What to Do in Ras Al Khaimah

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.