With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. A haven of year-round sunshine, the Emirate features pristine beaches, lush mangrove trees and terracotta dunes, as well as fertile, green oases and the dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Hajar mountains, including the UAE’s highest mountain peak – Jebel Jais, known as the adventure hub of the Middle East.
Speed through the clouds on the world’s longest zipline, the Jais Flight
Jais Adventure Park serves as the gateway to the iconic mountain’s multitude of attractions. Heading the charge of adventures on offer is the Jais Flight – World’s Longest Zipline, one of the destination’s highest profile attractions, loved by thrill-seekers from around the world. The length of the zipline spans an incredible 2.83km, equivalent to over 28 soccer fields. Zipliners soar through the skies at a height of 1,680 metres above sea level, reaching speeds of 120kph to 160kph – an adventure of a lifetime.
Embrace your adventurous side with a visit to the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp made its regional debut on Jebel Jais as the world’s first Bear Grylls branded accommodation. The camp offers survival courses of varying lengths, putting participants face-to-face with some of the toughest terrains in the wilderness. They receive hands-on practical training and survival techniques. The camp also features sixteen recycled and sustainable cabins, the first branded Bear Grylls accommodation in the world, where guests can spend the night and try their hand at mountain biking, hiking, and climbing.
Take a Ride Through Jebel Jais on the Region’s Longest Sledder
Located adjacent to the Jais Adventure Centre is the region’s longest toboggan ride and family-friendly attraction – the thrilling Jais Sledder. Offering visitors, a ride through Jebel Jais, the ride reaches speeds of up to 40kph descending the slopes of the Hajar Mountain, swerving through spectacular mountain terrain. The ride takes around eight minutes to cover 1,840 exhilarating metres of hairpin curves and undulating whirls.
Step into the past with a visit to Ras Al Khaimah’s archaeological sites
Ras Al Khaimah boasts over 1,000 archaeological sites and antiquities including ruins and forts. It is also the only Emirate in the UAE to have four historical locations – Julfar, Shimal, Al Jazeera Al Hamra and Dhayah – listed on UNESCO’s tentative list of Global Heritage Sites. Al Jazeera Al Hamra is the last-surviving pearl fishing village of its kind in the Arabian Gulf and to this day, remains mostly untouched, invoking feelings of taking a step back in time. It is an exceptional testimony to the architecture and settlement planning of the past and includes all traditional elements of a former Gulf town.
Learn about Ras Al Khaimah’s pearling history at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm
As the region’s first cultured pearl farm and the only traditional pearl farm in the UAE, Suwaidi Pearls is the nation’s only remaining pearl farm that provides locally sourced pearls to jewellers across the world. The farm tour starts with visitors boarding a traditional pearling boat to reach the floating pearl farm, offering a chance to enjoy views of the Hajar mountains and lush mangroves of the Emirate, home to pastel pink flamingos, western reef herons, Kalba collared kingfishers and the greater spotted eagle. The guided tour provides visitors a unique insight into the pearl cultivation and harvesting process, starting with the history of pearling, educating them on the evolution of the industry.
Discover the local wildlife at the Al Wadi Nature Reserve
Those looking to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s unique terracotta desert, the Al Wadi Nature Reserve boasts the stunning Ritz Carlton resort, offering private villas with breath-taking views, plus desert treks on camels and horseback riding at Al Wadi Equestrian Center, private archery lessons and a falcon show. Visitors seeking decadent dining under the stars can enjoy Sonara Camp, a luxurious dining and entertainment experience set in the beauty of Al Wadi desert.
Explore the Nature Emirate from a Bird’s Eye View with a hot-air balloon experience
Explorers looking to get a bird’s eye view of Ras Al Khaimah can experience Action Flight’s brand-new hot-air balloon experience featuring awe-inspiring views of the Emirate’s breath-taking natural landscapes. The picturesque experience sets afloat in the Al Wadi desert, where guests will board the 450,000 cubic feet balloon standing at a colossal 34.6m. Taking flight just before sunrise, the journey lasts approximately 60 minutes where visitors can marvel at the illuminated desert dunes, majestic Hajar mountains and glistening coastline and if they’re lucky, spot special appearances from the indigenous wildlife. Following the breath-taking flight, visitors will be transported to the Majlis for a delectable Bubbly Breakfast.
Relax on pristine white beaches along the 64km coastline
With a wide choice of accommodation, from ultra-luxurious beach resorts managed by some of the most notable names in the business, to family-friendly and affordable hotels – Ras Al Khaimah offers its visitors the best in hospitality. World-class hotels and resorts include properties such as Waldorf Astoria, Hilton, Rixos, Rotana, Ritz-Carlton, Radisson as well as the world’s largest Hampton Resort by Hilton. Opened in 2022, InterContinental Mina Al Arab offers island living amongst the exquisite landscapes and hospitality of modern Arabia, and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, located on a 300-metre stretch of golden shoreline is home to the largest floating water park in Ras Al Khaimah.
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