Adventure
Ras Al Khaimah is where history, adventure, and natural beauty collide.
While Dubai dazzles with its skyscrapers and Abu Dhabi stuns with its grandeur, Ras al-Khaimah calmly wins hearts with its unmatched landscapes, mountain retreats, and centuries-old secrets. Here’s a closer look at 10 things that make Ras Al Khaimah a destination worth discovering, from desert safari Ras Al Khaimah to beautiful beaches, especially if you’re craving something different.
1. Jebel Jais – The UAE's Roof
Did you know that the UAE's tallest mountain stands tall in Ras Al Khaimah? Jebel Jais, a part of the awe-inspiring Hajar Mountain range, stands tall at 1,934 meters and is a breath of fresh air, literally. From driving the curving cliff-side roads to hiking along the ridgeline, the panoramic scenes are purely surreal. And if you're an adrenalin addict, this mountain features the world's longest zipline, too, where you get to glide over rugged canyons at up to 160 km/h speeds.
2. Sleep in a Volcanic Crater
Yes, you heard it here. Deep in the mountain folds is Wadi Al Beeh, a site said to have originally been a volcanic crater. Now, it's an off-roader's paradise, isolated, scenic, and largely virgin territory. Campers tend to pitch tents around ancient rock formations, with only starlight above and peace all around them. It's an unusual blend of geological heritage and thrilling adventure.
3. It's One of the Region's Oldest Continually Occupied Sites
Ras Al Khaimah thrived long before skyscrapers and high-end resorts. Archaeological excavations in Shimal, Julphar, and near the Dhayah Fort have revealed traces of civilizations dating back more than 7,000 years. Dhayah Fort is built on a hilltop, offering commanding views. It is said to be the site of the last battle between British forces and local tribes in 1819. Climb the 239 steps to the top, and you’ll not only see the view, you’ll feel the history.
4. Desert Safari from Ras Al Khaimah
Though desert safaris are in vogue throughout the UAE, a desert safari from Ras Al Khaimah is something different. Imagine limitless golden dunes away from the chaos of big cities, where you can lose yourself in the tranquility of the desert. Experience thrilling dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and traditional Bedouin camps with majlis-style seating, Emirati cuisine, henna application, and belly dancing at night. The desert safari Ras Al Khaimah is real, intimate, and deeply immersive.
Dubai
Quad Bike and Dune Buggy Experience (Self-Drive) with optional Transfer from the meet up location
from
55,56£
27,78£
1 Hour
From 55,56£ 27,78£
from
88,67£
44,44£
6 Hours
From 88,67£ 44,44£
from
32,22£
24,44£
5 Hours
From 32,22£ 24,44£
5. Visit a Coral-Stone Ghost Town
Step back in history at Jazirat Al Hamra, a creepy coastal ghost town. This ghost town village, once a thriving pearling settlement, is constructed solely from coral stone and shell-sand bricks. Wandering through its deserted alleyways and crumbling houses is like walking through an open-air museum, an eerily lovely reminder of a world before oil transformed everything.
6. Soak in Natural Hot Springs
Hidden in the foothills near Khatt Village are the Khatt Hot Springs, a natural geothermal wonder. The mineral-rich waters, naturally heated to around 40°C, are said to have healing properties for muscles and skin. Whether you’re sore from hiking or want to unwind, these soothing springs are a rare luxury that feels like nature’s spa.
7. A Haven for Outdoor Adventure
Ras Al Khaimah's varied landscape keeps it at the top of the UAE's adventure spots. Imagine hiking along twisting mountain passes, kayaking along serene mangroves, scaling natural rock cliffs, or biking down in desert safari Ras Al Khaimah. The untouched landscape of the emirate provides an adrenaline kick for any level of adventurer — with no crowds.
8. Stargazing in the Silent Desert
One of the not-so-well-known benefits of RAK is the purity and unobstructed quality of its night skies. With little light pollution, particularly in desert regions such as Al Wadi or Al Ghail, it's a stargazer's heaven. Some desert excursions even have astronomy sessions where you can look at planets and constellations through telescopes and expert eyes — a fantastic way to cap off an action-packed day.
9. Best Beaches With Less Crowds
With more than 64 km of beachfront, Ras Al Khaimah has some of the UAE's most untouched beaches. Luxury resorts such as Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Beach Resort, and The Cove Rotana provide direct access to private beaches, peaceful turquoise lagoons, and white sand, all without the stifling crowds of more popular destinations. It's ideal for visitors seeking a balance of relaxation and luxury.
10. Visit the Last Traditional Pearl Farm
In the quaint fishing town of Al Rams, Suwaidi Pearls, the UAE's sole remaining pearl farm, awaits. Take a ride through the mangroves in a traditional boat and learn about the ancient skill of pearl diving. Observe the painstaking process of cultivating pearls, open oysters yourself, and if you're lucky, take one home with you.
Unforgettable Desert Safari with 360 Adventures
For the customized desert safari Ras Al Khaimah experience, please leave it to 360 Adventures to bring you on an adventure you will never forget. Desert safari from Ras Al Khaimah packages can be carefully designed to provide you with the best of both worlds, offering adrenaline-pumping activities such as dune bashing and sandboarding alongside peaceful experiences like camel treks, falcon displays, and stargazing in Bedouin camps. 360 Adventures provides a personal, genuine, and unforgettable experience amidst the desert's eternal beauty. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced traveler, 360 Adventures is your unmatched partner!
