Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide

Ras al-Khaimah, the northernmost and smallest emirate of UAE, is a global tourist destination. It has many unique features as it gained fame and popularity in UAE. Ras Al Khaimah, known for its unique deserts, sand mountains, coast, and natural habitats, hosts dozens of sacred and historical sites.

General Information

Location

Ras al-Khaimah is located in the north of the UAE, which surrounds the Musandam region of Oman. Ras El Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is located on the northern part of the emirate, on the edge of the Arabian Sea. The capital city of the emirate has the same name as the emirship. It is close to Dubai and its neighbor is Iran on the opposite side of the gulf.

Best Time to Visit Ras Al Khaimah

Ras el Khaimah is very hot and humid in the summer due to the desert climate. The average temperature in summer is 35°C and it can rise up to 45°C. The winter months, when the average temperature is 19°C, are the best time to visit the city. Also, Ras el Khaimah, where the United Arab Emirates Awafi Festival is held, receives more visitors in the spring term.

Travel to Ras Al Khaimah

The distance between Istanbul and Ras Al Khaimah is 4.180 km by road and 3012 km by air. You can travel from Istanbul to Ras Al Khaimah with direct flights lasting 4 hours and 30 minutes. Direct flights are available from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT). You may follow campaigns for Ras Al Khaimah flights and travel between two cities at attractive prices.

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Transportation in Ras Al Khaimah

Since there are no buses, subways or trains in Ras Al Khaimah, taxis are the main and most popular transportation option. The fact that taxis are comfortable and cheap facilitates the transportation in the city. Rent a car is probably the best way to easily visit all parts of Ras Al Khaimah. Car rental prices vary according to the size, brand, quality and type of the car.

Transportation to Ras Al Khaimah Airport

You can arrive at the Ras Al Khaimah from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, 23 km away from the city center, by taxi, rent a car or airport shuttle.

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Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, which has the best agricultural lands of the country, is among the most important attractions of the country in terms of tourism. Ras Al Khaimah offers an enjoyable experience for guests who want to fish and birdwatch. Guests who enjoy outdoor activities can spend time with various activities such as mountain climbing, desert safari, diving and golf. Saqr Park, which is the largest public park of the Emirates, is especially preferred by families with children thanks to its extremely entertaining games.

Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais, which is part of the chain of Hajar Mountains, is the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates with a peak of 1,934 meters. The recently opened 20-kilometer road reaches to the middle of the mountain. There are also viewing platforms with beautiful views on the passageway. It is possible to see the magnificent views rolling over the steep hills near the top of the road to the coastal plain. Located about 55 kilometers northeast of Ras Al Khaimah, the region offers great opportunities especially for photographers. You can take great photos on the Jebel Jais Mountain with orange-colored rocks.

Hajar Mountains

The rugged Hajar Mountains are located at the dominant point of Ras Al Khaimah. Hacer Mountains, an ideal day trip route, are frequently preferred by nature lovers. The color of the desert, which has rust colored sand dunes around the mountain, is constantly changing. Outstanding mountains offer to visitors a wonderful sky view of the United Arab Emirates. In addition, Hajar Mountains, which have the largest ophiolites (magmatic rock from the ocean crust) in the world, attracts the attention of geologists.

Ras Al Khaimah Beach

There are plenty of beaches in Ras Al Khaimah for those who want to relax under the sun. The emirate's long coastline is full of luxury resorts, all offering their own private golden sand beaches. Most hotels also allow non-guests to benefit from their facilities with a daily use. The beaches, cafes and restaurants in the sand have everything you need for your beach holiday. Various water sports such as canoe and jet ski are also offered in Ras Al Khaimah Beach.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

The Ras Al Khaimah National Museum hosts an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts. The Qawasim Room on the first floor is particularly interesting with a series of documents, manuscripts and treaties between Ras Al Khaimah and the British monarchs. In addition to the traditional weapons, there are also archaeological artifacts about the earliest settlers in the region till the late Islamic period. The ethnographic section of the museum also shows the traditional life of the region, architecture, pearl cultivation, historical background, farming and fishing culture.

Shimal

The small village of Shimal, located about 12 kilometers north of the city of Ras Al Khaimah, is a settlement dating back to 2000-1300 BC. The village, located near the Hajar Mountains, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates. Pottery, stone bowls, guns and beads that are made of bronze or copper were all unearthed from the archaeological excavations. One of the most important discoveries here is a large circular tomb dating from the Umm al-Nar era. Also, Hüsn el-Shimal Castle, located on a rocky hill, offers a beautiful view of the region.

Ice Land Water Park

Ice Land Water Park, known with its polar theme, is one of the best places that you can choose to relax on a hot day. The water park, which is a family friendly entertainment center, offers many activities with its huge water slides, olympic pool and children's pools. In addition, there are many buffets and restaurants in the entertainment area where you can treat yourself after having fun in the water park.

Jebel Jais Zipline

The world's longest zipline (stretching 2.8 kilometers) in Jebel Jais is among the most entertaining adventure activities in the United Arab Emirates. Located near the summit of Jebel Jais, the zipline rushes down the mountain and can reach 120 kilometers per hour.

Where to Stay in Ras Al Khaimah?

Ras Al Khamah, a tourism-oriented settlement, has many accommodation options. Accommodation locations are spread over a wide area of 64 kilometers along the coastline. You can choose from luxury, medium, affordable or beach hotels in the city. Take a look at 7 city hotels where you can stay in Ras Al Khaimah;

• The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
• Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
• Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
• The Cove Rotana Resort
• Jannah Ras al Khaimah
• Longbeach Campground
• BM Beach Hotel

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What to Eat in Ras Al Khaimah?

Seafood is consumed abundantly in Ras Al Khaimah. Great menus are created with fresh seafood that comes from Bafra Bay. Colorful fresh vegetables and fruits are also used in meals. The most distinctive feature of the local dishes is the intense use of local spices. It is possible to see cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, peanuts and dried fruits in every meal. The unique cooking tactics of Arab cuisine also add a different taste to red and white meat.

Ras Al Khaimah Cuisine

Do not return without tasting these dishes in Ras Al Khaimah;

• Harees
• Khuzi
• Shawarma
• Thareed
• Biryani
• Tabbouleh
• Machboos

Ras Al Khaimah Restaurants

• The Anchor
• Al Marjan Restaurant
• Zaitouna House
• Meat Point
• Lexington Grill at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Shopping in Ras Al Khaimah: Best Souvenirs to Buy

Hurma (dried fruit), camel chocolate, Persian carpets and rugs, alcohol-free perfumes, pashmina shawls and gold jewelry are among the main souvenirs that you can buy in Ras Al Khaimah. You can visit big shopping malls such as RAK Mall, Manar Mall and Safeer Mall in the city.

Nightlife in Ras Al Khaimah

There is a certain restriction on alcohol consumption in Ras Al Khaimah. Alcohol consumption is prohibited on the street or in public places. However, these restrictions do not change the fact that nightlife is quite colorful. You can spend your time as you wish in night clubs, bars and restaurants. You may find many entertainment options from colorful nightclubs and concept bars to live music events and jazz music concerts.

Things to Know Before Visiting Ras Al Khaimah

• In the UAE, taking photos of people without permission can be considered as cybercrime and serious fines may be imposed.
• A significant amount of penalty is also paid when traffic rules are violated, such as driving with alcohol or running a red light.
• Do not eat out during Ramadan; prefer restaurants and closed areas.
• Do not return without trying the longest zipline in the world, which is 2.8 kilometers long.

What are the emergency numbers in Ras Al Khaimah?

Ambulance/Emergency: 998

Police: 999

Fire Department: 997

Coast Guard: 996