Ras Al Khaimah is a little-known gem in the United Arab Emirates.
However, I think you should put this place on your list of places you must see.
In this article, I explain everything you need to know about this site.
Ras Al Khaimah: article summary
The site in a nutshell
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is located about an hour north of Dubai, and faces the Arabian Sea. The motto of this Emirate is the United Arab Emirates dirham.
This emirate tends to be a little cheaper than Dubai, so you get more for your money here. It also offers more natural spots than its famous neighbor. So, if you like the idea of an Arabian vacation, but aren't a fan of big cities, this could well be the destination for you.
The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country, so it's important to remember a few dos and don'ts before your visit. Hotels and resorts are very Westernized and when it comes to clothing, pretty much anything goes. In public places, however, women should dress modestly.
This means that your shoulders and knees must be coveredAnd if you're visiting religious sites such as mosques, wear loose-fitting clothes and bring a headscarf to cover your head.
Spring is the ideal time to visit Ras Al Khaimah, when temperatures reach a daily maximum. about 27 degrees Celsius and the sky is clear and blue.
How do I get to Ras Al Khaimah?
Although there is a small airport in Ras Al Khaimah, there are no direct flights from abroad.
Tourists can reach Ras Al Khaimah via Dubai International Airport. By car, and in the absence of traffic, it will take you around an hour to reach the beaches of Ras Al Khaimah, where a relaxing vacation awaits you.
If you book a package, your transfer will probably be included. Otherwise, your hotel may offer a shuttle service between Dubai airport and your accommodation, but there are other options, such as private transfers or cabs.
What to see and do in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is the kind of place you can escape to, to relax on the beach or by the pool, soak up the luxurious sunshine, sip cocktails and catch up on a year's worth of reading.
If you're the kind of person who doesn't stay put, there are some incredible things to see on site. It might be hard to pull yourself away from that blue water. NBut I promise you it will be worth it.
Driving in the dunes
Would you like to go for a ride on a four-wheeler in the desert? Here, you won't find any gentle slopes. In fact, these are imposing red dunes. climbing up and down them is as exciting as it is breathtaking.
There's nothing quite like being in the middle of the Arabian desert, with nothing but soft, rolling dunes as far as the eye can see.
Bedouin oasis camp
No trip to this Emirate would be complete without enjoy a truly authentic Arabian experience. To discover the local culture, spend an evening in a Bedouin camp in the desert. For thousands of years, nomadic tribes known as Bedouins lived in the deserts. They set up camps like the ones you can visit today.
Here you can enjoy a delicious barbecue, entertainment including :
- a belly dance
- fire-eaters
- the option of a henna tattoo
Water sports
For water sports, you haven't left the beach or your hotel. Many hotels offer jet skifrom parasailing, paddleboarding, snorkelling and diving and much more.
I also highly recommend a trip to the mangroves to kayak with the pink flamingos. It's an unforgettable experience!
Take a moment to visit the city
If you really want to get to know the city, you can arrange to follow a guide from your hotel. In fact, arranging a private tour of the city is one of the best ways to see the most beautiful parts of the site.
Be sure to visit such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Al Jazirah Al Hamraa "ghost town" abandoned by its inhabitants in the 1960s.
It's best to visit at sunset for more impressive photos.
Where to sleep in Ras Al Khaimah?
There's a wide choice of accommodation in Ras Al Khaimah to suit your budget and expectations. Today, I'd like to introduce you to my favorites.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa
For sun worshippers, it doesn't get much better than this seaside resort with its 1.5 kilometers of white sandy beach, seven outdoor swimming pools, the possibility of making numerous water sports and dining options.
The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort spa is a great way to pamper yourself, with treatments ranging from massages to a Turkish-style hammam guaranteeing a moment of pure relaxation.
The Cove Rotana Resort
Perched on a small cove overlooking the Persian Gulf, this spectacular 5-star establishment comprises of traditional-style villas overlooking the water.
There's also a pretty incredible Italian restaurant called Basilico at The Cove Rotana Resort, where you can feast while listening to the sound of the water lapping at the shore.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi
Banyan Tree resorts are known for their incredibly luxurious surroundings, but Banyan Tree Al Wadi could well be the crème de la crème.
Set in the middle of the desert, it's truly an oasis of romance and serenity. There's a magnificent spa on site. However, you won't need any help to relax. Each villa has its own swimming pool, a veritable paradise in the desert.
Now you know everything there is to do in Ras Al Khaimah. On your next visit to Dubai, I recommend that you get away from the big city for a while and head for this beautiful place full of surprises.
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