Unique in its character and the experiences it offers, Ras Al Khaimah – one of the seven emirates of the UAE – is globally connected yet authentic, mixing gorgeous beaches, mountains and desert scenery with luxury resorts all in one place. Its fabulous choice of hotels embraces something for all tastes.
Ras Al Khaimah is also a year-round destination – milder than the rest of the UAE, with sunshine on tap. As such it’s a great place to head to for a spot of winter sun – including around Christmas and New Year, when as well as the activities that you can do here throughout the year, there are some extra-special treats in store.
From festive family feasts to record-breaking fireworks, Ras Al Khaimah is a glamorous and glittering place to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This year’s spectacular 12-minute NYE fireworks – held along 4.7km of coastline between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village and featuring pyrodrones, nano lights and a lavish musical accompaniment – is expected to break not one but two Guinness World Records.
The show will be visible to those staying in nearby hotel and resorts and/or enjoying gala dinners in them – some venues will even have dedicated areas from which to get the best views. Most hotels will also host traditional themed buffets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, accompanied by live entertainment and children’s activities including visits from Santa.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most exciting places to get active in the great outdoors at any time of year, with walking, hiking, rock-climbing, canyoning and biking available in the stunning Jebel Jais mountain. It’s also here that you can challenge yourself to ride the world’s longest zip-wire and the Jais Sledder – a toboggan ride down through the mountains over nearly 2,000 metres of hairpin curves. You can also experience the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp with survival training courses, and the highest restaurant in the UAE – 1484 by Puro, with its rooftop lounge.
You can also venture out into the dunes, for desert camps, horse-riding, camel-trekking, jeep safaris and falconry. Afterwards, take to the water on a dhow cruise or chartered yacht, or alternatively by sailing, water-skiing or kayaking – the latter either in the clear-blue sea or through the mangroves. After all that, Ras Al Khaimah is also home to two 18-hole championship golf courses.
For culture lovers, Ras Al Khaimah has the UAE’s only surviving hilltop fort, Dhayah Fort, built in the19th century on the foundations of ancient structures. You can also visit Bedouin camps to see for yourself how these nomadic peoples live, and even tour a pearl farm. Indeed, being so varied, Ras Al Khaimah appeals to all types of travellers, including couples, groups of friends, families, beach-lovers, adventure-seekers and culture vultures – its rich history goes back some 7,000 years.
Whether you want to relax, indulge, actively explore or discover heritage and ancient traditions – or a blend of some or all of these – Ras Al Khaimah offers a combination of activities and experiences available nowhere else in the UAE, despite being just 45 minutes from the global hub of Dubai International Airport.
To book your Christmas or New Year’s holiday in Ras al Khaimah with full finanical protection, call your Travel Counsellor today.
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