Ras Al Khaimah Hotels

Ras Al Khaimah, or the “Top of the Tent”, is a critical enclave of the country on the border of Oman. Home to under 300,000 people, the emirate is a short drive from the likes of Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Dubai. Despite the dearth of conspicuous mega-projects and ambitious real estate endeavours, the city of Ras Al Khaimah has some latent allure as a temporary deviation from the U.A.E.’s perpetual all-stars. Primary points of interest in the northern emirate congregate between the Old City and Nakheel. The two precincts on either side of a small waterway provide favourable glimpses of the Hazar Mountains; that most blatant topographical anomaly in the vast Arabian Desert landscape. Attractions of note in Ras Al Khaimah include Shama and Sheeba Palace, Jazirat Al Hamra, Al Qasimi Corniche, the National Museum and Ras Al Khaimah Suq.

Ras Al Khaimah's Top 10

Ras Al Khaimah History

• Falayah Fort – The General Treaty of Peace was signed by the Sheiks and British here in 1820.
• Old City – The wealthiest people in the city and the Sheiks used to live in the area.
• Hili Towers – These magnificent mud and stone round watchtowers were erected in the 3rd millennium BC.
• Sheeba’s Palace – The 16th-century Islamic Palace is a very mysterious place.
• Al Jazirah Al Hamra – The oldest occupied site in UAE and now a ghost town.

Ras Al Khaimah Art & Culture

• Ras Al Khaimah National Theatre – Watch exemplary Arabic plays in the theatre.
• AWAFI Festival – A festival centred on motor sport activities.
• Zayed Heritage Village – It houses stunning collection of silver antiquities.
• Bin Darwish Heritage Village – A quirky mini museum that houses artefacts that reflect traditions and local culture.
• Ras Al Khaimah National Museum – A tower with exquisite Arabic architecture that houses artefacts that dates back thousands of years.

Ras Al Khaimah Shopping

• Manar Mall – One of the most visited places in the city.
• Safeer Mall – The mall has over 100 boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
• Al Hamra Mall – You can basically get anything here; there are also international boutiques.
• Al Nakheel Shopping Area – It is an Indian-Pakistan community where you can get textiles and spices.
• Traditional Souks – If you want a traditional Arabic shopping experience, you must visit here.

Gay & Lesbian Ras Al Khaimah

Homosexual rights are not officially recognized in the United Arab Emirates. Gays and lesbians should use discretion and caution, as discrimination and police scrutiny can occur.

• The Tree Top Bar – This rooftop bar at the Doubletree offers cocktails and a swanky vibe.
• Esprit – A dance club located in the lavish Hilton Resort & Spa.
• Club Acacia – Resident DJs spin tunes into the wee morning hours at this club located in the Acacia Hotel.
• Stallions Night Club – Near the Hilton with three dance floors, although the crowd isn’t as suggestive as the name.
• Banyan Tree Al Wadi – Luxurious accommodations with spa facilities and a private beach area.

Ras Al Khaimah Outdoor

• Saqr Public Park – Everyone in your family will enjoy it here, as there is just so much to do.
• Wadi Safarfir – The copper valley supplied copper to Mesopotamia.
• Hajar Mountains – The breathtaking view is without a doubt the most spectacular attraction in Ras Al Khaimah.
• Dahan Beaches – A magnificent coastline, it is also equipped with a playground so your kids will have fun.
• Wadi Asimah – The palm gardens will welcome you. You can also spot prehistoric structures in the village.

Ras Al Khaimah Sport

• Ras Al Khaimah desert driving could be difficult in the beginning but is definitely exhilarating.
• Rowing in the Ras Al Khaimah water creeks is an unexpected treat.
• Wadi Bih is an excellent place to try mountain climbing, especially for those who love challenges.
• An excellent way to see the city is through Powered Parachuting, a perfect activity for thrill seekers.
• Watch a football match at cafés and shisha places and see the locals go wild.

Ras Al Khaimah Events

Awafi Festival is one of the premier annual events in the United Arab Emirates. The spring bash commemorates the ethnic and cultural heritage of the country via myriad theatre performances and outdoor sports events held in the Awafi district of Ras Al Khaimah.

When To Go

Like the rest of the United Arab Emirates and the Persian Gulf, Ras Al Khaimah has a telltale arid climate with scant rainfall and very high temperatures throughout the year. Conditions on the fringes of the desert can come as quite a shock in July and August, when temperatures soar past 105°F (40.5°C) on a regular basis. For those accustomed to milder climates, precautions in the face of the oppressive midday heat are a must.

Nonetheless, December to February offers some welcome relief. Winter temperautres range from 57°F (14°C) to 79°F (26°C) and early spring and late fall are reasonably comfortable as well.

Getting Around

Ras Al Khaimmah International Airport is puny in comparison to the mighty airline hubs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai but offers some international flights of note. Routes on offer include Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Istanbul, Muscat, Milan-Malpensa, Cairo, Chittagong, Doha, Jidda, as well as various charters throughout continental Europe.

The emirate city is a relatively short drive from Dubai (1 hour, 15 minutes) and Abu Dhabi (3 hours, 15 minutes).

Visitors will need to rely on a private car or taxi for transport within Ras Al Khaimmah proper.

General Information

Atrractions & Activities

Restaurants & Nightlife

Climate