12 Places to Visit in Ras al Khaimah – Explore Like a Local
Ras Al Khaimah, known for its pristine beaches and stunning desert landscapes, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists. Whether you’re a Dubai resident looking for a quick weekend getaway or an international traveler seeking a unique experience, there are plenty of Ras Al Khaimah tourist places to explore. This Emirate offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more laid-back escape. Located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf and bordering Oman, Ras Al Khaimah allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Oman landscape without actually crossing the border.
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Places to Visit in Ras al Khaimah
Even though it lacks of high rises buildings that Dubai is renowned for, Ras Al Khaimah has many popular tourist destinations. Listed here are 12 places to visit in Ras al Khaimah.
Jebel Jais
When it comes to the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Jais undoubtedly tops the list. Recognized as the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais is situated in the northern part of the country, near the city of Ras Al Khaimah. The Jebel Jais summit offers breathtaking panoramic views that extend for miles in every direction, making it a sought-after destination for hikers, mountaineers, and photographers in Ras Al Khaimah.
For those not inclined toward hiking, there’s another thrilling option: the world’s longest zip line. This exhilarating experience takes you to the mountain’s summit, allowing you to savor even more awe-inspiring vistas. You can even enjoy a meal or a drink at the Sky Bar, making your visit to Jebel Jais an unforgettable adventure among the Ras Al Khaimah tourist attractions.
Jazirat Al Hamra
Home to a conventional fishing village, as well as a range of tourist attractions, Jazirat Al Hamra is a compact island off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. It als features a National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, which houses exhibits on the history and culture of the emirate, and the Jazirat Al Hamra Fort, that was constructed in the 16th century to protect the island from pirate assaults.
Dhayah Fort
Constructed in the late 18th century, Dhayah Fort served as a defense against sea incursions, reflecting a significant chapter in the emirate’s history. What makes Dhayah Fort even more remarkable is its distinctive architecture, featuring three square towers and two round ones. Nestled amidst a deep moat, it was once accessible only by a drawbridge, adding to its historical charm.
Today, this fort is open to the public as a museum, allowing visitors to delve into the rich history of Ras Al Khaimah. Moreover, it offers visitors the opportunity to relish breathtaking views over the city areas and the coast, making it a must-visit among the historical places in Ras Al Khaimah.
In addition to historical importance The fort is recognized because of to its infrequent shape, with three square towers and two round ones. It’s in the middle of a deep moat and was once reachable only by a drawbridge. The fort is now open to the public as a museum, and offers breathtaking views over the Ras al Khaimah city areas and coast.
Al Jazeera Park
Yet another one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazeera Park is situated in the center of the city and offers selection of activities for visitors to delight in. There are a variety of various gardens and fountains to discover, in addition to a children’s playground, a football pitch, and a variety of restaurants. The park even offers several distinctive events all year round, such as concerts and festivals.
Al Wadi Desert Oasis
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Arabian Desert, a visit to the Al Wadi Desert Oasis is an absolute must. Nestled amidst the undulating sandy dunes and boasting its private beach, this resort offers a plethora of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Among the exciting options are desert safaris, heart-pounding 4×4 dune drives, camel rides, and sandboarding, providing an authentic taste of the desert experience.
Moreover, the resort is not just about adrenaline-pumping activities; it also offers a range of amenities for relaxation and indulgence. With several restaurants and bars on-site, a spa, and a fitness center, you can unwind in style. What sets this resort apart is its prime location in the heart of the Hajar Mountains, affording you the chance to revel in the globally famous Hajar mountain landscapes.
Ras Al Khaimah Corniche
One more one of the most popular places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Corniche is busiest spots for good reason, and it’s not difficult to see why. This picturesque coastline is a bustling hub, offering visitors a delightful experience. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a casual bike ride, the Corniche has it all, with numerous cafes and restaurants dotting the path, providing the perfect opportunity to refuel and savor local cuisine.
One of the highlights of the Corniche is the breathtaking views out to the sea. It’s a mesmerizing spot, especially during sunset, when the sky paints a canvas of vivid colors, making it an ideal place to enjoy a romantic evening. This makes it a must-visit among the many enchanting places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Montazah Beach
When searching for the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, a trip to Al Montazah Beach is an absolute gem. This beach stands out as one of the few in Ras Al Khaimah that offers visitors the privilege of gazing at the majestic Hajjar Mountains in the backdrop. Al Montazah Beach is a pristine, sandy haven that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding under the sun.
In addition to the natural beauty, this beach offers the convenience of several restaurants and cafes nearby, making it easy to take a break and savor delicious refreshments. On weekends, Al Montazah Beach truly comes to life and transforms into one of the liveliest and most popular beaches in Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Hamra Mall
If Dubai has Dubai mall, Ras al Khaimah has Al Hamra Mall. With over 130 stores the Al Hamra Mall is offering a diverse and convenient shopping experience to shopping lovers. The mall features a wide range of international retailers in addition to local businesses, turning it into the perfect place to find what you’re looking for. Additionally, there is an abundance of dining options available, allowing you to take a break from shopping and refuel your hunger. With ample parking available, the Al Hamra Mall is easily accessible for all.
Al Manar Mall
It is undeniably one of the most popular shopping malls in Ras Al Khaimah, offering a diverse array of attractions for visitors. Boasting an expansive area of 55,000 sqm, the mall is a shopper’s paradise, featuring an impressive selection of local and international retail brands. Whether you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, a delectable meal at the food court, a movie at the cinema, or some fun-filled amusement options, Al Manar Mall has you covered.
The mall is a bustling hub of activity and is home to approximately 200 domestic and foreign retail chains, making it a one-stop destination for all your shopping and entertainment needs. So, if you’re looking for a fantastic shopping experience, Al Manar Mall is a top choice among the shopping destinations in Ras Al Khaimah.
Khatt Springs
Known for therapeutic benefits, Khatt Springs is another unique and best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah. Here water is naturally filtered by the surrounding rocks and has a high mineral content, which is believed to have healing features. There are plenty of pools of different temperatures to choose from, in addition to a sauna and steam room.
Mina Al Arab
An outstanding place in Ras al Khaimah to enjoy the views of the Persian Gulf, Mina Al Arab is designed with Boardwalks, manicured gardens, and it is home to a variety of bird species. Those who’re looking for a place to just relax and take in the attractiveness of Ras Al Khaimah, Mina Al Arab is ideal for them.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
For history enthusiasts eager to delve into the rich past of Ras Al Khaimah, a visit to the Ras al-Khaimah National Museum, located within the Al Hisn Fort complex, is highly recommended. This museum, inaugurated by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Emirate of Ras al Khaimah, and Member of the Federal Supreme Council on February 23, 2016, is a treasure trove of historical insights. The Al Hisn Fort itself holds a significant place in the emirate’s history, as it was constructed in 1777 and stands as one of the oldest buildings in Ras Al Khaimah. Originally built for defense against invading forces, it has now transformed into a repository of the emirate’s rich heritage.
Within the museum, visitors can embark on a captivating journey through interactive exhibits and galleries, showcasing the evolution of Ras Al Khaimah from its origins as a fishing village to its present-day status as a modern emirate. The displays feature an array of artifacts, ranging from prehistoric times to the contemporary era, including pottery, weapons, coins, jewelry, and musical instruments. This museum is indeed a testament to the enduring legacy and cultural heritage of Ras Al Khaimah, making it one of the top historical attractions in the Ras al Khaimah.
How to get to Ras al Khaimah from Dubai?
Public buses are among the most well-known, convenient, and affordable ways to travel between Dubai and Ras al Khaimah. Bus service from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah is provided by Rak Transport Authority (RAKTA). Operating between Union Metro Bus Station in Dubai and Al Hamra Bus Station in RAK, the whole trip between the two emirates takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus between Dubai to Ras al Khaimah departs after every one and half hours and also each way fare is 25 AED.
RAKTA Bus timings:
The first bus from RAK 05:30 am
Last bus from RAK 09:00 pm
The first bus from Dubai 08:00 am
Last bus from Dubai 09:45 pm
Best Time to Ras al Khaimah
There is generally never a bad time to travel to Ras Al Khaimah as it rare sees rain fall. However, Ras al Khaimah’s summers heat could sometimes be insufferable. In light of this, November through February is the ideal time to visit Ras al Khaimah. The weather is usually acceptable throughout these months. The majority of Ras al Khaimah’s activities are also scheduled around this season. Expect temperatures between 20°C and 30°C during this time of year.
Where to Stay in Ras al Khaimah?
As most of Ras Al Khaimah’s resorts and hotels are located along the beach, it’s a fantastic place for sun-lovers. Yet, there is also a handful of luxurious desert getaways. Ras Al Khaimah has something for every kind of traveller, whether you’re taking the family on a quick vacation or organising a romantic weekend with your spouse.
Getting Around Ras al Khaimah
Despite not having a metro rail as Dubai does, Ras Al Khaimah offers excellent public transport. Ras al Khaimah operates its own, extremely reasonably priced public buses, much like the other Emirates. If you’re searching for leisurely transportation, you may hire a car or use the public taxi service to explore the Emirates at your leisure.