Ras Al Khaimah Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

More sand than skyscrapers, Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s best-kept secret. Think laid-back beaches, towering mountains, and the kind of authentic Arabian charm that Dubai’s glitter can’t compete with.

Ras Al Khaimah highlights

64km of gorgeous coastline and soft sandy beaches
Jebel Jais mountains and the world’s longest zipline
Desert safaris, nature reserves, and authentic Arabian culture
A slower, quieter vibe than Dubai – perfect for unwinding

What are the best beaches to visit on your Ras Al Khaimah holiday?

RAK might be quieter than Dubai, but that just means more sand, space, and serenity for you whether you're here on your Summer holidays, or you've booked something last-minute with the other half. With 64km of coastline, you’ve got calm waters for paddling, secret coves for escaping the crowds, and plenty of soft beachy sands for your towel takeover. Here are our fave spots:

Flamingo Beach – kid-friendly shallows, flamingo statues, and endless ice cream stops.
Al Hamra Beach – volleyball, watersports, and shoreline strolls for seashell scavengers.
Al Jeer Beach – zero watersports, 100% peaceful. Sunset watchers, this one’s for you.
Al Mairid Public Beach – sunbathing, swimming, volleyball, and a glimpse of local fishermen at work.
Saraya Island Beach – remote and tourist-free, with golden sand and chef’s kiss sunsets.
RAK Beach – the locals’ fave, perfect for beach games, BBQs, and splashing about.

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah?

Beaches? On your doorstep. Restaurants? Heaps of 'em. Pools? Infinity ones. And then some. Sound good? We've got a load of Ras Al Khaimah holidays to float your boat, we've done the hard part and narrowed down a list of our fave hotels to get you started. Get a load of these:

Rixos Bab Al Bahr - ultra-all-inclusive, with adults-only infinity pools, 24/7 dining, and beach parties.
Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island - world’s biggest Hampton with a pool, spa, and soft play for the kids.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island - five stars done right, with a private sandy beach, a HUGE pool area, an inflatable climbing wall for the kids, and 13 restaurants to pick from!
Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island - sky bar views, beachfront location, and spa treatments including a chocolate wrap.
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa - living the luxury life with an infinity pool, ocean views, six restaurants, and a swanky spa.

Your Ras Al Khaimah holidays 2025 / 2026 travel guide

Things to do for families in Ras Al Khaimah

Holidays with the kids? RAK’s got splash zones, animal encounters, and sandy adventures that’ll keep the whole gang grinning on your family jollies:

Cool off at Iceland Water Park with slides for tiny tots and thrill-seekers.
Meet camels and falcons at Al Wadi Nature Reserve.
Build sandcastles and picnic at Flamingo Beach.

Things to do for couples in Ras Al Khaimah

Looking for a bit of romance with a side of adventure? This emirate’s got starlit dinners and heart-racing heights sure to make your couples' holiday one for the history books:

Fly down the Jebel Jais zipline together (and scream in harmony).
Sip champagne at a mountain-top viewpoint at sunset.
Sneak away to a desert dinner under the stars.

Things to do for groups in Ras Al Khaimah

Whether it’s mates’ escapes or birthday blowouts, RAK’s got adrenaline and chill-out spots to tick every box on a group holiday:

Hike or bike the Jebel Jais mountain trails.
Charter a private boat for an island-hopping adventure.
Hit a beach club for cocktails and DJs at sunset.

Things to do for foodies in Ras Al Khaimah

Got a holiday appetite? From local delicacies to seaside fine dining, RAK will feed your soul (and your camera roll).

Scoff machboos and harees at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café.
Try fresh seafood with sea views at Piaceri da Gustare.
Go all out with an Arabic desert BBQ experience.

Getting around on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays

RAK is easy-peasy to explore, we recommend either...

🚕 Hailing a taxi. They're everywhere (and cheap too), or summon one with Careem.
🚗 Hiring a car. If you’re chasing hidden beaches or mountain roads, then this might be the travel pick for you.

Other Places to visit nearby

Popular Ras Al Khaimah hotels

More Ras Al Khaimah hotels

Weather in Ras Al Khaimah

JAN

23^°C

FEB

24^°C

MAR

28^°C

APR

33^°C

MAY

37^°C

JUN

40^°C

JUL

41^°C

AUG

41^°C

SEP

38^°C

OCT

35^°C

NOV

30^°C

DEC

25^°C

Ras Al Khaimah is blessed with a desert climate. And what does that mean? Well, year-round sunshine, pretty much. Rain is a rarity in these parts, so leave your rain mac and brolly at home, because you won't be needing them on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays.

Even in Winter, the mercury sits between 12 and 26°C - probably the best time to visit if you want to wander, kick back on a beach and have a paddle in the ocean. Winter-sun holidays don't get much more iconic than this.

Spring and Autumn might as well be considered Summer with the temps they throw out tipping into very high 30s by May and sticking around the 40°C mark in September.

Summer might be best spent shopping in the aircon or being constantly submerged up to your neck in a body of water to beat the 40°C heat that toasts the town - stay covered, and keep hydrated guys, scorchers in the desert are fierce as much as they are fantastic.

FAQs

Ras Al Khaimah is buzzing with exciting new hotel and leisure developments, all part of keeping this top-tier destination ahead of the game for future jet-setters. The area’s constantly evolving, with award-winning tourism projects popping up over the years – and there’s plenty more to come. While the vibe is all about the glow-up, you might notice a bit of work happening nearby, either in view or earshot of your hotel – but rest assured, every effort’s being made to keep things smooth and stress-free.

It takes around 7 hours to fly to Ras Al Khaimah from the UK/Ireland - we reckon save up that nap to slice the journey in half.

The local time in Ras Al Khaimah is 4 hours ahead of the UK/Ireland - factor that into your beach-centric plans for day 1!

The United Emirates Dirham is the official currency used in Ras Al Khaimah.

The official language spoken in Ras Al Khaimah is Arabic.

No, Ras Al Khaimah is in a separate emirate to Dubai, but it doesn't have its own airport, so you will fly to Dubai Airport to get there. It's around a 45-minute drive.

The legal drinking age in Ras Al Khaimah is 21.

Get your steps in at Jebel Jais

Towering at 1,934m, Jebel Jais is the UAE’s highest peak and a must for your RAK itinerary. Wind up the scenic mountain roads, hop between viewing platforms, and drink in jaw-dropping views over the Hajar Mountains. Feeling brave? Strap in for the world’s longest zipline, hitting speeds of up to 150kph with desert-and-sea views to match.

Wander the Al Jazirah Al Hamra Ruins

Step back in time at this 14th-century ghost town, just south of Ras Al Khaimah. Once a thriving fishing village, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is now an open-air museum of coral-stone houses, mosques, and alleyways, frozen in time. Nobody knows exactly why the villagers left—but it’s a photographer’s dream and a dose of authentic Emirati history.

Live the desert dream at Sonara Camp

Sonara Camp is eco-friendly luxury under the stars. Think solar-powered facilities, kids’ activities (football, volleyball, movie nights), and live fire or music shows. Add a menu of slow-cooked lamb, skewers, and pizza served under twinkling fairy lights, and you’ve got a desert night to remember on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays.

Tackle the dunes on a desert safari

Quad bike, dune bash, or take a sunset camel trek—Ras Al Khaimah’s deserts are an adventure playground. Most safaris end with a traditional Arabic BBQ and live entertainment, so you can refuel like a true Bedouin.

See the desert, camel-style

Swap four wheels for four legs and ride high above the sands on a friendly camel. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife like oryx and desert foxes. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and very “Arabian Nights.”

Buckle up for the Jais Sledder

Hiking is great, but hurtling down the mountains at 40km/h on a roller-sled is better. The Jais Sledder takes you on a thrilling track through the Hajar Mountains with panoramic coastline views. Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you.

What events can I go to in Ras Al Khaimah?
Things to do, places to be. We feel ya. So does Ras Al Khaimah. That's why they've got events for all kinds of occasions, so you're bound to find something that takes your fancy. But why let us stop there? Let's give you a lil list to refer to just in case you're stumped, have a gander below:
- Cinema on the Sand (every Tuesday!) - cosy up on the sand and catch your favourite movies under the stars at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, from Mamma Mia to The Greatest Showman, and - of course - the absolute classic that is How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
- Ras Al Khaimah NYE Fireworks (January) - what's a New Year celebration without some cracking (literally) fireworks, but what gives this event a lil extra spice is it's usual fervour to break a few firework related world records - Guy Fawkes would be proud.
- Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (February) - a non-profit community arts festival showcasing the work of local and emerging artists, photographers and filmmakers
- RAK Mall Winter Fest (February - March) - spend up those Dirham at these seasonal market stalls, with food trucks, clothes stalls, games, fragrances, live music and a bouncy castle for the kids
- Colour Splash (March) - the UAE's largest colour and beach music festival - be prepared to turn into a walking rainbow as you're showered with vibrant chalk while the DJ does his thing at the booth and the beach comes alive with beer games and kid-friendly activities
- Sunwaves Festival (March) - head to The Dunes for a day (and night) of dancing - with live music, food courts and chill-out zones
- Al Marjan Island Festival (March) - bring the whole fam along to this event that sees a tonne of activities, entertainment and performances all oozing with local culture, oh, and don't skip out on the food stalls when you get peckish either.
- Oktoberfest Celebrations (October) - a beer lovers dreamscape come to life, german-themed events take over hotels and restaurants from traditional food to music and, naturally, plenty of beer.
- Ras Al Khaimah Adventure Week (October) - intrepid adventurers, this one's for you, a whole week dedicated to adventure sports in all their glory from zip-lining to hiking and a tonne of water sports too.
- Christmas Markets (December) - hotels, malls and public spaces are transformed for the most wonderful time of the year with markets, Santa meet-and-greets and performances to turn your Ras Al Khaimah holidays into magical memories.
What are evenings like in Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah might be a bit more on the quieter side, but there's still plenty to do after sundown. Flock to one of these places after dinner, and you're guaranteed a top-tier time of tunes and tinnies on your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah:
- Pulso Nightclub - bright lights, live music and regular food and drink combo deals will have you dancing 'til dawn at this place
- Dome Lounge - if you prefer something a bit more refined, you'll love the cosy atmosphere here. By day it's a hub for a quiet afternoon tea, but by night it's a laidback piano bar with cocktails and shisha on the menu
- Avalon Disco Bar - located in the Camphor Hotel, this lively club is home to disco nights, DJ sets and all your favourite drinks to hand - from cocktails to beers and vodka
- Shofee Rooftop Lounge - this lounge is tucked away inside DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, with shisha, Arabic snacks and a range of drinks - all under one air-conditioned roof. Oh, and it's open 'til 2am.
- Purobeach - a beach club that puts the chic in fantaschic, you've got stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, you've got pools, you've got live DJ performances, heck you've even got a Mediterranean restaurant, this spot is kinda an all-rounder, the perfect pick for your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah.
- XO Nightclub – A swanky late-night lounge with VIP tables, craft cocktails, and weekend DJs spinning house and R&B for a sleek city vibe.
What's the food like in Ras Al Khaimah?
Arabian food is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds, with hearty dishes and warm spices. For a true taste of the region on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays, give these local dishes a try:
- Machboos - a traditional rice dish cooked with either spiced meat or fish
- Therid - a comforting stew made with chunky meat and veg, served with flatbread on the side
- Shawarma - think Doner kebab but a lot more tasty with some much nicer memories tied to it
- Tabbouleh - a refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onion, mint and heaps of chopped parsley - all tossed in olive oil and lashings of lemon juice
- Luqaimat - a deep fried sweet dumpling with a dash of saffron and cardamom drizzled with date syrup or honey, the perfect sweet treat to enjoy after a delish dinner.
Got you drooling? We've handpicked a few restaurants where you can try all that and more. Eat your heart out on your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah at:
- 1484 by Puro (pictured) – the highest restaurant in the UAE, perched on Jebel Jais. Tuck into local dishes, Asian flavours, or classic fish and chips for the kids. Sunset dinners under the fairy lights? Chef’s kiss.
- Karma Kafé – a Pan-Asian paradise at Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, serving everything from sushi to Thai curries under one stylish roof.
- Ashuk Ice Cream – the ultimate pitstop for a sugar rush. Expect long queues for their fruity, creamy, Oreo-topped creations (worth it).
- The Anchor Bar – think British gastropub with a seaside twist: burgers, ribs, and a roof terrace with pool and darts for post-dinner fun.
- Ula – a “sea jewel” that serves up tapas, gyros, pasta, grilled meats, and killer cocktails in a chic, beachy setting.
- Levant & Nar – a dreamy waterfront restaurant dishing out Levantine and Turkish cuisine, from sizzling kebabs to creamy hummus, all with Arabian Gulf views.

Places to visit

Suwaidi Pearls Farm
The pearlfect day out if you fancy yourself a bit of culture. Suwaidi is the first farm of its kind in the gulf region, and tours here are always a hit with guests. You can hop on a traditional pearl fishing boat from Al Rams, where your guide will tell you everything you need to know about the history of pearl fishing in Ras Al Khaimah over seven millennia (that's a really long time, to you and me). From diving techniques to old fisherman's tales and the inside scoop on what kinds of pearls you can actually get your hands on (yep, there's more than one kind!) - you'll be in for a history lesson to remember on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays. You'll even have chance to explore the Suwaidi Pearl farmhouse - tucked away on its own floating pontoon, and there's a gift shop where you can bag yourself a cheeky souvenir to remember your trip.
Jais Flight
Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's you on the longest zipline in the world. Did we mention that? It's 2.83km if you want to get your metre stick out. You'll find it at Jebel Jais - the highest mountain in the UAE, although it's not for the faint-hearted - so if you're more of a teacups person than a loop-de-loop rollercoaster person, this might not be for you. If it does tick your boxes though, then how's this for excitement: you'll be reaching speeds of around 150kmph as you're zipping over the valley. Wowzer. Plus, it only takes around 3 minutes to get from top to bottom, so there are no excuses when it comes to fitting this adrenaline rush into your schedule on your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah.
Mangrove Forests
Fun fact time: mangroves are woody plants found along tropical and subtropical coasts. They have roots that sit above water level, giving them a funny topsy-turvy look as though they've been planted upside down. The mangrove forests in Ras Al Khaimah are perfect if you prefer your activities to be more peaceful than heartpounding. Hopping on a paddleboard or kayak is the best way to explore them, with guided tours available to talk you through the journey if you want to load up on facts during your Ras Al Khaimah holidays for the next mangrove-themed pub quiz you take part in. Aside from being a calming and otherworldly experience, these forests are a magnet for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers, eagles, flamingos and flippin' loads of fish (obviously).

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

The holy month of Ramadan usually takes place from mid-March to April. During this time, many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, there might be restrictions on alcohol sales, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests might take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas might also be restricted during this time.

There is a tourism tax of 15 AED per room, per night in Ras Al Khaimah that is payable directly to the hotel on arrival. This charge is subject to change.

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Ras Al Khaimah Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Ras Al Khaimah highlights

What are the best beaches to visit on your Ras Al Khaimah holiday?

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Ras Al Khaimah?

Your Ras Al Khaimah holidays 2025 / 2026 travel guide

Things to do for families in Ras Al Khaimah

Things to do for couples in Ras Al Khaimah

Things to do for groups in Ras Al Khaimah

Things to do for foodies in Ras Al Khaimah

Getting around on your Ras Al Khaimah holidays

Other Places to visit nearby

Popular Ras Al Khaimah hotels

Weather in Ras Al Khaimah

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

Why are there ongoing building works?

How long does it take to fly to Ras Al Khaimah?

What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Ras Al Khaimah?

What currency do they use in Ras Al Khaimah?

What language do they speak in Ras Al Khaimah?

Is Ras Al Khaimah in Dubai?

How old do you need to be to drink alcohol in Ras Al Khaimah?

Get your steps in at Jebel Jais

Wander the Al Jazirah Al Hamra Ruins

Live the desert dream at Sonara Camp

Tackle the dunes on a desert safari

See the desert, camel-style

Buckle up for the Jais Sledder

What events can I go to in Ras Al Khaimah?

What are evenings like in Ras Al Khaimah?

What's the food like in Ras Al Khaimah?

Places to visit

Suwaidi Pearls Farm

Jais Flight

Mangrove Forests

Key facts about Ras Al Khaimah

Flight Time

7 hrs

Time Difference

+4hrs

Currency

UAE Dirham

Language

Arabic

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Ras Al Khaimah?

Ramadan in Ras Al Khaimah

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Ras Al Khaimah?