Top tourist attractions in Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is one of the 7 Emirates comprising the UAE, just like Dubai and Sharjah. Unlike other neighbouring cities, oil is not a big part of Ras al Khaimah, leading to an economy dependent on tourism, hospitality industries and real estate.

Exploring Ras al Khaimah can be quite seamless. This Emirate is highly accessible for tourists from other Emirates and international locations. You can either fly directly to Ras al Khaimah International airport (RKT) or land in Dubai and take a 45-minute road trip.

Getting to and around Ras al Khaimah from other Emirates

Ras al Khaimah is easily accessible from other cities in the UAE. By road, tourists can board comfortable taxis and buses from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah. There is the E311 Road – passing through Sharjah – and the E611 Road to Ras al Khaimah too.

From Dubai International airport (DXB), Ras al Khaimah is located at 85 km gap, needing about 45 minutes on road. From RKT, it takes about 20 minutes or 18 km to reach RAK. Sharjah International is at a 60 km gap and the UAE capital airport is at 250 km.

Getting around Ras al Khaimah is easy. There are plenty of taxis. Just call 800 1700 to book a ride. Ride-hailing companies such as Careem offer pre-booked taxis, helping tourists shift from Ras al Khaimah to Dubai, Sharjah and other cities across the UAE.

Ras al Khaimah visa requirements and information

GCC nationals – citizens of a Gulf Cooperation Council country, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar – do not need a visa to explore Ras al Khaimah. They simply need to produce their GCC country passport or ID card upon reaching the point of entry into the UAE.

Citizens of more than 65 countries are eligible for visa on arrival, including people from Brazil, Costa Rica, Portugal, Japan, UK, US, Italy, Nauru, Monaco and Finland. You can find all the details on visitrasalkhaimah.com/plan-your-trip/essential-information/.

If a tourist is not a citizen of any of the aforementioned countries, he or she requires a visa and a sponsor to enter Ras al Khaimah. Hotels and tourist companies can apply for a Tourist Visa of 30 days. Individual UAE residents and airlines can also help in making arrangements.

Top tourist attractions in Ras al Khaimah

The beautiful Emirate of Ras al Khaimah has a landscape that is a testament to nature’s diversity, offering visitors an extraordinary range of scenery to explore. This is the complete guide to the top tourist attractions in Ras al Khaimah.

1. Dhayah Fort

Dating back to 1600-1300 BC, Dhayah Fort is the only hill fort remaining in the UAE. In ancient times, locals used it for settlement and fortification. The climb to Dhayah Fort is rocky. There is no lighting, so it is recommended to explore during daylight hours.

Dhayah Fort is a prominent castle-like structure in the UAE. It stands proud amidst the arid mountains and fertile date valleys of Ras al Khaimah. The fort forms the centre of this lush oasis and boasts spectacular scenery.

2. Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque

The Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque has undergone a number of expansion and renovation phases up to the present day. During the renovation process, modern additions have been removed and the original architecture is restored.

Dating back to the late 19th century, this mosque has been restored using the traditional building method of plaster layered on coral blocks and beach stones. Non-Muslims can enter the place outside of prayer times. It is recommended to dress modestly.

3. Saqr Park

Saqr Park is one of the largest in Ras al Khaimah and features family-friendly attractions year-round. His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed, the ruler of the Emirate from 1948 to 2010, inaugurated the park in 1991.

Saqr means falcon in the regional language. The park celebrates the long relationship man and bird share. It offers a place for neighbourhoods and people to connect and celebrate the diversity of Ras al Khaimah. The arcades house a range of child-friendly games.

4. National Museum of Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is one of a handful of places that has continuously been inhabited throughout its history, making it one of the longest-settled places globally. The National Museum celebrates the history of the Emirate.

Full of remarkable archaeological and ethnological artefacts for tourists to explore, the National Museum of Ras al Khaimah is open from Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm. On Fridays, it is open from 2 pm to 8 pm.

5. Flamingo Beach Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is prominent across the globe for its glorious golden beaches featuring luxury eco-resorts, sophisticated islands, creeks and mangroves. Flamingo Beach is a popular hangout spot for beachgoers, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

The Greater Flamingo is a colourful resident of the mangroves in Mina al Arab, located at the short distance from this namesake beach. You can find ample car parking and trendy coffee shops on site. There are multiple eateries for breakfast, lunch and early supper.

6. Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is easily one of the most recognisable buildings in the entirety of Ras al Khaimah. The external facade has been restored using plaster, coral stones and beach rocks. But its architecture remains vestiges of the era of Sheikh Saqr bin Rashid.

The stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an architectural masterpiece, featuring 60 columns, 3 huge doors and a roof covered by palm fronds. It is big enough to accommodate 1,000 people. You can find more details on the place here.

7. Al Qassimi Palace

Ras al Khaimah’s Al Qassimi Palace is surrounded by all sorts of myths and legends. Built almost 4 decades ago, this breathtaking building has been unoccupied for many years and houses fascinating interiors such as chandeliers and artefacts.

You can also find paintings of Islamic, Moroccan and Persian heritage inside Al Qassimi Palace. It has only been recently opened to the public and holds a sense of mystery. The construction of this building reportedly cost in excess of Dh500.

8. Al Rams Beach Ras al Khaimah

Al Rams Beach lies on the northern shores of Ras al Khaimah. It is one of the hidden beaches in Saraya Island, ideal for camping, paddle boarding, kayaking and much more. Because of its clean atmosphere, the beach is perfect for family picnics.

Al Rams is a peaceful bay in the Northern Emirates. The Hajar Mountain Range submerges into the bay and offers a serene backdrop. On rare occasions, a pink lake called a sabhka appears on the shores of Al Rams.

9. RAK Nature Treasures

RAK Nature Treasures offers the perfect setting to find our inner peace in a sanctuary surrounded by nature. The museum is a collection of more than 2,500 gemstones, fossils, seashells, insects and bugs, taxidermy animals and birds, and herbs and spices.

The natural history museum is also home to fish ponds, a salt room, cactus garden, reptile room, turtle pond, greenhouse, petting zoo and miniature goat playground. You can also stay in simple back-to-nature huts and enjoy peaceful nights under the stars.

10. Al Rams Corniche

Al Rams Corniche lies on the northern shores of Ras al Khaimah and boasts one of the most impressive landscapes in the Emirate. The coastline is home to stunning mangroves, an ancient fishing village and plenty of tribal tales.

You can roam along the corniche and explore the local Tanaij tribal community formed at the beginning of the 19th century. The corniche gently meanders along the breathtaking 1.6 km of beach and coastline. You can find more details here.

11. Khatt Village

Famous for its hot springs and thermal pools, Khatt Village is just south of the city of Ras al Khaimah. The springs are set in a peaceful valley at the foot of the majestic Jebel Jais Mountains and surrounded by archaeological magic.

Khatt Village has possibly been occupied for more than 5,000 years dating back to the Ubaid period. The natural springs in this area have been used by locals for centuries for their healing and therapeutic qualities.

12. Flipped – Manar Mall

Located right in the heart of the mall, Flipped RAK is an ideal destination for family fun and unforgettable moments. You can jump on adrenaline-pumping trampolines, try out aerodynamic ball play, or get a spooky thrill at the haunted house.

You can also explore the smash room at Flipped – Manar Mall to release some energy and stress. This is the go-to destination in Ras al Khaimah for high-energy entertainment and family fun. Flipped also includes exciting obstacle courses and a rope course.

13. Queen of Sheeba’s Palace

It is thought that Queen of Sheeba’s Palace used to be the residence of the ruler of Julfar. The title refers to the famous queen mentioned in the Quran. It is said that she ruled the Kingdom of Marib in Yemen around 1000 BC.

The attachment of the queen’s name to the site is related to local folklore and has no historical or archaeological significance. There is a modern staircase, making Queen of Sheeba’s Palace easily accessible for all of its visitors.

Make the most of Ras al Khaimah desert safari

The desert comprises 80% of the UAE. So it is no surprise that desert safaris are a major part of the Emirati tourism, especially in Dubai. The Ras al Khaimah desert safari scene can be quite appealing, too. But there are some things to consider.

The UAE’s Bedouins used to be nomads, shifting from one place to another in search of cooler climes and food. But the desert used to be their primary home. Here are 5 suggestions to make the most of Ras al Khaimah desert safari.

1. Find a good Ras al Khaimah desert safari operator

Ras al Khaimah desert safari operators organise trips from start to finish and create tour packages. The higher the desert safari price, the more inclusions a package has. Considering the important role operators play, it is necessary to choose the right one.

2. Let an expert lead your DIY desert outing

Packaged desert safari tours carry limitations. They might not offer the amount of flexibility you desire. DIY desert safaris are a great option if you seek to linger at spots that offer breathtaking scenery. But let an expert guide the outing for safety purposes.

3. Camp in the desert

Night camping in Ras al Khaimah can be a memorable experience. Imagine stargazing in the desert and the city lights are quite far to spoil the moment. There are many options to choose from, such as the Bedouin Oasis Camp and RAK Glamping.

4. Timing is the key

Time the RAK trip adequately. Don’t go in the peak of summer as it is going to be too hot and many activities could be cancelled. But the high season for tourism is likely to raise prices. The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October can also be good.

5. Book ahead and dress for the trip 

Book the Ras al Khaimah desert safari experience prior to the trip, especially if one has special and custom add-on requests. This is to make sure that the best safari operator has its slots open for you. Dress appropriately for the place as the sun is no joke here.

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