Are you planning a trip to the UAE and wondering what is Ras Al Khaimah famous for? Check out this guide for the top attractions in this city.
If you are vacationing in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) should definitely be on your itinerary. The destination is a 45 minute drive from Dubai and it is ideal for a weekend trip. There are astounding options for adventures, including mountains, beaches, hiking, and exploring the Ras Al Khaimah desert, which is quite different from other deserts in the UAE. There is always something for everyone here. Make your reservation for a desert safari in Ras Al Khaimah to explore the desert.
How To Reach Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah is a quick trip of only 45 minutes from Dubai. RAK is linked to Dubai to and from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Centre Airport by free shuttle buses that offer easy and direct transfers to the Emirate.
What Is Ras Al Khaimah Famous For?
1. Jebel Jais
This mountain rests at 1,934 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in the UAE. Jebel Jais offers splendid views of the dawn and sunset. The 35 km long road leading to the top of the hill is one of the best routes in the world as it features hairpins and countless sharp corners. The mountain is also home to the world’s longest zipline, attracting adventurers from all over the world.
2. RAK National Museum
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is in a fort home to the Emirate’s ruling family until the early 1960s. Research from the archaeological excavations revealed that the fort was once a residence to the ruling family, later destroyed twice in wars, and became the police headquarters for some time. The building was finally turned into a museum in 1987. The museum hosts a vast collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts.
RAK national museum is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts as it holds a collection of historical, archaeological, ethnographical, and traditional materials from the Emirates.
3. Jazirat Al Hamra
Jazirat Al Hamra is a small rustic fishing village in RAK, showcasing the region’s way of living before oil was discovered. The village is one of the most well-preserved and oldest coastal villages of the UAE, dating back to the 16th century. The village was abandoned and left to the work of nature ages ago.
4. Khatt Springs
Khatt Springs, situated in the mountainous village of Khatt and next to the Hajar Mountains in RAK, is an area of mineral-rich hot pools. The mineral-rich, natural hot pools and the waters are known to be relaxing and therapeutic. The water level at the springs is 90 feet below the ground, and temperatures of up to 40°C. The water is said to have medical benefits for rheumatic diseases, muscular problems, and skin diseases due to its mineral content and temperature.
5. Al Hamra Beach
Al Hamra Beach is one of the most popular beaches of Ras Al Khaimah. The Jazirat Al Hamra Old town western side is along the coastline. The beach boasts an immaculate stretch of clear golden sands flecked with colorful seashells. This beach is a great location for swimming in the warm Persian Gulf waters or lounging in the sun and watching the fascinating sunset.
6. Zipline
The zipline starts at the highest point in the UAE, 1680 meters above sea level, runs above the Jebel Jais mountains in Ras Al Khaimah at an average speed of 120kph, and stops at the top of the line suspended platform. The zipline has a 2.83 km span of the zip wire, equivalent to 28 soccer pitches, and was certified by Guinness World Records as the World’s Longest Zipline. Experience an adrenaline rush by riding this longest zipline in the world.
The Guinness World Records certified the zipline the same day it was opened to the public.
7. 15meter-long Sky Bridge, 1.25km Above Sea Level
This experience is part of the Jebel Jais RAK zipline tour. Flyers navigate through the air to reach the 15-meter-long sky bridge, the highest in the UAE at 1.25 km above sea level and 300m above the ground. You will then have to cross the bridge to finish the remaining part of the zipline tour.
8. Shimal
Shimal is a small village of substantial historical value and home to numerous pre-Islamic tombs. The rustic village is located north of Ras Al Khaimah city and is nestled against the Hajar Mountains. Shimal is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The place is home to a few hundred pre-Islamic tombs and has great archaeological value. From the records and historical findings, there is proof of settlement in the area from around 2000-1300 BC.
Items unearthed from the several excavations include pottery, weapons crafted of bronze and copper, stone vessels, and beads. The greatest discovery in Shimal is the finding of a huge circular tomb from the Umm al-Nar period. You can also see the Husn al-Shimal Fort from the small Islamic era perched high above on the rocky outcrop.
9. New Year Fireworks
Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve Gala of 2020 made history by winning the Guinness World Record titles for the ‘Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Launching Fireworks Simultaneously’ and the ‘Longest Fireworks Waterfall .’The official adjudicators of Guinness World Records were present during this Eve Gala. The two records take the number of Guinness World Records titles set for fireworks by RAK to five in just three years.
10. Hajar Mountains
Ras Al Khaimah is dominated by the rugged and raw Hajar Mountains away from the coast. Road trip into the Hajar gives some of the best scenery in the UAE, with views of the snaggy and barren mountain landscapes sprawling outward as the roads ascend further into the interior.
For a leisure drive, take the main E18 highway south of Ras Al Khaimah city, then turn onto the E87 highway, which passes through the heart of the Hajar Mountains.
About The Author
Robeena Brown is a travel blogger & destination expert living in the UAE and works for local tourism companies like Arabiers. If you have been looking forward to touring Dubai, getting a visa, extending your stays and exploring the city, you can follow her on social media.
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