Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most fascinating and alluring travel destinations on the planet. Renowned for its beauty and open integration of foreign business investors, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has been growing by leaps and bounds under the leadership of HH Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi. As the only member of the United Arab Emirates not to be reliant on booming oil reserves, Ras Al Khaimah has been cultivated as a tourism hotspot thanks to the efforts imparted by the local Tourism Authority Board.
Ras Al Khaimah is nestled in the heart of the UAE’s most northeastern region. Home to near-continuous human habitation for thousands of years, the history of Ras Al Khaimah and its people is writ large upon the very soil those same humans settled. From ancient fishing villages to abandoned forts featuring bullet holes from British skirmishes, there is something to see no matter where you look.
For travelers looking to leave their normal life behind, a trip to Ras Al Khaimah may be the perfect place to go. Today, we will be highlighting a handful of amazing destinations within Ras Al Khaimah. So pack your suitcase, let’s get ready to travel!
Top Travel Sites in Ras Al Khaimah
As someone looking for international travel destinations, it may seem odd to highlight the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. After all, with the booming Abu Dhabi and Dubai just a short stretch of travel away, what does Ras Al Khaimah have to offer? That’s a great question and one we look forward to answering.
As it turns out, Ras Al Khaimah offers many of the thrills and luxurious pleasures beholden by tourists to Dubai. However, as Ras Al Khaimah is an order of magnitude less active, visitors get to enjoy luxury without all of the noise and population downsides. For a more relaxing journey into one of the most fascinating emirates in the UAE, you need to put the following destinations on your itinerary!
1) Embrace the History of RAK
If you are going to Ras Al Khaimah, you need to take some time to delve deep into the history of the region. While Ras Al Khaimah has plenty of high-profile and glamorous destinations to enjoy, we find these facets of the emirate’s history far more fulfilling. If you have the time to knock out all of these destinations, make sure you do so!
Dhayah Fort – Perhaps the most popular historical destination in the region, the Dhayah Fort is as breathtaking as you’d expect. Built in the 16th century, the Dhayah Fort was used as a defensive position and military tower against British invaders. Still littered with remnants of that time in history, visitors to the Dhayah Fort can literally place their hands on the ramparts that protected soldiers so many years ago. If you experience any history fatigue, merely look out at the sprawling natural vistas surrounding you.
Pearl Museum – If you want to learn about the land, learn about the people who developed it. Ras Al Khaimah didn’t have the luxury of natural oil reserves, so its people turned to pearl diving to find personal sources of income. Even though the industry was incredibly risky and unreliable, Ras Al Khaimah’s people made it one of their chief exports for years. The RAK Pearls Museum lets you explore history through wonderful displays.
Bassata Desert Village – Finally, you can get a taste for life in the desert by heading to the Bassata Desert Village located outside of Al Wadi. This village is the perfect place to enjoy immersing yourself in the Arabian experience. You’ll enjoy camel riding, sand skiing, and even dune bashing. For a more historical focus, consider attending the Bedouin dinner for an experience that will leave your taste buds salivating and your mind turning over the culture that you are learning of.
2) Enjoy Nature’s Beauty in RAK
While we certainly enjoy ingratiating ourselves in local history, sometimes an escape requires nothing more than the natural world around you. Fortunately for you, Ras Al Khaimah is absolutely filled to the brim with beautiful natural destinations. Let’s take a closer look at a few of our favorite options.
Khatt Hot Springs – The Khatt Hot Springs are located within the Hajar Mountain range. Home to a stunning oasis that seems to crop up from the desert, the Khatt Hot Springs are the perfect place to reset your mind and relax your body. The Hot Springs have an array of pools, spa treatments, and hot stone massages. Revered for its healing properties, the Khatt Hot Springs also offers a stunning view of the Hajar Mountains no matter where you turn your head.
RAK Dinner in the Desert – Next, we want to highlight a trip out to the desert just beyond the borders of the Capital City of RAK. The Bedouin Oasis Camp, highlighted above, also offers a stunning view of the desert from the eyes of the locals whose ancestors tamed it. The Bedouin Oasis Camp experience is a one-of-a-kind event that you will remember all the way back to your hotel room. There is something to be said for seeing the stars from the comfort of an active and welcoming dinner camp.
Jebel Jais – Finally, we want to highlight the most alluring attraction in Ras Al Khaimah – Jebel Jais. The Jebel Jais mountain is located along the North-Western edge of the Hajar Mountain Range. Home to the Jebel Jais Zipline, you can either experience an unbeatable view from the mountain’s summit or a thrilling flight down one of the most exciting ziplines on the planet. Either way, you are going to leave Jebel Jais with some pretty distinct memories!
Ras Al Khaimah has made waves over the past several years thanks to their efforts to embrace tourism. With affordable and luxurious destinations scattered throughout Ras Al Khaimah, you are only a flight away from experiencing the joy and history of the emirate for yourself!
