Nestled between the Persian Gulf and the Al Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah is the up and coming holiday hotspot and the real jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates. Experience cosmopolitan city life, beach days and culture a plenty in this one-of-a-kind destination. Moreover, because Ras Al Khaimah is one of the slightly lesser known Emirates, you get the added benefit of lavish hotels, All Inclusive options and great affordability.
BeachesBoasting an impressive 64km of coastline, Ras Al Khaimah is a beach-lovers paradise. Pristine pale sands collide with deep golden tones of the Arabian Desert, creating picture-perfect bays with azure-blue waters. Much of the beach here is privately owned by the hotels that line the shore, meaning they are very clean and full of amenities such as loungers, parasols and beach bars – but don’t worry as most offer public access for non-hotel guests for a nominal fee. Ras Al Khaimah has plenty to offer – spend days relaxing on the warm sands, try your hand at a new watersport or dance the night away at a beach party just don’t forget to take in the beautiful sunset over dinner beachside.
Food & DrinkAs with most major cities, the food available in Ras Al Khaimah is as varied and diverse as it could possibly be - so whatever you fancy, you’re sure to find in this bountiful city. Steak houses are ubiquitous here and great traditional Middle Eastern restaurants can be found in every area. In Arabic culture meal times are a time to get together and usually involve starting a meal with several mezze dishes. Mezze dishes are smaller dishes typically eaten in place of a starter and shared among a group, making a meal here a very social experience. Popular dishes include tabouleh – a salad made of parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint and onion, and batata harra – a spicy potato dish with garlic, red pepper, coriander and chilli. Mains include a lot of vegetable dishes and lamb is a popular meat – camel is also found on many menus if you fancy trying something different! Alcohol can be purchased within bars, restaurants and clubs in Ras Al Khaimah but you may need a residents alcohol licence to purchase alcohol in a shop.
CultureRas Al-Khaimah’s people are warm, welcoming, and more than happy to share their culture and traditions with all who visit. For a truly immersive experience head to a souk, or market, and try your hand at bartering with the locals for some unique bargains. Influences from its Islamic and Arabic history are visible throughout the city, from the traditional architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque to the bustling atmosphere around the souks and markets. Ras Al Khaimah is particularly well known for its folklore, music and traditional dances, many of which can be seen through the regular celebrations throughout the city.
NightlifeRas Al Khaimah, much like neighbouring Dubai, may be famed for its bottomless brunches where you can enjoy superb food along with plenty of drinks throughout the day, but the city also has a unique nightlife. By night, most bars and clubs are located in hotels and offer a wide variety of settings. Slightly more laid-back than other Emirates, the nightlife is Ras Al Khaimah is chic and relaxed. Think beach bars by sunset and rooftop terraces until the early hours. Shisha bars are also very popular here as a lot of Ras Al Khaimah’s residents don’t drink alcohol. These bars tend to be very sociable places with an emphasis on relaxing with friends.
Important InformationFlight Time: 7hrsTime Difference: +4hrsCurrency: Arab Emirates DirhamOfficial Language: Arabic
VaccinationsPlease check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
RamadanPlease be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 05/05/2019 and 04/06/2019. During this time, many cafes and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.