9 Reasons To Visit Ras Al Khaimah The UAE's Forgotten Emirate

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the UAE’s lesser-known emirates, and rarely does it receive the credit it deserves: while visitors line up to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this natural wonder is often overlooked. In fact, the picturesque city is home to a wide selection of activities ideal for active travellers, as well as UAE residents looking for a quick staycation. Here’s why you should make your way to the ‘forgotten emirate’.

It makes for an ideal weekend getaway

Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect weekend getaway from Dubai. Only a hour and a half away from the city centre by car, the emirate offers quiet and pristine beaches, as well as mountains with scenic views of the emirate. Not only is RAK picturesque, it is also peaceful: still relatively unknown, this is the perfect place escape Dubai’s notorious crowds.

It’s full of hiking trails

There are record-breaking adventures on offer

Ras Al Khaimah has recently opened doors to the longest zip line in the world, certified by Guinness World Records. Located in Jebel Jais, those looking for a thrill can head here and fly through the mountains for a distance longer than 28 football fields, at 2.83 km (1.76 miles). The zip line can accommodate 250 people a day, and slots can be booked online.

Epic beach resorts are the norm

When it comes to going off the grid and getting pampered in a luxury resort, Ras Al Khaimah has no shortage of options. With beach resorts including the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, and the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the city is home to some of the biggest names in hospitality, all offering high-end services that include spa days and watersports. These luxury venues are ideal for families, couples and solo travellers alike – you can’t go wrong.

The luxury 5-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Resort and Spa Marjan Island, RAK, United Arab Emirates

The camping sites are pitch-perfect

For those shorter on budget and looking for adventure, Ras Al Khaimah is still an accessible spot. The city is a favorite among UAE campers, as there are plenty of caravan-friendly beaches, deserts and mountains. RAK’s varied natural scenery is open to campers of all levels – from amateurs looking for a beach spot to crash on, to experts who choose to set up camp atop the sky-high Jebel Jais.

It’s home to a haunted village

One of the most intriguing locations in RAK is Jazirah Al Hamra, an abandoned village located south of the emirate. Jazirah Al Hamra is rumoured to be haunted by jinns, spirit-like creatures of Islamic folklore that roam the dust-covered 14th century houses and mosque. This off-the-beaten-track destination is often overlooked by tourists, despite its stunning orange hue and eerie appearance that has attracted photographers from across the globe.

An abandoned building in Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah

There’s a rich cultural history

Ras Al Khaimah’s history is as diverse as it is rich: many acknowledge that the emirate played a substantial part in the development of the modern-day UAE, but its archaeological finds are often overlooked. History buffs should head to the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, a local gem that houses artefacts dating back to the 14th century, as well as pieces that range from ancient tribal artefacts through to exhibits that showcase work from the late Islamic period.

It’s heaven for adrenaline junkies

Not satisfied with the thrill of being atop the UAE’s highest mountain? Then try your hand at Via Ferrata, which offers adventurers the chance to get involved in a protected climbing route through Jebel Jais while attached to an iron cable on the side of the mountain. The kilometre (0.62 mile)-long route sees peaks of 120 metres (394 feet), and includes three different ziplines for maximum adrenaline. The entire adventure takes four hours to complete and visitors can book online.

The desert wildlife is unique

Animals are a rare sight in the UAE’s major cities. With the exception of domesticated camels and falcons found in tourist attractions (and, of course, Dubai Safari), free-roaming animals are a rarity. In RAK, nature lovers are more likely to find camels and goats, and even the incredibly rare Arabian oryx, which was recently saved from the brink of extinction.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.