A combination of soaring dunes, majestic mountains, pristine beaches and seven millennia of history, traditions and culture make this emirate one of the most compelling destinations in Arabia. But despite seeming a world away from the UK, it’s only a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, which is itself just a few hours’ flight from London and other key European hubs – making this the perfect spot for a week’s break with a true get-away-from-it-all feel.
There’s more than enough to keep you busy here for a week, although it’s important to factor in some time relaxing on those blissful white-sand beaches. Adrenaline seekers will want to make a beeline for the recently launched Jais Sledder, offering a toboggan ride down through the spectacular Hajar mountains over nearly 2,000 metres of hairpin curves.
Indeed, Ras Al Khaimah has fast become known as the adventure hub of the Middle East for its hiking and mountain biking on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE and home to the Jais Adventure Park, with its Sledder, zip-lines (one of them the world’s longest), a Bear Grylls Explorers Camp with survival training courses, and the highest restaurant in the UAE – 1484 by Puro, with its rooftop lounge.
Meanwhile, the desert beckons with horse- and camel-riding experiences across the rolling dunes courtesy of the Al Wadi Equestrian Centre, and decadent dining under the stars at the luxurious dining and entertainment complex of Sonara Camp, as herds of oryx and gazelle graze around you.
Historic sites abound too. Among Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning ruins and forts, four – Julfar, Shimal, Al Jazirah Al Hamra and Dhayah – are on UNESCO’s list of potential World Heritage Sites. You can also visit Suwaidi Pearl Farm for a glimpse into this regional industry through experiences such as pearl diving and oyster opening, while the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah provides all the background you need to understand this fascinating country.
Even when you’ve discovered Ras Al Khaimah, new developments are continually popping up to keep you coming back for more. In 2022 alone, they include fixed hot-air ballooning over mangroves, the Jais Wings paragliding experience, Jais Yard with its vintage food trailers, open-air cinema and children’s play areas, a vast beachfront development with an inflatable aqua park, trampoline, swimming pool and outdoor gym, and Scallop Ranch at Al Hamra Marina with is oyster/scallop diving, live cooking and family’ experiences.
Also new for 2022, the InterContinental Mina Al Arab is an exciting addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury hotel scheme, stretching across two peninsulas and a private beach, and including seafront villas in addition to stylish rooms and suites. For those discovering Ras Al Khaimah’s outdoors adventures with kids, it has both a Planet Trekkers and a Teens Club with activities and experiences designed to foster growth, curiosity and creativity.
Six dining venues to suit all ages, moods and tastes range from the seaview Shasha Pool Bar with its alfresco bites, frozen cocktails, shisha and relaxed DJ beats, and Noho Bar & Grill with its sharing platters, mixologist-created cocktails and late-night entertainment, to authentic yet contemporary Turkish and Lebanese fine dining at Levant & Nar with its 360° sea views. Evenings see guests gather round the fire-pit to swap tales of their adventures over sunset drinks – the resort concierge can advise on and book any of the above experiences and much more besides.
To book your stay in Ras al Khaimah, get in touch today. You’ll benefit from full financial protection and a 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.
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