The 9 Best Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah in 2024
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of my favorite places to go whenever I feel the need to escape Dubai. What I absolutely love about RAK is that it’s just brimming with natural attractions – there are seriously so many outdoorsy things to do in Ras Al Khaimah!
Whether you want to spend your days splashing around at picture-perfect Flamingo Beach, hiking to swimming holes in Wadi Shawka, taking in mountain views from Jebal Jais (the highest point in the UAE), or spotting flamingos in the wild right in the mangroves of Downtown RAK, trust me when I say you’re going to be spoiled for choice with the top Ras Al Khaimah attractions.
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9 Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah
1. Go Kayaking in the Mangroves
Ras Al Khaimah’s 65-kilometer coastline boasts some of the most beautiful mangroves in the UAE. So if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, going kayaking through the mangroves is one of the coolest experiences you can have here!
You can rent reasonably priced kayaks from Al Ras Kayak, which is located on the waterfront of Al Naeem Mall. As you paddle around the lush mangroves and calm waterways, you’ll have the chance to spot a huge variety of bird species (including flamingos, cormorants, and greater spotted eagles!), fish, crustaceans, and more.
It’s an incredibly serene and beautiful experience, made even more magical by being smack in the middle of RAK’s city center!
2. See the Wild Flamingos
Speaking of mangroves, one of the most spectacular Ras Al Khaimah attractions is the annual flamingo migration. Each winter, flamboyances of greater flamingos (among many other bird species) make the long journey to escape the frigid Baltic seas, landing in places across the UAE, including RAK!
You can find these majestic pink creatures all around the city’s mangroves. But to make things easy, just go to the RAK Corniche and take in the flamingo views! If you want to get up close and personal with the flamingoes, I still say going kayaking is one of the most memorable Ras Al Khaimah activities.
3. Spend the Day at Flamingo Beach
If it’s not apparent by now, flamingos play a big role in RAK. So it should be no surprise that the best beach in town is called Flamingo Beach. You’ll even find adorable flamingo statues dotting the sandy shore!
Flamingo Beach is arguably one of the most well-known Ras Al Khaimah attractions. But this swath of sand is so long and wide that it’s never felt crowded when I’ve visited. To be honest, it’s quite the opposite.
In terms of amenities, there’s not too much going on here. You’ll find a café, a restaurant, washrooms, and plenty of parking. I suggest bringing your own snacks and drinks if you plan to make a day of it!
Oh, and the water here is clean, clear, and absolutely glorious!
4. Take a Staycation at Longbeach Campground
Walk down Flamingo Beach and you’ll come across another one of the most unique Ras Al Khaimah attractions: Longbeach Campground! But don’t worry, this isn’t just any old campground.
Longbeach Campground offers an all-inclusive glamping-style experience that’s perfect for a staycation with friends or family. You’ll get access to the 300-meter stretch of beach, pools, all manner of yard games, watersports, alfresco cinema, and spa.
If that’s not enough, the beachfront accommodations are reason enough to book a stay here. You can opt to stay in one of the luxury tents, panoramic domes, or oceanfront suites that boast large terraces and hot tubs.
5. Climb 239 Steps to Dhayah Fort
Drive 20 minutes north of the city center, and you’ll come across one of the most historic Ras Al Khaimah activities. Dhayah Fort dates back to the 19th century and was used by the tribes of RAK to fend off the British troops in 1819. It now stands proud as the highest hilltop fort in the UAE.
You’ll need to climb 200+ steps to reach the fort at the top of the hill. But you’ll come across a bunch of informative placards along the way (perfect for catching your breath!) that tell you the long history of the site, as well as interesting factoids about the area’s topography.
Once you’re at the top, you can wander into the beautifully restored fort and take in the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and groves of date palms below. Time your visit with sunset, and the view will be even more magical!
6. Hike Jebel Jais
When it comes to the very best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, a visit to Jebel Jais, which straddles the UAE and Oman, is an absolute must. Reaching a height of 1,934 meters on the Omani side and 1,892 meters on the UAE side, this is the highest peak in the UAE.
It’s possible to drive up Jebel Jais (to the 1,484-meter point) via a steep series of switchbacks, which takes about 1 hour. Trust me, you’ll want to pull over quite a few times to take in the dramatic mountain views!
Jebel Jais is one of the top Ras Al Khaimah attractions for hikers who will be spoiled for choice with trails for all skill levels. If you’re up for a challenge, it’s even possible to hike up to the highest peak in the UAE at 1,892 meters!
7. Tackle the World’s Longest Zipline
If you’re up for even more adventure while visiting Jebel Jais, you can test your limits with the world’s longest zipline. One of the coolest things to do in Ras Al Khaimah for thrill-seekers, Jais Flight allows you to fly for 2.83 kilometers across mountain peaks and through craggy ravines while reaching speeds of up to 160 kmph!
8. Take a Hike in Wadi Shawka
A visit to Wadi Shawka is a must if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails here, including easy, family-friendly options.
To reach the trailheads, you’ll want to make your way to the Shawka Dam, where you’ll find plenty of parking. All you have to do is walk to the far end of the dam from the parking area. Here, you should be able to easily spot the staircase that will take you up the hill for incredible views (pictured in the photo above!).
Once you’re up at the summit, you’ll find a bunch of different trails to follow. Do note that you won’t want to hike in the hotter months. I visited in April, thinking the weather would be somewhat mild, but it was already far too hot to hike safely. So the winter months are going to be your best bet!
9. Tour the Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Did you know that pearling has a rich history in the UAE? Well, if you want to learn more, a visit to Suwaidi Pearl Farm is one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah! While the tour itself is fascinating, one cool thing about touring Suwaidi Pearl Farm is that you’ll get to check out RAK’s beautiful mangroves along the way.
You’ll start your tour by embarking on a ride on a traditional pearl diver’s boat at Al Rams Marina, making your way to a rustic two-story floating pontoon next to the pearl farm. Here, you’ll learn about the history of pearl diving in the UAE, the diving techniques, and the pearl formation process before seeing a live oyster opening. If you’re lucky, there may even be a pearl inside!
