Walk through Ras Al Khaimah’s Top Attractions

With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, culture and magnificent landscapes, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE is sun and sand, adventure, heritage, history and culture. The destination is sunny year-round and features pristine beaches, undulating terracotta desert, green oases and the majestic Hajar mountains, home to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in UAE.

As the featured destination of PATA Annual Summit (PAS) 2021, we’d like to take you on a walk through some of Ras Al Khaimah’s top attractions!

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp (BGEC)

Jebel Jais, part of the Hajar Mountain formed 70 million years ago, is the tallest peak (1934m) in UAE. In 2020, survival expert Bear Grylls opened the latest branch of his explorers camp in Ras Al Khaimah, offering survival courses at the world’s first branded camp accommodation. Designed for adventurers between the ages of 8 and 70, families, friends, and corporate teams can learn real-life survival skills through walking, hiking, biking, and abseiling on the mountains with spectacular views!

Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park

If you prefer a serene sunset trip, the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park would be your top choice. Its seven viewing decks will guarantee a 360° immersive view of the sunset over the breath-taking Hajar Mountains. Of course, extreme excitement is also an option: Jebel Jai Flight with the world’s longest zipline, Jais Sky Tour with seven ziplines and a sky bridge, and Jais Sky Maze challenging visitors with wobbly bridges, swing ropes and swinging loops. Dare a try?

Dhaya Fort

Dhaya Fort, originally built in the 19th century to defend against intruders and the only hilltop fort remaining today, boasts 5000 years of historical, military and archaeological importance. It also offers a panorama view of its surroundings – the acacia forest, traditional palm gardens, natural reserve of Khor Hulayla and traditional town of Ras Al Khaimah framed by Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf.

Jazirah Al Hamra

Al Hamra (‘Red Island’), the last seafaring town of the Arabian Gulf should not be missed! It is one of four archaeological sites in Ras Al Khaimah on the UNESCO Heritage (tentative) List (Dhaya Fort is another!), perfectly preserved under the well-known yellow desert and survived through time and power transfers in the area. The Jazirah Al Hamra retains traces of early 20th century architecture and holds remarkable historic importance.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

If you are looking for moments to dip into the history and culture of UAE, you will not want to miss the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah! It was once a palace for the Al Qasmi ruling family until 1964 and now houses a collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts, such as documents, manuscripts, traditional weapons and more.

Bedouin Oasis Camp

The Bedouin Oasis Camp is a secret haven where you can experience the iconic Arabian desert. This includes a true-to-life recreation of the mysterious Bedouin life with real goats’ hair tents, woven embroidered cushions on sand and the most delicious sand oven cooked Arabian barbecues. You will also be entertained with dancing, singing, and camel rides before finally leaving with a henna tattoo. What’s not to love?

Fashion

When it comes to fashion, nothing competes with the elegance of pearls! Did you know that the Suwaidi Pearl Farm in Ras Al Khaimah is the only pearl farm among Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman that breeds oysters in a natural and eco-friendly way?

Located at the foot of the Al Hajar mountain, visitors can tour the lagoon, go pearl diving, and try popping open some of the oysters for luck! After that, the next time you see a stunning designer jewelry piece (Van Cleef & Arpels, Steven Webster, Mouawad…), you can proudly say that you’ve picked some of these pearls yourself!

Flavours

Can you really claim that you’ve been to a place without tasting the local flavours? Make a stop at Skeek for some Emirati savouries in a contemporary setting. From traditional breakfast trays to Luqaimat, the taste will most definitely have you thinking (and even drooling) about them! Also pay a visit to Ashuk Ice Cream, one of the oldest ice cream stops in UAE, for some frozen treats!

Not to forget that date fruit and date palms have long been holding a significant place in the Emirati culture; if you happen to stumble across a date farm on your trip, learn about its cultivation and taste some of the finest dates fresh from the farms!

Natural Beauty

End your ‘fruitful’ day by camping at one of the most popular trails in Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Showka, footed at the Hajar Mountains. It’s a perfect place for some outdoor sports like hiking, running and cycling to escape from the city hustle, as well as a spectacular place for stunning star gazing (offered by Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert)! Experience the serenity in the vast desert and call it a life!

Feeling the wanderlust? Be sure to join PATA Annual Summit 2021 to learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. We’ll even get to hear from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)’s CEO, Raki Phillips, himself! There’s also a set of exciting vouchers up for grabs from RAKTDA - log onto the PAS 2021 virtual platform to participate for a chance to win!