3 hrs - **Cost:** Paid tour - **Best at:** Sunset - **Tip:** Wear a hat and sunscreen Links: [Website](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/blog/mangrove-kayaking-in-ras-al-khaimah-all-you-need-to-know?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 8. Spend a beach day on Al Marjan Island Beach · Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah Four reclaimed coral-shaped islands with about 7.8 km of beach between the resorts, plus a public corniche with parks and food trucks. Swim in the morning before the wind picks up; Wynn's casino resort is due here in September 2027. - **Time:** Half a day - **Cost:** Free public beach - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Resort day passes vary ### 9. Hike Wadi Shawka Nature · Shawka Dam, Ras Al Khaimah Marked trails climb from the Shawka dam into the Hajar Mountains, with a cement staircase up to a viewpoint and paths down to rock pools after rain. Start at first light and carry more water than you think you need. - **Time:** 2–4 hrs - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Early morning - **Tip:** Hike Oct to Apr only ### 10. Eat an Emirati breakfast at Skeek Food · Dahan, Ras Al Khaimah A heritage-style café that serves Emirati breakfast as a full set: balaleet, eggs, khameer bread and cardamom coffee. It fills soon after opening, so arrive early and order the Emirati home breakfast. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** About AED 100 for two - **Best at:** Breakfast - **Tip:** Arrive at opening Links: [Website](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/food-drinks/skeek-restaurant-cafe/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Best of Jebel Jais Six more reasons to make the drive, from a toboggan run to the country's highest restaurant. 1. **Jais Sky Tour** (Zipline · Jebel Jais · Jebel Jais): Six ziplines over about five kilometres of ridge, gentler and slower than the Jais Flight. [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/play?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 2. **Jais Sledder** (Toboggan · Jebel Jais · Jebel Jais): A toboggan on rails, close to two kilometres long, run downhill through the mountain. Book at weekends. [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/play?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 3. **Via Ferrata** (Climbing · Jebel Jais · Jebel Jais): Cables and ladders on the rock faces, with a standard course to pass before the harder routes. [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/play?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 4. **Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park** (Viewpoint · Free · Jebel Jais): Terraces with 360-degree views of the Hajar Mountains, parking and food trucks near the top of the road. [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 5. **1484 by Puro** (Restaurant · Welcome Centre · Jebel Jais): Named for its altitude in metres, with a wall of glass facing the mountains. Book for lunch. [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/blog/1484-by-puro-one-of-the-best-restaurants-in-the-uae?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 6. **Bear Grylls Explorers Camp** (Camp · Jebel Jais · Jebel Jais): Sixteen cabins and survival courses on the mountain, the first camp of its kind under the name. [Website](https://visitjebeljais.com/play?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Heritage sites and forts in Ras Al Khaimah Three places beyond the museum and Dhayah that tell the story of Julfar and the Qawasim. 1. **Queen of Sheba's Palace** (Archaeology · Shimal · Shimal): Foundations of a Julfar-era palace on a plateau at Shimal, with views over the oasis. The name is legend. [Website](https://rakheritage.rak.ae/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 2. **Al Falayah Fort** (Fort · Al Falayah · Al Falayah): The Qasimi summer seat inland of the town, where the General Maritime Treaty was signed in 1820. [Website](https://rakheritage.rak.ae/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 3. **Old Town souq and fish market** (Market · Old Town · Old Town): Spice and textile stalls off the corniche, and the fish market by the creek. Come at first light. ## Best restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah (2026) Seafood by the water and Levantine staples in town. Most of the serious cooking is in the resorts. 1. **Shore House** (Seafood · Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach · Al Hamra): Line-caught fish from local boats by the pool at the Ritz-Carlton, through to salt-baked sea bass. 2. **UMI** (Japanese · Waldorf Astoria · Al Hamra): Japanese cooking with a long seafood list at the Waldorf Astoria. Reservations needed. 3. **Lexington Grill** (Grill · Waldorf Astoria · Al Hamra): The Waldorf Astoria's steakhouse, for a long dinner after a day on the mountain. 4. **Fishbone** (Seafood · Rixos Bab Al Bahr · Al Marjan Island): Seafood at Rixos Bab Al Bahr on Al Marjan Island, the island's date-night pick. 5. **CLAW BBQ** (Barbecue · Hampton by Hilton · Al Marjan Island): Oysters, grilled lobster and seafood buckets, loud and casual, at the Hampton by Hilton. 6. **Lebanese House** (Lebanese · Al Muntasir Street · Al Nakheel): A neighbourhood Lebanese staple on Al Muntasir Street, for mezze and grills at low prices. ## Best beaches in Ras Al Khaimah Three stretches of sand beyond Al Marjan Island, from resort beaches to a fishing village front. 1. **Al Hamra beach** (Beach · Al Hamra · Al Hamra): Resort beach in front of Al Hamra Village, reached on a hotel day pass. 2. **Mina Al Arab** (Beach · Mina Al Arab · Mina Al Arab): Beaches and lagoons beside a protected mangrove reserve, where flamingos feed. 3. **Al Rams Corniche** (Beach · Al Rams · Al Rams): About 1.6 km of beach and seafront in the old fishing village north of the city. [Website](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/attractions/al-rams-corniche/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Outdoors in Ras Al Khaimah Three more ways to get outside between the mountains and the sea. 1. **Al Wadi Desert** (Desert · Al Wadi · Al Wadi): A 500-hectare reserve of dunes and ghaf trees, with falconry and Arabian oryx, at the Ritz-Carlton. 2. **Al Hamra Golf Club** (Golf · Al Hamra Village · Al Hamra): An 18-hole Peter Harradine course from 2007, routed around four lagoons by the Gulf. 3. **Corniche Al Qawasim** (Promenade · Old Town · Old Town): The city waterfront, about three kilometres of promenade facing the mangroves. Walk it after dark. ## Best neighbourhoods in Ras Al Khaimah The city sits on both sides of a creek, with resorts strung down the coast to the south. 1. **Old Town** (Neighbourhood · Historic · Old Town): West of the creek: the museum, the souq, the fish market and the corniche. 2. **Al Nakheel** (Neighbourhood · Commercial · Al Nakheel): Across the bridge, the commercial centre, with malls, cheap restaurants and the bus station nearby. 3. **Al Hamra Village** (Neighbourhood · Resort · Al Hamra): Golf course, marina and mall south of the city, with the Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton beaches. 4. **Al Marjan Island** (Neighbourhood · Islands · Al Marjan Island): Four reclaimed islands of beach resorts and a public corniche. The base for a beach stay. 5. **Mina Al Arab** (Neighbourhood · Waterfront · Mina Al Arab): Quieter, residential and mostly new, between the city and Al Hamra, beside the mangroves. ## Best day trips from Ras Al Khaimah The fjords of Oman, the east coast and the big cities are all within a morning's drive. 1. **Musandam and Khasab** (Day trip · Oman · Musandam): Across the Omani border for a dhow cruise in Khor Sham, with dolphins and a swim stop. Bring your passport. 2. **Al Bidya Mosque** (Day trip · Fujairah · East coast): A small stone and mud mosque on the east coast, dated to around 1446, with four domes and no minaret. 3. **Umm Al Quwain** (Day trip · Umm Al Quwain · Umm Al Quwain): The quietest emirate, with its mangroves and lagoon, on the coast road south. 4. **Sharjah** (Day trip · Sharjah · Sharjah): The UAE's museum capital, with its restored Heart of Sharjah quarter, on the way to Dubai. 5. **Dubai** (Day trip · Dubai · Dubai): About an hour south by car outside rush hour, or by RAKbus to Union station. [City guide](https://wimup.com/city/dubai.md) ## Festivals & annual events in Ras Al Khaimah (2026) - **Jebel Jais season opens** (October): The mountain attractions start their cool-weather season as the heat breaks on the coast. - **UAE National Day** (2 December): Flags, parades and fireworks for the federation, which Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972. - **New Year's Eve fireworks** (31 December): Fireworks and drone shows along about six kilometres of coast from Al Marjan Island to Al Hamra. - **RAK Art festival** (January to February): A month of art, workshops and evening music in the ruins of Al Jazirah Al Hamra. - **Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon** (February): A flat, fast course on Al Marjan Island, with 10K, 5K and fun runs on the same morning. - **Ramadan** (Moves each year): Daytime eating in public is discreet; iftar after sunset is the time to eat out. - **Eid al-Fitr** (End of Ramadan): Three days of family visits, new clothes and full restaurants to close the month. - **Eid al-Adha** (About 70 days later): The feast of sacrifice, a public holiday that fills the beaches and mountain roads. ## Must-try dishes in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates - **Machboos**: Spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish, sharpened with dried lime. - **Harees**: Wheat and meat slow-cooked to a porridge, the Ramadan staple. - **Thareed**: A meat and vegetable stew poured over thin bread. - **Balaleet**: Sweet saffron vermicelli topped with an omelette, for breakfast. - **Luqaimat**: Fried dumplings soaked in date syrup, sold everywhere at dusk. - **Chebab**: Cardamom and saffron pancakes, served with date syrup and cheese. - **Khameer**: Soft, slightly sweet bread flavoured with fennel and saffron. - **Gahwa and dates**: Light Arabic coffee with cardamom, poured in small cups with dates. ## Ras Al Khaimah transport & airports - **Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT)** (RKT): A small airport south of the city, served mainly by Air Arabia, IndiGo and Air India to India, Pakistan, the Gulf and Egypt. Most visitors fly into Dubai. [Website](https://www.rakairport.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Intercity bus** (BUS): RAKTA buses run from Al Hamra bus station to Dubai's Union station, some direct and most via Sharjah, from early morning to evening. Book on the RAKbus app. [Timetable](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/activities/intercity-bus-service/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Taxis and ride-hailing** (TAXI): Metered taxis regulated by RAKTA, bookable through Careem, Uber or the Sayr app. The cheapest way around a spread-out city. - **Car hire** (CAR): The mountain, the forts and the wadis are far apart and poorly served by buses, so a car is the easiest way to see the emirate. Roads are good and signs are in English. ## Ras Al Khaimah at a glance - **Country:** United Arab Emirates - **Region:** Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost of the seven - **Population:** About 192,000 in the city (2022), about 400,000 in the emirate (2023) - **Founded:** Successor to medieval Julfar; joined the UAE on 10 February 1972 - **Nickname:** RAK - **Language:** Arabic; English widely spoken - **Currency:** UAE dirham (AED) - **Time zone:** UTC+4, no daylight saving - **Calling code:** +971 7 - **Airports:** RKT, with DXB about 100 km south - **Power:** 230V · Type G - **Emergency:** 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire ## Interesting facts - Jebel Jais holds the highest ground in the UAE, at about 1,892 metres; its summit is on the Omani side. - Ras Al Khaimah was the last emirate to join the UAE, on 10 February 1972, two months after the other six. - The navigator Ahmad ibn Majid, author of a 15th-century guide to the Indian Ocean, came from Julfar. - The region's first cultured pearl farm opened off Al Rams in the 2000s, reviving an old trade. - Al Jazirah Al Hamra was emptied in the early 1970s, when its people moved to Abu Dhabi. ## Ras Al Khaimah travel FAQ ### How many days do you need in Ras Al Khaimah? Two or three. One for Jebel Jais, ideally with the zipline or the Sledder in the morning. One for the National Museum, Dhayah Fort and Al Jazirah Al Hamra. A third for the beach, the pearl farm or the mangroves. ### When is the best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah? November to March, when the coast is warm and dry and the mountain is cool enough to hike. From June to September the coast is very hot and humid, and the hiking trails are best avoided. ### How do you get from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah? By car it is about an hour outside rush hour. RAKTA intercity buses run between Dubai's Union station and Al Hamra bus station in Ras Al Khaimah, bookable on the RAKbus app. A taxi works but costs far more. ### Do you need a car in Ras Al Khaimah? It helps a great deal. Jebel Jais, Dhayah Fort, Wadi Shawka and the resorts are spread across the emirate and buses do not reach most of them. Without a car, use taxis, ride-hailing apps or a tour. ### Is Jebel Jais worth it? Yes. The drive alone is one of the best roads in the country, the top is about ten degrees cooler than the coast, and the Jais Flight is billed as the world's longest zipline. Book the attractions online before you go. ## Nearby guides - [Dubai](https://wimup.com/city/dubai.md): Day trip · 10 picks - [Al Ain](https://wimup.com/city/al-ain.md): United Arab Emirates · 10 picks - [Abu Dhabi](https://wimup.com/city/abu-dhabi.md): United Arab Emirates · 10 picks - [All of Asia →](https://wimup.com/asia): 99 cities Part of the [United Arab Emirates guide](https://wimup.com/country/united-arab-emirates.md) · [Asia](https://wimup.com/asia.md) ## Sources - [Ras Al Khaimah tourism board](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Drive up Jebel Jais (official site)](https://visitjebeljais.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Fly the Jais Flight zipline (official site)](https://visitjebeljais.com/play?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah (official site)](https://rakheritage.rak.ae/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Climb Dhayah Fort (official site)](https://rakheritage.rak.ae/dhayah-fort/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Take a boat to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm (official site)](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/activities/suwaidi-pearls/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Kayak the mangroves (official site)](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/blog/mangrove-kayaking-in-ras-al-khaimah-all-you-need-to-know?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Eat an Emirati breakfast at Skeek (official site)](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/food-drinks/skeek-restaurant-cafe/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [1484 by Puro (official site)](https://visitjebeljais.com/blog/1484-by-puro-one-of-the-best-restaurants-in-the-uae?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Al Rams Corniche (official site)](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/attractions/al-rams-corniche/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) (official site)](https://www.rakairport.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Intercity bus: Timetable](https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/discover/activities/intercity-bus-service/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.