10 Best Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah to Witness the Scenic Beauty

Ras Al Khaimah, often referred to as RAK or RAK City, is the northernmost emirate of the UAE and a hidden gem renowned for its impeccable nature, adventure, and cultural heritage. From its golden deserts to rugged mountains and crystal-clear beaches to ancient forts, this destination offers something unique to its visitors. Whether you're an adventurous person who wishes to conquer Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, or a history buff eager to explore centuries-old sites, Ras Al Khaimah has everything to cater to every traveler's needs. If you're planning anytime to visit here, don't forget to check our list of the top 10 places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah for an unforgettable experience.

Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah for a Fantastic Getaway

Ras Al Khaimah has become a prominent tourist hub and attracts numerous visitors throughout the year. There are plenty of places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah that offer a perfect opportunity to explore modernity with tradition. Isn't it cool? The city has no match when it comes to discovering its raw scenic beauty including sand deserts, lagoons, majestic Hajar Mountain, and stunning landscapes. If you're also making up your mind to visit this mountainous haven, please note that the best time to explore Ras Al Khaimah is between October and April. This is the time when the weather is pleasantly cool which makes outdoor adventures even more enjoyable.

Let's talk about the best locations one should not miss here:

• Al Hamra Beach or Jazirat Al Hamra Beach
• Jebel Jais
• Al Jazeera Al Hamra or Al Jazirat Al Hamra
• Shimal
• National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
• Al Hamra Mall
• Hajar Mountains
• Saqr Park
• Ras Al Khaimah Desert
• Dhayah Fort

1. Al Hamra Beach or Jazirat Al Hamra Beach

If you're in search of some fun beach times in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, also known as Jazirat Al Hamra Beach, is a serene escape offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Visitors can enjoy its pristine waters, golden sands speckled with colorful seashells, and its tranquil atmosphere, offering relaxation and water sports activities. The beach is surrounded by luxurious resorts, making it one of the best beaches in UAE for a weekend getaway. For those interested in nature, the nearby Al Hamra Golf Club and mangrove forests provide additional outdoor activities, from bird watching to scenic walks. Being one of the top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach promises a perfect combination of peace, adventure, and raw beauty.

Location: Al Nakheel - Ras Al Khaimah - United Arab Emirates

Things to do at Al Hamra Beach:

• Enjoying a picnic time
• Camping the night
• Exploring water activities including Jet Skiing
• Experiencing the peaceful time

2. Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais is among the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Located at an elevation of 1,934 meters, Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE and offers breathtaking views with a range of exciting outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of the Jebel Jais Zipline which stretches to 2.83 km and is the longest zipline in the world. Experiencing Jebel Jais Flight by Toro Verde is one of the best things to do in UAE that one must definitely explore when in Ras Al Khaimah. Also, one can take a scenic drive along winding mountain roads, enjoying panoramic views of rugged landscapes.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Opening Hours: 24/7

Summit Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: Free to mountain, AED 325 per person for Jebal Jais Flight by Toro Verde

Things to do at Jebel Jais:

• Ziplining at the Jebel Jais Flight
• Enjoying a day out with your family
• Camping in the night
• Trekking trails
• Barbecuing

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3. Al Jazeera Al Hamra or Al Jazirat Al Hamra

If you're tired of seeing fancy and glamorous locations and looking for some places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah for free, you should definitely include Al Jazeera Al Hamra or Al Jazirat Al Hamra in your travel list. Basically, it's a historic coastal village that offers a unique glimpse into the UAE's past. Al Jazeera Al Hamra village is also famous for being a ghost town as there is no one living there as of now. Initially, there were around 2000 people residing there, which was abandoned suddenly in the 1960s. Now, it's a well-preserved ancient village popular for its coral stone houses and traditional architecture, providing an authentic experience of life before modern development. Visitors can explore the eerie yet fascinating abandoned buildings and mosques, which have been standing since the 18th century. Al Jazeera Al Hamra is also known for its rich marine life, with opportunities for dhow cruises and fishing.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Opening Hours: 24/7

Things to do at Al Jazeera Al Hamra:

• Exploring marine lie
• Learning about coral stone houses
• Dhow cruising
• Fishing

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4. Shimal

Located around 12 km from the RAK city, Shimal is a small yet historical landmark and the site of a myriad of pre-Islamic tombs that holds great historical significance. The records and historical findings are evidence of life during 2000-1300 BC, making it one of the good places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah for history buffs who have a deep interest in learning about archaeological excavations. The greatest discovery in Shimal is the huge circular tomb from the Umm al-Nar period. Also, the visitors will get a wonderful chance to see the numerous bronze, stone, and copper weapons in this historic village.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Opening Hours: 24/7

Things to do at Shimal:

• A serene escape from the city
• Learning about archaeological excavations
• Witnessing myriads of pre-Islamic tombs

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5. National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

There is no better place than visiting the local museum of any place if someone wants to learn about its rich history. The same goes for the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the most popular places to visit in UAE, where one can explore the royal family of RAK. It served as the residence fort of the former ruler until the 1960s and was destroyed at least twice in its history. However, in the year 1987, the fort was finally converted into a museum by the local government. The museum consists of three exhibits from the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum. The first one is the Natural History Room where one can learn about the region’s traditional lifestyle and occupations including farming and pearl diving, The second one is the Qawasim Room where one can witness the traditional weapons and archaeological displays, and the third one is Ethnographic Section shows traditional life in the Emirate.

Location: Al Hisn Rd - Old Town - Ras Al Khaimah - United Arab Emirates

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday – Thursday - Saturday – Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
• Friday – 2 PM to 8 PM
• Monday – Closed

Entry Fee:

• AED 5 for adults
• AED 2 for kids

Things to do at National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah:

• Visit the interactive ethnographical display
• Learn about the royal family of RAK till 1960s
• Explore RAK city's cultural heritage

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6. Al Hamra Mall

Al Hamra Mall, located in Ras Al Khaimah with over 45,000 square meters, is a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub perfect for a day out. With a wide range of retail stores, from global brands to local boutiques, the mall remains open till late so that visitors can enjoy a diverse shopping experience. Al Hamra Mall also offers various dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, catering to every taste. For families, Al Hamra Mall features a fun-filled entertainment area, including an indoor amusement park and a cinema, making it one of the good places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah at night for both shopping and leisure activities.

Location: E11 Sheikh Mohamed Bin Salem Rd - Al Jazeera Al Hamra-Qaryat Al Hamra - Ras Al Khaimah - United Arab Emirates

Mall Opening Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM

Restaurants & Cafes Opening Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM
• Friday to Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM

Things to do at Al Hamra Mall:

• Luxury shopping
• Dining
• Vox Cinemas
• Entertainment

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7. Hajar Mountains

Another popular place to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE is the Hajjar Mountains where one can witness the scenic beauty. It shares the border with UAE from the eastern side and northeastern part of Oman and is the highest mountain range in the region. These mountain ranges were formed millions of years ago through tectonic plate activities and provide a perfect chance to explore its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and prosperous biodiversity. Also, the place is a favorite spot for geologists that features the greatest exposure of igneous rock from the surface of the oceanic crust.

Things to do at Hajar Mountains:

• Hiking and trailing
• Mountain safari
• Rock climbing
• Zip lining

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8. Saqr Park

If you are in search of some cool places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah during summer, consider visiting Saqr Park, an amazing amusement park that boasts a variety of family-friendly activities. Situated in the Keiran area of Ras Al Khaimah, the park is quite popular among children as it has a variety of entertainment activities including a toy train, a table tennis court, an electronic games hall, an Arcade, a children’s play area, skatepark, and more. There is an artificial lake inside the park known by the name Saqr Park Lake where one can enjoy rentable pedal boats.

Location: Airport Road, Near E18 intersection - Ras Al Khaimah - United Arab Emirates

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday – Saturday – Sunday - 7:30 AM to 11 PM
• Friday – 7:30 AM to 12 AM

Entry Fee: Free

Things to do at Saqr Park:

• Explore Saqr Park Lake
• Arcade and children’s play area
• Family picnics and barbeques
• Skatepark

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9. Ras Al Khaimah Desert

The Ras Al Khaimah Desert, one of the most famous places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, offers an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to experience the UAE's natural beauty and rugged landscapes. Visitors can enjoy thrilling dune-bashing rides or witness a more tranquil experience with camel treks through the vast and golden sands. The Ras Al Khaimah Desert is also home to luxurious desert resorts, where guests can relax in style and indulge in traditional Bedouin-inspired experiences. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or desert safari in UAE, the Ras Al Khaimah Desert provides everything to suit everyone's needs.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Things to do at Ras Al Khaimah Desert:

• Desert Safari
• Dune-bashing rides
• Camel trekking

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10. Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort, the only hill fort, ranks among the top 10 places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and date palm plantations. The fort dates back to the 16th century and played a significant role in defending the region against invasions. Visitors can explore its well-preserved watchtowers, walls, and the remnants of its old architecture, which offer a glimpse into the area's rich history. One can also hike up to the fort, with breathtaking scenery along the way.

Location: Northern, Dhayah Fort - Al Rams - Ras Al Khaimah - United Arab Emirates

Opening Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday and Saturday – Closed

Entry Fee: Free

Things to do at Dhayah Fort:

• Palm grove hiking
• Sunrise or sunset photography
• Mountain Biking
• Bird watching

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Some Additional Information Related to Ras Al Khaimah City

These places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah must have tempted you to go there and explore every major destination in the city. If you have already started planning in your mind, it's time to get some additional information to have a hassle-free tour of these hypnotic attractions in Ras Al Khaimah:

How to Reach: RAK is one of the seven emirates of the UAE and is well connected by air and road. Here's how you can reach Ras Al Khaimah using different modes of transportation:

By Air: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is the major airport in the city that operates direct flights from selected destinations.

By Road: Comfortable taxis and regular buses operate from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah. Also, if you’re driving, you can take E 311 Road and E 611 Road to reach here.

Best Time to Visit Ras Al Khaimah: The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah is from October and April when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect to explore major outdoor activities.

Popular Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah: Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah, Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah, Action Hotel Ras Al Khaimah, Mughal Suites (Hotel), Royal View Hotel, Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah

Popular Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah: Bright Restaurant, Jalfrezi by Chef Vivek Huria, Al Hamoor Restaurant, Lebanese House Restaurant, National Restaurant, Rainbow Restaurant, AL Oud Restaurant

Best Food Dishes in Ras Al Khaimah: Shawarma, Al Harees, Tabbouleh, Falafel, Chicken Machboos, Luqaimat, Madrouba

Famous Shopping Places in Ras Al Khaimah: Al Hamra Shopping Mall, RAK Mall, Manar Mall, Old Souq, Al Naeem Mall,

Famous Items to Buy in Ras Al Khaimah: Pearls, Camel Goodies, Oud, Lanterns, Kava Pots and Cups, Arabian Shoes, Khanjar

Travel Tips for Ras Al Khaimah City: There are a few essential travel tips for visiting Ras Al Khaimah for the first-time visitors:

• Understand the visa requirements for your nationality
• Respect local customs and culture
• Stay hydrated and sun-protected
• Dress modestly
• Book accommodation in advance

These places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah offer a great chance to explore adventure, history, and relaxation, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking diverse experiences. From the breathtaking heights of Jebel Jais to the serene shores of Al Hamra Beach, every corner of this emirate has something unique to offer. If you're planning a trip here, consider exploring our UAE tour packages for the best and most unforgettable experience.

FAQs – Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah