Ras Al Khaimah Holidays

Destination Highlights

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Beaches | Hotels | Nightlife | Food | Culture | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

What are the best beaches in Ras Al Khaimah?

Pristine pale sands collide with the deep golden tones of the Arabian Desert, creating picture-perfect bays with azure-blue waters. Ras Al Khaimah has plenty to offer – spend days relaxing on the warm sands, try your hand at a new water sport or dance the night away at a beach party. Just don’t forget to take in the beautiful sunset over dinner at the beachside.

• Al Jazeerah Beach - This public beach is one of the most popular in the region and is enjoyed by locals and tourists. No sun loungers so bring a towel and have a lie down on the sand. Lovely!
• Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort - Albeit a private beach, day passes can be purchased to this resort so you can embrace the 1.5km stretch of golden sands.
• Maarid Beach - A staple of beaches in the region, this is a great one to unwind and enjoy a family day out.
• Flamingo Beach - This highly rated beach is an ideal beach to visit and gets its name from the two statues located there.

What are the top hotels in Ras Al Khaimah?

Ras Al Khaimah is host to some luxurious and beautiful hotels and resorts that will provide a special stay, whether you’re with the family or just getting away as a couple.

• Double Tree Resort by Hilton & Spa Marjan Island - One of the most popular resorts in the region. Providing gorgeous food, great facilities and a delightful stay.
• BM Beach Hotel - This hotel provides a private beach, lovely gardens and a relaxing location.
• The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert - Private pools in each villa, five star facilities in the resort and some delicious food options. What more could you want?
• Rixos Bab Al Bahr - A resort that redefines luxury with an impressive selection of rooms, incredible facilities and a peaceful location.
• The Cove Rotana -This hotel benefits from 600m of private beach, delicious cuisine and comfortable rooms and apartments.
• Hampton Marjan Island -The biggest Hampton by Hilton in the world equipped with some wonderful facilities including an infinity pool overlooking the Arabian gulf.

What’s the food like in Ras Al Khaimah?

Cuisine in the region is an eclectic mix of fish, vegetables, meat and spices using some of the unique cooking techniques found throughout Arabic history and culture.

• Mandi - A traditional Arabic dish combining lamb or chicken, rice and a blend of spices.
• Biryani - Similar to Mandi but cooked using a different style.
• Tharid - A meat and vegetable stew with bread that is typically consumed during Ramadan.
• Tabbouleh - Combining various herbs with tomatoes, bulgar and onion and seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice to create a lovely salad.
• Shawarma - A dish made from thinly sliced meat (typically lamb or chicken) and rolled in a wrap or pitta that have been steamed.

Ras Al Khaimah has a wonderful selection of restaurants to try.

• Madfoon al Sada - A humble looking restaurant serving some authentic and delicious cuisine.
• Lexington Gril - Looking for a good steak? Well, this grill serves up some delicious types in a nicely designed space.
• Skeek - Dive into local flavours at this Emirati style restaurant.
• 1484 by Puro - Experience dining on the highest restaurant in the UAE

Where’s the best nightlife in Ras Al Khaimah?

Ras 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 in Ras Al Khaimah is chic and relaxed.

• Ri Bar & Lounge - A relaxing atmosphere with an eclectic mix of cocktails and other refreshments.
• Marina Muse - This bar goes from breakfast to after dinner drinks and supplies some wonderful cocktails and snacks to keep you going.

What is the culture like in Ras Al Khaimah?

Ras Al Khaimah is steeped in history and culture. With locals having a strong sense of value for their heritage and arts, visitors to the region can embrace and learn more about its origins. From music to art to historic landmarks, you can dive deep into Ras Al Khaimah’s roots.

• Al Jazirah Al Hamra Ruins - A historical site with remaining buildings that have not been touched since their construction. As well as this, during February and March, the village comes to life for the Fine Arts Festival.
• National Museum - Learn more about Ras Al Khaimah’s history by visiting this museum with various artefacts, facts and more.
• Ras Al Khaimah’s Pearling History - Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on a traditional wooden vessel past mountains and pink flamingos and embark on a journey to learn more about the fascinating history of one of Emirati culture’s most important aspects.

Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah

Jebel Jais

Standing at a dizzying 1934m, Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in Ras Al-Khaimah, marking the border between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Take in the stunning views along the winding roads that lead to the viewing platforms along the mountain. For a truly unique experience, thrill-seekers can take off on the world’s longest zipline and marvel at the one-of-a-kind backdrop as you reach speeds of up to 150kph!

Al Jazirah Al Hamra Ruins

Just to the south of Ras Al-Khaimah lies the ghost town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra. Standing since the 14th century and meaning “red island” in Arabic, this abandoned fishing village sits frozen in time along the coast. Once a small island, its inhabitants survived on maritime and pearl trading before they abandoned their houses in the middle of the 20th century, when the rush to modernisation started. It is an undisturbed picture of life before the discovery of oil and is still preserved today.

Desert Safari

Be sure to find time to enjoy a ride around the desert’s gold and red sands before you leave. Tackle the dunes on a thrilling four-wheeled adventure, enjoy the Arabian sunset on camel back or get out quad biking – all before enjoying an authentic Arabic BBQ with traditional entertainment.

What's the weather like in Ras Al Khaimah

With a desert climate, you can expect sun all year-round in Ras Al Khaimah. During the winter months, the temperature generally sits around 20C making this a perfect destination for some winter sun. In the summer, expect regularly hits of 37C.

Important Information about travelling to Ras Al Khaimah

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

It takes about seven hours to fly to Ras Al Khaimah from the UK.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Ras Al Khaimah?

Ras Al Khaimah is four hours ahead of the UK.

What currency do they use in Ras Al Khaimah?

The local currency is the Arab Emirates Dirham.

What language do they speak in Ras Al Khaimah?

The official language spoken in Ras Al Khaimah is Arabic.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Ras Al Khaimah?

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

Do I need a visa to travel to Ras Al Khaimah?

British Passport holders will be given a 30 day visa on arrival in the UAE. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Ras Al Khaimah?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Ras Al Khaimah on the FCO website.

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Ras al Khaimah for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.