Ras Al Khaimah is a contrasting Emirate and an interesting tourist destination. Discover in this article what to do in Ras Al Khaimah on a nice day visit or vacation. The emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah is perfect for sportive tourists that would find in Ras Al Khaimah kind of a promised land. The options are really worth it for them in and out of the city.
What to Expect from Ras Al Khaimah
When we got in we found Ras Al Khaimah very promising. We got a very nice accommodation on a budget just in front of RAK Mall. All seemed to be full of options. There were plenty of restaurants and the vibe was authentic and charming. We had to wait since our room was not ready and we jumped into the mall. Immediately we noticed we could enjoy nice coffee, kayaking at the mangroves and later on a bar with an easy-going pool service.
This Emirate has a beautiful coastline adorned with beautiful lagoons and tranquil sandy beaches making it a perfect destination for sportife vacationers. It is possible to go camping, biking and even to enjoy the World’s longest zipline at the UAE’s Jebel Jais.
Ras Al Khaimah is also a city in development with some new chain restaurants and malls that provide city sport options such as kayaking. The city has evolved itself as a prominent business hub by encouraging innovation, dynamism and entrepreneur culture. The region includes desert, mountains, beaches and lagoons and even Bedouin settlements in the desert. This is the perfect blend of modernism and tradition.
What to do in Ras Al-Khaimah
Dhayah Fort
Dhayah Fort is a castle on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. It stands out on an elevated position with breathtaking views of the arid mountains and fertile date wadis of northern Emirate Ras Al Khaimah. The fort was the centre of this lush oasis with palm trees.
The visit is free but to climb up the stairs to the top could be challenging because of the heat. Bring some water with you and enjoy the walk up into history.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salim Al Qasimi Mosque
Historical evidence indicates that a mosque was at this place since the 16th century. It seems that the current mosque took over the location from a precedent dating back to the second half of the 18th century. The inner space is accessible to anyone and the symmetry of the white columns makes this interior really magic. Don’t miss it, this is a must-do!
Al Yaqoub Masjid
This is a very beautiful mosque located in the neighborhood of Dafan Al Khor. We had no problem getting into and admiring the interior with the permission of the guards.
Flamingo Beach in Ras Al Khaimah
Flamingo Beach is a public beach with a good free parking lot and lockers where you can change for a bath suit and to have a shower after it. All is free. The water and the sand of the beach were very enjoyable even for us that we have high expectations with beaches. On the other hand, we have to say that the presence of the police controlling people’s behavior on the beach was not necessary at all.
Corniche of Ras Al Khaimah
The sea views are always nice and you can spot some dhows in the water. Besides that, it was too hot to sit down under the sun and the promenade is too lonely and it lacks many services to become attractive for tourists.
The tower of the Old Market
The fort dates back to the middle of the eighteenth century AD in the era of the Persian occupation (1736 – 1749 AD). Probably in the same period, the rulers constructed this tower which is now an isolated icon in between the commercial streets with different kinds of shops in the Old Market district.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah houses an impressive collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts for visitors to explore. Ras Al Khaimah has been on the map since 5000 BC and its location has always been important and strategic for the trade and development of the gulf region. This National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is an alive testimony of the evolution of that importance. Don’t miss it, you will learn a lot!
RAK Mall
This mall dates back to 2012 and it was our first contact with the Emirate. The feelings were very nice. RAK Mall combines the best in retail with fine dining and entertainment for the entire family. It has some restaurants of international cuisine which are very remarkable.
Al Hamra Mall
Al Hamra Mall is in the multi-award-winning residential community of Al Hamra Village. It is one of the most popular malls in the United Arab Emirates. It is not as big as those you may find in Dubai. The two-storey mall has over 130 shops housing an excellent range of local and international brands, banks, telecommunications outlets and homeware stores. The mall has a very nice food court and entertainment facilities as a very popular cinema.
RAK Mangroves
Ras Al Khaimah boasts 65 kilometers of coastline, much of which are mangroves teeming with fish and flamingoes. Paddling through the inner city mangroves is a unique experience, with nature and man-made structures with a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. You will also have the chance to admire the contrast between nature and the capital of this emirate which is still growing bigger and developing farther.
Jebel Jais
The Jebel Jais mountain peak is part of the awesome Hajar mountains. The range extends from Ras Al Khaimah on the eastern side of the United Arab Emirates to the Musandam Peninsula on the northeastern side of Oman. Visit the official web of this mountain!
Wadi Shawka
Wadi Shakwa is also in the Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Close to the village where you could start a tour the river joins Wadi Esfai and Wadi Ejili. Thanks to the water of those wadis there are local farms in the region that can have annual profitable crops.
In this area there are various abandoned settlements which are currently protected heritage sites. The area is also home to various cave systems, some positioned close to the abandoned settlements. The ancient human activity in the area probably was there because of water accessibility and the cropping possibilities.
Wadi Shawka is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the UAE. Tourists can explore the territory hiking or by kayak on the water at Shawka pools and dam.
Jazirah Al Hamra
Al Jazirah Al Hamra is the only remaining historical pearling village in the entire Gulf region. This activity dates back to the Neolithic but the discovery of oil didn’t help in the preservation of this kind of village.
Al Jazirah Al Hamra includes all of the traditional elements of an idyllic emirati ancient town, including a fort and watchtowers, a mosque, a souq and an extensive courtyard house. There is a mix of building styles from small houses, courtyard homes, two-story buildings to a large courtyard residence that belonged to the wealthy pearl merchant. The dwellings were built in the traditional manner using local materials such as coral blocks and fossilized beach rock, mangrove tree beams, date palm trunks, roofing, matting and ropes and layers of seashells for drainage.
Shimal
Shimal is a settlement in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. It is related to the Shihuh tribe of the Northern UAE and Oman and with the foundation of the Islamic era Port of Julfar. It is also the location of an important archaeological site dating back to the Umm Al Nar culture (2,500-2,000 BC).
How to get in Ras Al Khaimah
Car
From Dubai Ras Al-Khaimah is 120 kilometers away and the journey can take more than one hour to arrive. The petrol prices are very reasonable in the United Araba Emirates since the country is an important producer.
Taxi
The distance is the same and the journey would take as long as if you drive your own car. Prices start from 65 euros per a one way ride.
Bus
There is a bus service between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA) is in charge of the bus transport in the emirate. The entire journey will take about one hour and forty minutes at least. The service operates from Al Hamra Bus Station RAK to Union Metro Bus Station. You can use the nice RAKBus app.
Where to stay in Ras Al Khaimah
There are very reasonable accommodations in Ras Al Khaimah. You can check here the best accommodations for your budget!
- Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah: The hotel is in front of the RAK Mall. It has a nice bar and a good pool service. Rooms are clean and comfortable. The breakfast is also good.
Enjoy our discounts in the place
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