5 Ras Al-Khaimah Attractions

The UAE is not just about Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, or Palm Jumeirah. It’s a melting pot of magnificent Arabic architecture, breathtaking desert sand dunes, as well as historical landmarks, and rich culture. So, don’t limit yourself to Dubai’s glittering skyline as other parts of the country are equally stunning. Each of the UAE’s emirates has its own unique charm that draws millions of tourists from all around the world. One of the seven emirates, Ras Al-Khaimah has the most diverse landscapes with a super long coastline, golden beaches, deep blue waters, spectacular deserts, and serene Hajar mountains. It’s also home to the world’s longest zipline- Jebel Jais Flight.

Named ‘Gulf Tourism Capital’ for two consecutive years, Ras Al-Khaimah offers adrenaline seekers a plethora of activities, including mountain biking, hiking, trekking, and parasailing. Take the opportunity to explore the pearl fishing history of the UAE at Suwaidi Pearls Farm. For an unforgettable experience, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment to rejuvenate your senses at one of the beach resorts in the emirate. A perfect way to relax your body, mind, and soul! And don’t forget to gorge on sumptuous Arabic dishes like manakish, shawarma, shish taouk, and machboos to satisfy the gastronome in you.

Want more? Here’s our list of famous attractions in Ras Al-Khaimah –

Jebel Jais

Sitting at 1,934 meters above sea level, the majestic Jebel Jais is the most visited attraction in the emirate. A part of the Hajar range, this serene mountain offers breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset, just perfect to sit back and relax. Even the night sky full of stars will leave you mesmerized. With eight hairpins and endless corners, the road to the summit ignites the excitement even before you reach the hilltop. This highest mountain in UAE is also great for enjoying camping, bonfire, and barbeque. Just make sure to carry warm clothes, especially if you are staying overnight as temperatures can drop to as low as 4 degrees.

For those who love goosebumps and adrenaline rush, Jebel Jais Flight at the mountain is surely the best spot. Yes! You can actually fly like a bird as the longest zipline takes you across deep canyons and rugged cliffs in the ‘Superman’ position at a speed up to 160 kph. This mind-boggling experience offers a splendid bird’s eye view of the secluded Hajar mountains. There is another zipline adventure called the Jais Sky Tour, which lets you ‘fly’ at an average speed of 60kmph in a sitting position. In a nutshell, Jebel Jais is the right blend of tranquility and adventure.

Dhayah Fort

Dating back to the Bronze Age, Dhayah Fort is the last remaining outpost of the battle against the British attack. It was constructed using mudbricks in the 19th century on the site of the old fort and renovated in the 1990s. Towards the south of the hilltop, you’ll find other ruined fortifications. Surrounded by steep Hajar mountains and date palm gardens, the fort offers panoramic views of the lush green surroundings. The pristine waters of the Persian Gulf add to the picturesque views. Dhayah Fort is located on the hilltop and you need to climb a staircase with over 100 steps to reach the fort. But it’s worth it!

After reaching the top, within a small courtyard, you’ll find two towers facing each other. Visit the fort in the evening to witness a gorgeous sunset. Thanks to the enchanting 360-degree views from the fort, this place is quite popular among travelers and history buffs. It’s also one of the historic sites in Ras Al Khaimah that have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Since Dhayah Fort is a hidden gem located nearly 20 kilometers from the city of Ras Al Khaimah, you can book a cheap UAE car rental to easily reach the fort and explore other attractions around.

Flamingo Beach

Pack your sunscreen and beach towels and head out to Flamingo Beach! With immaculate golden sand and warm waters, this public beach is an excellent spot for sun worshippers and beach lovers. Located behind the massive dunes, Flamingo Beach is a feast for the eyes with some captivating views. To begin with, take a stroll along the beach since walking barefoot on sand is a unique experience altogether. Lose yourself in the idyllic views of the Persian Gulf far from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s an ideal way to unwind and spend some time with yourself! You can also indulge in beach activities like volleyball and football.

Flamingo Beach got its name from the two flamingo statues built on the beach. So, remember to take some pictures with the statues to make your trip memorable. Sunsets at the beach are breathtakingly beautiful! Make sure you soak up the view of the sun going down in the Gulf and appreciate the reddish-orange hue it leaves behind. At the beach, you can easily find modern restaurants, cafes, and ample parking. The beach is located in Al Nadiyahn on the west coast of the UAE, near the city center of Ras al-Khaimah. You can rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah to easily reach this beautiful spot and enjoy a tranquil getaway

Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum

Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum, located in the Old Town area of Ras Al Khaimah, is a perfect setting for history enthusiasts. Housed inside a 19th-century palace of the former ruling family, this museum throws light on the fascinating history of Ras Al Khaimah. Step back into the ancient life of the emirate with an impressive collection of archeological displays and historical artifacts. The archeological items in the museum include weapons, pottery, manuscripts, a variety of shells, and fishing nets from the bygone eras.

So, if you want a glimpse of the pearl farming and fishing history and traditional life of Ras Al Khaimah inhabitants during earlier periods, this museum is a must-visit attraction in the emirate. Once you’re done exploring the museum, you can climb to its top and enjoy great views of Ras Al Khaimah. You will also find an old tower at the museum, which used to be a checkpoint for protecting the royal family. In fact, the museum also features ancient weapons that belonged to the family.

Khatt Springs

Nearly 20 kilometers from the city of Ras Al Khaimah, Khatt Springs is known for its hot waters with medicinal properties. The springs’ water is said to be beneficial for skin ailments, rheumatic diseases, and muscular problems. As per experts, Khatt Springs is rich in minerals that have healing and restoring properties. This place has been a popular spot among travelers since ancient times owing to its healing properties. The springs reach a depth of 90 feet and the temperatures remain at nearly 40 degrees Celsius. 

These natural thermal pools are surrounded by gorgeous views of the Hajar Mountains and a verdant oasis. The site of Khatt Springs now has a spa hotel – Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort & Spa. The resort has separate hot water spring swimming pools for men and women. So, after a dip in the springs, you can indulge in relaxing treatments such as hot stone therapy, Kerala spa treatment as well as precious stone therapies.

So what’s stopping you? Plan a visit to Ras Al Khaimah- a perfect place to discover the rich history and culture of UAE!