Ras Al Khaimah is well known as the adventure Emirate in the UAE. Its rocky mountains, desert landscape, stunning coastline, and hidden wadis are perfect for adventurous activities and unique outdoor experiences.
Based in the Hajr Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah experiences slightly cooler temperatures than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making some incredible outdoor activities comfortable to experience throughout the cooler months.
Think of the longest zipline in the world, desert safaris, adventure islands, and so much more. Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s underdog, ready to explore.
With this in mind, we’ve created a list of the top 10 activities in Ras Al Khaimah to inspire your trip to the Emirate of Adventure.
1. Jebel Jais Adventure Park
Jebel Jais is the highest peak of the Hajr Mountains and the UAE. The mountain is home to some of the most popular activities in Ras Al Khaimah, most notably the world’s longest zipline.
It is known as Jais Flight and soars across jagged mountains at up to 150 km an hour! It’s an insane experience, especially for thrill seekers, and it is one of the must-do activities in Ras Al Khaimah.
There are many other experiences if zipping across mountains is not for you!
Another popular activity is the Jais Sledder.
Similar to an alpine mountain coaster, the only difference is that the Jais Sledder zooms around the rocky Hajr Mountains. This activity holds another world record as the longest sled in the world.
If you have adventurous kids, the Jais Rope Course might be an excellent family-friendly activity in Ras Al Khaimah.
For a more relaxed experience, explore the observation deck or have coffee at the highest cafe in the country, 1484 By Puro!
2. Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
Continuing with the adventure theme, it does not get more adventurous than Bear Grylls Explorers Camp set in Jebel Jais.
The camp is ideal for anyone looking to improve their survival skills, especially if they enjoy Bear Grylls techniques.
Learn how to build a fire, navigate challenging terrain, use self-rescue techniques, and make a shelter, to name a few skills included in the course.
The camp is suitable for families with children 8+. Accommodation and meals are provided as part of the experience.
The simple cabins are comfortable and allow campers to enjoy the great outdoors. When it comes to food, think rustic camp dinners!
3. Dhayah Fort
Ras Al Khaimah has a lot of history, and Dhayah Fort dates back to the 16th century.
It is currently on a list of tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Perched on a hilltop with stunning panoramic views of the sea and desert, Dhayah Fort requires a short but steep climb; however, it is well worth it. For the best views, visit in the morning or around sunset.
4. Suwaidi Pearls Farm
We’ve already touched on some of Ras Al Khaimah’s rich history, and visiting Suwaidi Pearl Farm is no different. Visiting the farm is one of the most unique and memorable activities Ras Al Khaimah offers.
Pearl farming dates back centuries, and many local families come from a long lineage of pearl divers.
Once upon a time, pearl farming comprised 75% of the region’s exports. That was until around the 1920s or 30s, when the industry collapsed.
Luckily, this old-aged tradition is well preserved at Suwaidi Pearl Farm. The tour includes a boat ride, diving demonstration and hands-on experience of how pearls are cultivated.
Visiting Suwaidi Pearl Farm provides a glimpse into times gone by and is a fun-filled day out for everyone.
5. Ras Al Khaimah National Museum
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah has an impressive collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts.
This museum was once the ruling family’s home, providing insight into Ras Al Khaimah’s architectural heritage.
The fort, built from coral blocks and stones, was made into a museum in 1987. It is based around a central courtyard, and visitors can learn more about pearl diving, fishing, and life in Ras Al Khaimah in years past.
Make sure to check opening times before visiting.
6. Desert Safaris
You haven’t been to Ras Al Khaimah until you’ve experienced a desert safari! Safaris are suitable for all ages and can be tailored according to preference.
They take place in the early morning and late afternoon. It’s an incredible experience to see the vast terracotta dunes of the region.
A tour guide from your chosen operator will collect you from your hotel and take you to the desert in a 4x4. En route to the Bedouin-style camp, experience dune bashing while taking in the views of the desert as far as the eye can see!
Once at the camp, you can experience sandboarding and camel riding. On an evening safari, you can enjoy an incredible desert sunset with traditional entertainment and dinner. This activity provides a quintessential desert experience for everyone.
7. Saqr Park
If you’d like to hang out where the locals go, head to Saqr Park in the evening. The park is a recreational hub that attracts residents of the area.
It has a skate park, playgrounds, water fountain features, pedal boats, and a garden with date palm trees.
Residents can often be seen using the BBQ facilities with friends and family. It’s a lovely communal space to wander through.
8. Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island is an archipelago of four man-made islands that stretch 4.5km out to sea!
This incredible island is free to enter and features many water sports, pristine beaches, luxury hotels, and relaxing places. The water surrounding the island is beautiful, so it’s an excellent spot to enjoy a swim.
9. Al Jazirat Al Hamra
Al Jazeera Al Hamra is a historically abandoned village. It is one of the last surviving historical pearling villages in the region. This incredible structure provides insight into life before oil was discovered.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra features a fort, watchtowers, a souq, a mouse, and homes ranging from simple to large, with courtyards that belonged to pearl merchants.
Constructed using local materials like coral blocks and mangrove beams, the architecture reflects the resourcefulness of its inhabitants.
Sadly, the village was abandoned in the 1960s when oil was discovered, and the pearl industry collapsed in the golf.
The village is like an open-air museum. Like Dhayah Fort, it’s on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Cultural sites.
Although the village is well preserved, exploring in daylight is best as some parts are in disrepair.
10. Al Wadi Nature Reserve
Al Wadi Nature Reserve spans 1235 acres in the desert. It’s the ideal location to see wildlife, falconry, which is a significant part of Emirati culture, camel and horse riding, and nature walks.
Aside from all of the outdoor offerings, Al Wadi Nature Reserve offers a spa experience, as it is with Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort.
As you can see, Ras Al Khaimah offers a lot to explore. The Emirate offers a mix of adventure, history, and culture to inspire your trip to this incredible place in the Hajr Mountains.
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