Whether mapping out a spontaneous weekend trip or a more deliberate historical excursion, Ras Al Khaimah presents an interesting mix of options. From the towering heights of Jebel Jais to the storied halls of the RAK National Museum housed in one of the UAE’s earliest fortresses, the emirate’s attractions promise to entertain.
Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the country. Located in the northern emirate and part of the Hajar mountain range, the mountain is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, with a landscape formed over years of geological change. However, Jebel Jais also offers a range of adventure sports, including the world’s longest zipline that stretches over 2.83 kilometres at a height of 1,680 metres above sea level. It is best visited during the cooler months, when the temperatures allow for a pleasant experience and offer the rare opportunity to see ephemeral wildflowers like Eremobium aegyptiacum and Silene villosa bloom after a rare rainfall. However, a summer visit ensures you skip the crowds. Learn More
Dhayah Fort
Dating back to the Late Bronze Age (1600 – 1300 BC), built upon foundations used since prehistoric times, Dhayah Fort is one of the few remaining hill forts in the UAE. For those visiting Ras Al Khaimah to learn more about the history of the land, this is a must-visit destination to add to the itinerary. Visitors climb 239 zigzagging steps to witness a stunning panorama of the lush palm gardens and sea from above, with steep mountains rising on three sides and a lagoon bordering the west. At the foot of the 70-metre-high hill, 12 large Wadi Suq tombs dating from 2000 to 1300 BC can be found, four of which have been excavated to reveal Southeast Arabian funerary structures. Learn More
Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Before the discovery of oil, pearls played an essential role in the lives of people living across the UAE. Al Jazeera Al Hamra stands as the only remaining historical pearling village in the entire Gulf region. Today, the open-air museum represents centuries of cultural history, showcasing everything from age-old architecture to traditional town planning in the Middle East. Visitors can expect to see coral stone houses, wind towers and historic mosques, offering a glimpse into what life was like before the oil boom. Notably, Al Jazeera Al Hamra is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. To fully appreciate the heritage, make sure to visit the site earlier in the day and secure a guided tour to better understand the history behind the village. Learn More
Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Ras Al Khaimah is known to have had a thriving pearl industry in the 12th century, hence it is one of the most treasured traditions in the city. The Suwaidi Pearl Farm gives you the experience of touring an operational pearl farm with a journey that begins at Al Rams Corniche, taking you through mangroves and wetlands complete with scenic views that offer a moment to sit back and relax. Your guide will teach you about traditional pearl-diving techniques and also give you the opportunity to try an oyster-opening experience at the farm itself which is located on a pontoon. The entire floating facility is completely eco-friendly, utilising solar energy and traditional hand-harvesting methods to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. The tours run on a set schedule, so make sure to check with the Pearl Farm before you visit. Learn More
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
One of the first museums in the UAE, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is home to a collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts from around the Emirates. Late H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi initiated the museum project in the mid-seventies before deciding to house it at the Ras Al Khaimah Fort. The fort was then renovated with a design that could facilitate exhibitions and galleries. Recently, the museum opened a new exhibit, the Madbasa galleries, introducing updated Archaeology galleries, the Julfar galleries and the Weaponry exhibition. Don’t miss out on visiting the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah when charting the course of your visit. Learn More
Falayah
Steeped in regional history, Falayah features three distinct buildings: a mosque in the west, a central stone tower and the main building which housed the domestic quarters to the east. The main living quarters, known as the hareem, combine a series of rooms, a stable and a majlis with a mud-brick tower that likely served as a private family entrance. At the centre of the estate stands a large stone tower that protected the public courtyard; its upper-floor reception room is famously thought to be where the historic 1820 peace treaty was signed. Completing the site is the western mosque, used by the ruling Al Qasimi family and locals for Friday prayers. Featuring a naturally ventilated prayer room and a rare, early example of a regional minaret, it remains one of the few surviving examples of a traditional mosque in the UAE. Learn More
