Why you should escape Dubai for Ras Al Khaimah — the UAE’s ‘other emirate’

Sign as much as Simon Calder’s free journey e-mail for knowledgeable recommendation and money-saving reductions

Get Simon Calder’s Travel e-mail

Gliding throughout the calm, turquoise waters by means of the mangroves of Al Rams, I stare upon the towering Hajar mountains in entrance of me. The wood boat I’m travelling in is transporting me to a distant pontoon, house to the world’s first Arabian pearl farm. In waters full of flamingoes and turtles, a small workforce of Emiratis is reviving the historic commerce, cultivating beautiful pearls with modern-day pearling strategies.

Mountain ranges and historic pearling traditions may not be the very first thing that springs to thoughts when you consider the United Arab Emirates, with Dubai’s well-known skyscrapers and luxurious resorts tending to take centre stage. But I’m in Ras Al Khaimah (often known as RAK), one in all the UAE’s ‘other’ emirates.

Just over an hour’s drive from the coronary heart of Dubai, the northernmost emirate was traditionally thought of a big commerce centre. In newer years, it’s turn into a lovely escape for these in search of a very genuine UAE expertise. Like the different emirates, it’s not in need of luxurious accommodations, however Ras Al Khaimah additionally gives tranquil seashores, a wealth of cultural heritage websites, and a nature-centric expertise that may be a good getaway from bustling Dubai. The metropolis has lengthy been a hidden gem in the Middle East – and after attracting 1.22 million guests in 2023, it received’t stay a secret for lengthy. The area’s new deal with tourism means now could be the good time to go to.

What to do

Adventurous souls and laid-back seaside bums can discover loads of issues to try this swimsuit all budgets in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate has many choices, whether or not you need breathtaking views or thrilling excursions.

Unique cultural excursions

No go to to Ras Al Khaimah can be full with out studying about the area’s historical past of pearling. Descending from an extended line of pearl divers, Abdulla Al Suwaidi retains the area’s pearl traditions alive with Suwaidi Pearl Farm. The farm gives excursions, with alternatives to find out about age-old strategies and listen to tales of the area’s pearl divers. Guests can journey on a standard pearling boat – and you may even take house an Arabian pearl if you’re fortunate sufficient to search out one inside an oyster.

Discover historic heritage websites

Al Jazeera Al Hamra is a village with 500 spectacular buildings the place archaeologists have continued to find historic relics. Visitors can discover the location, marvel at the conventional structure of a historic mosque and fort, and get misplaced in the meandering stone alleyways. Each February, the space can be house to the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, displaying the work of rising artists in the area.

Another spectacular historic website is Dhayah Fort, which gives panoramic views from the mountains to the ocean – if you climb its 239 stairs. Currently, on the Unesco World Heritage Tentative List, Dhayah Fort is the final remaining hill fort in the UAE, and its historic significance lies in an 1819 battle between British troops and regional tribes. Various tombs and buildings are dotted round the location, which could be lined inside an hour or two. However, there’s no step-free entry – and with temperatures topping 40C in summer time, it’s finest to keep away from climbing in the noon solar.

Mountainous adventures

Ras Al Khaimah is house to the highest peak in the UAE, that means there are many mountain actions to take pleasure in. One of the highlights is catching the dawn from the summit of Camp 1770. At 1,770m above sea stage, that is the highest camp in the nation and a enjoyable method to discover the nice outdoor. Visitors can embark on day or night time hikes, hearken to tales round a campfire, and take pleasure in Emirati-cooked meals whereas disconnecting from the bustle of metropolis life.

Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains are additionally the good location for thrill-seekers, because of the opening of Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline. Starting at a hair-raising altitude of 1,680m above the Arabian Gulf, daredevils can take pleasure in breathtaking views as they descend on the 2,832m-long zipline. You can attain speeds of as much as 160km per hour throughout the three-minute expertise.

Those in search of a calmer expertise can nonetheless take pleasure in the spectacular mountain views from 1484. This luxurious restaurant, situated 1,484m up the mountain, is the highest place in the UAE to take pleasure in a chew. There’s afternoon tea, a number of hearty native meals, and worldwide favourites like fish and chips on the menu.

Where to remain

Luckily, Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t have the similar worth tags as neighbouring Dubai. If you’re on a price range, Al Hamra Village Hotel is one in all the extra reasonably priced choices in the space. Located in upscale Al Hamra, it’s a good springboard for visiting the Al Hamra heritage website, Al Hamra Mall and several other secluded white sandy seashores.

With a handy central but tranquil location, the Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah is an city oasis surrounded by lush gardens and a view of the expansive harbour. The traditional rooms at this mid-range resort in the coronary heart of RAK present all the fashionable comforts.

Ras Al Khaimah additionally has loads of luxurious accommodations for these with an even bigger price range. One of the most spectacular is the super-modern InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa. The luxurious beachfront escape sits on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and comes with world-class eating choices and several other elegant swimming pools for indulgence and leisure. The breakfast is unparalleled, and the idyllic location is an ideal start line for exploring Ras Al Khaimah.

How to get there

Ras Al Khaimah does have a global airport, however most travellers from the UK can anticipate to fly immediately into neighbouring Dubai. One of many airways that fly this route is Emirates, which gives six each day flights between Dubai and London Heathrow. You also can take direct flights from different UK cities together with Manchester. Flight time from the UK to Dubai is just below seven hours.

From Dubai, it is a bit over a one-hour drive to Ras Al Khaimah. Renting a automobile is the best method to journey from Dubai to RAK and the finest method to get round whereas sightseeing. However, public transport can be out there; e book the Ras Al Khaimah Shuttle Bus or take a taxi from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah.

Read extra on UAE journey: