Holidays to Ras Al Khaimah

Offering a beautifully different experience from the glitzy, well-known Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah is an oasis of calm and natural beauty. This delightful Emirate boasts a fabulous golden sand desert and a beautiful untouched coastline on the north eastern corner of United Arab Emirates, close to Oman’s Musandam region. The majestic Hajar Mountains on the backdrop and calm azure waters, Ras al-Khaimah offers a stunning selection of beach resorts and a few top of the range desert resorts. Ras al-Khaimah (or RAK) played a major role in the Gulf’s trade and pearling industry in the 16th century. It was the only one of the seven Emirates initially to stay out of the federation in 1971, but promptly joined the others a few months later as it became obvious that they needed the support of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike the other Emirates, Ras al-Khaimah has little oil and the economy is based on agriculture and pharmaceutical industry.

This traditional Emirate is more Arabic than the others. The town is not full of man-made attractions for tourists and therefore offers a better insight into local way of living, and a 50% of the residents are Emiratis. Holidays to Ras al-Khaimah are all about relaxing in the beautiful surroundings - and enjoying a range of activities available. With the gigantic Hajar Mountains and mystical desert at your doorstep, the most popular activities are without a doubt guided desert and mountain safaris. Hop on a jeep and let the hot, dusty desert surprise you!

Even though everything is in much smaller scale in Ras al-Khaimah, the destination offers a wonderful array of activities and experiences. With two 18-hole championship golf courses, newly opened country club for horse lovers and sailing along the pretty coastline, everything is covered. A range of unique experiences are available from Iceland Water Park (UAE’s largest), falcon shows, ancient sites and pearl farms to overnight camping in an authentic Bedouin camp. The overnight desert camping offers a unique opportunity to discover ancient desert lifestyle, stay in a traditional Bedouin tent and indulge in sumptuous local cuisine.

Ras al-Khaimah enjoys a fabulous year round climate. The best time to visit is between October and April when the temperatures are pleasant and the Gulf lovely and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures reach above 40°C. Most resorts boast a beautiful stretch of soft powdery sand and a water sport centre offering a range of sport in the inviting waters of the Gulf. Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular even though Ras al-Khaimah lacks natural coral reefs, but there are many shipwreck sites that make it very interesting for divers. One particular ship sank in 1961 and a part of it is still visible above sea level.

Ras al-Khaimah is easily accessible from the Dubai International Airport (approx. 60 min), and although Ras al-Khaimah has an airport too, most visitors opt to fly to Dubai which is extremely well serviced from the UK airports.