The northernmost of the seven United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah—sometimes abbreviated to RAK—is often overlooked in favor of neighboring Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which has afforded the emirate something of an undiscovered-gem status. It, too, has an enviable waterfront and glitzy beach resorts, although there are plenty more things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, from exploring the varied topography of the Hajar Mountains and visiting the lofty peak (and supposedly world’s longest zipline) of Jebel Jais, to Bedouin cultural excursions deep into the desert and plenty of adventure-sport offerings.
Ras Al Khaimah offers ideal conditions October-April, when the UAE’s scorching summers taper into more comfortable weather. This brings an influx of tourists to the emirate, but not enough to spoil its peaceful vibe. Ras Al Khaimah’s mountainous backdrop means its temperatures stay cooler than other emirates, thereby extending its visiting season into early and late summer, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter brings sports and music events, from January’s Triathlon to DJ beach parties.
Ras Al Khaimah’s public transport is skeletal: Only a limited bus network operates in the city. Consequently, the most convenient options are self-drive, cabs, and ride-hailing apps. If you’re planning a sightseeing trip in or out of town, it’s worth considering organized tours or the intercity buses that link Ras Al Khaimah with Dubai and other emirates. If you’re heading for Jabal Jais for its mountain adventures, check to see if shuttle buses run from the city.
There’s more to Ras Al Khaimah than beaches and mountainscapes. Locals still observe some centuries-old Bedouin traditions. One not to miss is camel racing, a winter sport played out at the emirate’s Al Sawan racetrack early on Friday mornings between October and April. Hire a cab to get there, and watch large groups of camels thundering around the sandy track, each ridden by electronic robot jockeys wearing racing colors—it’s a sight to be seen.
