Ras Al Khaimah Holidays

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.

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.

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.