14 Things To Do In Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, also referred to as RAK, is the most Northern Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It sets itself apart from most other emirates by offering a range of outdoor activities. RAK tourism is really putting a lot of effort into making Ras Al Khaimah a fun adventure venue and is looking to attract people from all over the world.
Recently we’ve started seeing major marketing about outdoor activities from RAK Tourism in Dubai and other Emirates. This show they really want to portrait themselves as the fun Emirate where we go with friends and family to get our adrenaline rush.
- RAK Desert Safari
- Jebel Jais
- Wadi Shwoaka
- Longest Zipline
- A cruise
- Quad biking
- Parasailing
- Flying experience
- Water Skiing
- Horse riding
- Beaches
- Khatt Springs
- Flyboarding
- Fishing
To do #1 - Desert Safaris in Ras Al Khaimah.
In my opinion, there is nowhere better in the U.A.E to go off-roading than in RAK. It offers majestic sand dunes for those that love sand bashing or beautiful mountains for those who prefer rock climbing with their 4x4s.
You can, of course, organise a desert safari yourself but make sure there are at least three 4x4s and that someone in the group has experience off-roading. If you’re confident, then I recommend you go on an organised desert safari tour and learn from the best. If you choose a tour company, there are many options from half-day tours to 2 days and 1 night. If you stay overnight you’ll also get to experience camping in the desert which is an awesome experience.
To do #2 - Visit Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the U.A.E and offers some exceptional views when driving up the top. Jebel Jais is part of the spectacular Hajar mountain and peaks at 1,934 meters. This is a great day out with family and friends if you’re looking for something relaxing to do as you can just take a slow drive up the mountain, take in the stunning views and enjoy some food and cold drinks when you reach the top. The choice of cafes at the top is not great so maybe consider taking a picnic.
You can also go camping Ziplining (see below), cycling, and hiking on Jebel Jais so there’s for sure something there for everyone.
To do #3 - Visit Wadi Shwoaka
Wadi Shwoaka is becoming quite the trendy spot for off-roaders, campers, and cyclists. In the colder months of the year, Wadi Shwoaka offers some beautiful spots where you can relax next to the water. For those of you who are not sure what Wadi means, it’s the Arabic word for “oasis”. It’s a place in the desert where water accumulates after rain. If you’re lucky and go at the right time, you might even be able to swim in the wadi. An amazing experience. Plan to go early though as it can get busy and sometimes difficult to find a place to sit and relax depending on the time of year.
To do #4 - Go Ziplining in Jebel Jais
For you adrenaline junkies out there, you can’t get better than the longest zipline in the world. Yep, you heard that right! Ras Al Khaimah has the longest Zipline in the world which is on the Jebel Jais peak. You start your journey by driving to the top of the mountain. This is a great time to soak in the views as you climb your way to the top. Once there, the stunning views from the peak will blow your mind away while you harness up for the ride.
The one downside to Ziplining in Ras Al Khaimah is that it’s not cheap, AED600 is quite a lot for less than 5 minutes fun. But I guess it one of once in a lifetime experiences so it’s worth it.
To do #5 - A Dhow Cruise
A dhow is a traditional Arab boat. Nowadays they’re more used to tourism than anything else. A dhow cruise is a great way to visit Ras Al Khaimah as you will get to see the city from a different perspective. While cruising the shorelines, you will be able to relax, take in some sun, and view the impressive construction work Ras Al Khaimah city has taken on over the last few years. If you’re into snorkeling and swimming then bring along your gear as most dhow cruises will allow a stop for you to jump off the boat and explore the ocean.
To do #6 - Quad biking
There’s no better way to enjoy the marvellous dunes of Ras Al Khaimah than by quad biking through the desert. The feeling of freedom and the adrenaline of rushing up a huge sand dune is something I love. For those of you who like speed and want to experience the desert then quad biking is the way to go.
Most where you can rent a quad bike offer a guide who will show you the best routes to take and ensure your safety. Prices for quadbike rentals start at around AED200 per hour.
To do #7 - Parasailing
Parasailing is a water sport where you have a parachute and you’re attached to a boat. The boat then accelerates and you go up in the air. The boat then pulls you around the sea while you enjoy the views from high up. It’s not quite an adrenaline water sport but it can be fun especially if there are great views around for you to look at. Usually, the experience will last 30 minutes and will cost around AED300.
To do #8 - Flying Experience
The Jazirah Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah offers flying experiences when you get to visit Ras Al Khaimah from the sky. If you have never been in a small 2 or 4 passenger plane, then this is something you need to try. The experience is unique and unforgettable. You can even train to get your light aircraft license if you wish so. Not a bad hobby to have, but not the cheapest.
To do #9 Water Skiing
For those of you who love watersports, then there’s nothing better than water skiing, and Ras Al Khaimah does not disappoint. With many places where you can either take water skiing lessons or for the more experienced rent your own boat, RAK has everything you need to have great time water skying. Prices vary of course depending on duration, if you need a lesson, or just simply renting a boat. Below are some links depending on what you’re looking for.
To do #10 - Horse riding
For you animal lovers out there, this is the best activity you can probably do in Ras Al Khaimah. Horses are a big part of people’s lives in the U.A.E and Ras Al Khaimah is no exception. You can enjoy a walk through the beautiful desert at sunset or take a lesson. For the younger ones in the family, why not just got to spend time with the horses. For me the best place to experience horse riding in Ras Al Khaimah at the Al Wadi Equestrian Centre in the Ritz Carlton. They have great reviews, stables are clean, horses well looked after, and most importantly safety comes first. Remember that horse riding is a dangerous sport and all safety measures should be followed carefully.
To do #11 - Enjoy the beaches
One of the more relaxing things to do is, of course, enjoy the beaches of Ras Al Khaimah. There are many options and places to go. Public beaches are available everywhere in RAK but do bear in mind that when enjoying the sun on a public beach you need to be aware of the local culture. Dress appropriately and do not drink any alcoholic beverages. The other option is a private beach. Usually, these are part of hotels and you will have access full access to the hotel’s facilities but at price. Entrance to a private beach will cost anywhere between 100 to 300AED per day depending on the hotel.
For me, one of the best private beaches with access to pools, bars, and restaurants is at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. Prices are very good starting at only AED105 per day on weekdays.
To do #12 - Khatt Springs
Khatt Springs attain a depth of 90 feet, with a constant temperature of some 40 °C. Due to its mineral content and heat, the water is said to have medicinal benefits soothing skin ailments, rheumatic diseases, and muscular problems. This natural spring dates back to at least 5,000 years and is a great place to spend a family day out. There are a few hotels nearby where you can enjoy the hot waters from the springs. The most famous one being the Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort & Spa.
To do #13 - Fly Boarding
Flyboarding has been around for a few years now but is not a widely spread water sport. I’m not sure if it’s because of the price or if people are not so interested. I have never tried it personally but it does look fun and would love to one day. It looks like you can experience which is unique while flying over the water, doing 360 spins in the air and so on. It really does look fun but also looks quite tiring. But I wouldn’t let that put you off. For AED495, you experience flyboarding in Ras Al Khaimah with Adventuresport.ae. Check them out and see for yourself how fun this experience could be.
To do #14 - Fishing
The final activity on our to-do list in Ras Al Khaimah is fishing. For this one, we need to be out of bed very early morning but it’s worth it. Get out into the big blue ocean and try to catch one of the many different types of fish that live here. Even if you don’t want to fish yourself, go along with your partner as it’s a great day out. If you’re lucky you’ll also get to see dolphins, flying fish, and a lot more.
So there you go, 14 great activities for you to do in Ras Al Khaimah. We hope you can try some of them and if you have any other suggestions for great activities in Ras Al Khaimah, feel free to contact me and I’ll add more to the list.
At Speak English Institute, we teach English to U.A.E residents and international students. Some of the activities above are part of our ESL study abroad program and our students get to them in addition to their English classes. Learning English should be fun and we work hard to keep it that way!
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