Ras Al Khaimah: What Is Closed, What Is Still Running

Last updated: 6 April 2026

Six weeks into the regional conflict that began on 28 February 2026, Ras Al Khaimah is operating in a cautious but functional state. Most essential services are running, Jebel Jais is fully open, and daily life continues – but schools remain on distance learning, flights are limited, and ceasefire negotiations are still ongoing.

This article is updated as new official information becomes available. Residents and visitors are urged to verify all information through official channels before making travel or event decisions.

Background

On 28 February 2026, a new conflict erupted in the region following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting multiple Gulf states, including the UAE. Although Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) was not directly struck, debris from a successfully intercepted Iranian drone fell in the Al Hamra Village area on 2 March – the first such incident in the emirate since the conflict began. UAE air defence systems have intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones across the country.

Authorities across the UAE responded by closing major attractions, suspending flights, shifting schools to distance learning, and advising private-sector employees to work from home. This guide summarises what that means specifically for residents and visitors in Ras Al Khaimah – and what the current status is as of 11 March 2026.

Quick Status Overview

* Hotels: Individual properties may have adjusted specific outdoor venues or events. Call ahead to confirm.

What Was Closed – and Current Status

Jebel Jais – Fully Open

RAK’s headline attraction is fully operational. Jebel Jais was closed for a single day on 1 March as a precaution but reopened quickly and has stayed open since. The 2025/2026 season runs through April with everything available – Jais Flight (the world’s longest zipline at 2.83km), the Jais Sledder, Sky Maze, Sky Tour, Via Ferrata and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp.

Dining at 1484 by Puro (the UAE’s highest restaurant) and Red Rock is running as normal. Reservations recommended for 1484 by Puro, especially on weekends.

• Jais Flight – world’s longest zipline (2.83 km)
• Jais Sky Tour – six-zipline mountain tour
• Jais Sledder – mountain coaster
• Via Ferrata climbing route
• Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
• 1484 by Puro restaurant
• Red Rock BBQ restaurant
• All hiking trails and viewing decks

Visit www.visitjebeljais.com and follow their official social media channels for the latest updates.

Holi Events – Cancelled / Postponed

Both major Holi celebrations planned for Saturday 7 March in RAK were called off:

• Color Splash 3.0 at White Beach, Al Hamra Residence – officially cancelled by Marquee Global Events. Ticket holders can request a refund via Platinumlist or contact Marquee Events directly via @colorsplashrak and @marqueevents on Instagram.
• Holi Water & Color Fest at BM Beach Hotel – formally cancelled. For refunds: fb.reservations@bmhotelsresorts.com or Platinumlist customer service.

Both venues are located in or near the Al Hamra area, which was directly affected by drone debris on 2 March.

RAK International Airport and Flights

RAK International Airport is operating with limited flight schedules. Air Arabia is running select routes from RAK to India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and parts of Europe, but not all pre-conflict routes have resumed.

Flight cancellations and delays are still happening – as recently as 3 April, RAK saw 5 cancellations in a single day. Do not go to the airport without direct confirmation from your airline that your flight is operating.

For live flight status, check rakairport.com or airarabia.com.

Schools, Universities and Exams

The Ministry of Education extended distance learning for all UAE schools and nurseries until 17 April 2026. This applies to every school in RAK – public, private and nursery. The Ministry reviews the situation weekly, so this date may shift.

Universities are also remote until 17 April, with one exception: programmes that require physical attendance (labs, clinical practice) may resume in-person classes at the institution’s discretion.

CBSE Board Exams – Cancelled for the Region

CBSE has confirmed that all Class 12 board exams scheduled between 16 March and 10 April 2026 in the Middle East are permanently cancelled – they will not be rescheduled. This affects approximately 20,000 students across 150+ schools in seven countries including the UAE.

Instead of exams, CBSE has introduced an alternative assessment policy. Schools are uploading final marks between 6 and 13 April 2026. If your child is affected, contact the school directly for details on how marks are being calculated.

For official updates, check cbse.gov.in.

What Is Happening Regionally

The conflict that started on 28 February 2026 is now in its sixth week. As of 6 April, there is no ceasefire in place. Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators submitted a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran has rejected the temporary ceasefire, stating it would allow adversaries to regroup.

The UAE’s position, articulated by presidential advisor Anwar Gargash, is that any ceasefire must address Gulf states’ security concerns. UAE air defences have been active – officials reported intercepting nine ballistic missiles, 50 drones and a cruise missile fired by Iran in the most recent wave. (Source: Khaleej Times)

For RAK residents, the practical impact right now is limited flights, distance learning for schools, and the general advice to stay informed through official channels. Daily life is largely normal but the regional situation remains fluid.

What Is Still Running in RAK

Despite the precautionary measures, daily life in RAK has continued largely as normal for residents throughout this period.

Essential Services – All Running

Hospitals, pharmacies, supermarkets, banks, petrol stations and government services are all operating normally in RAK. There have been some supply chain delays on imported goods – particularly fresh produce and specialty items – but staples are well stocked.

• Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies remain fully open and operational
• Supermarkets and grocery stores are open as usual
• Petrol stations are operating normally
• Emergency services are fully active; air defence systems remain on alert

If you are concerned about grocery prices, we have a separate deep-dive: Are Grocery Prices Really Going Up in RAK?

For banking and financial concerns, see our guide: Is Your Money Safe in the UAE Right Now?

Hotels & Hospitality

Major RAK hotels and resorts – including the Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental Mina Al Arab, Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert, Sofitel Al Hamra, and others – have not announced closures of their core operations. Some properties may have scaled back specific outdoor events or pool access during the initial days of the conflict. Guests should contact properties directly for the latest information.

Safety Guidance for RAK Residents & Visitors

RAK remains one of the safest places in the region. The emirate has not experienced direct targeting, though debris from an intercepted drone fell in Al Hamra on 2 March with no casualties reported. UAE air defences have been effective across all reported engagements.

The standing guidance from NCEMA (National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority) is straightforward: stay informed through official channels, keep emergency numbers saved, and follow any government alerts issued through the UAE’s emergency notification system.

• Follow only official government sources: RAK Government Media Office (@RAKmediaoffice) and UAE NCEMA for updates
• Do not share unverified videos, images, or rumours on social media
• If you hear loud sounds, remain indoors – RAK Police have confirmed these are sounds of air defence interceptions, not ground-level threats
• Avoid large outdoor gatherings until the regional situation has fully stabilised
• Check official attraction websites and social media before visiting any venue
• Travellers with upcoming flights should confirm with their airline before heading to the airport
• For ticket refunds on cancelled or postponed events, contact Platinumlist or the event organiser directly

For a detailed safety assessment, read: Is RAK Safe Right Now? What Every Expat Needs to Know

What to Watch For

Three things to keep an eye on in the week of 6 April:

1. Ceasefire deadline: US President Trump set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening escalation if it is not met. The outcome will directly affect oil prices, flights and regional stability.
2. Distance learning review: The 17 April deadline for schools is subject to weekly review. Watch for Ministry of Education announcements, especially mid-week.
3. CBSE marks upload window: Schools are submitting alternative assessment marks between 6 and 13 April. If you have a Class 12 student, check in with the school this week.

Official Sources

• RAK Government Media Office: @RAKmediaoffice on all platforms
• Jebel Jais official site: www.visitjebeljais.com
• UAE NCEMA: www.ncema.gov.ae
• CBSE official site: www.cbse.gov.in
• Ministry of Education – School and university updates
• Color Splash 3.0 / Marquee Events: @colorsplashrak and @marqueevents on Instagram
• Air Arabia: www.airarabia.com
• Platinumlist (ticketing refunds): www.platinumlist.net

WOW-RAK Expert Tip: Save this page to your phone’s home screen for quick access. On iPhone, tap Share then “Add to Home Screen”. On Android, tap the three-dot menu then “Add to Home screen”. It will work like a mini app that loads straight to the latest status.

Related Guides for RAK Expats

This page is part of our complete RAK expat resource series. Each guide goes deeper on a specific topic:

• Is RAK Safe Right Now? What Every Expat Needs to Know – Full safety assessment with data
• RAK Expat Crisis Guide – What to do, who to call, where to go in an emergency
• UAE Emergency Numbers Every RAK Expat Must Save – Police, ambulance, fire, hospitals, embassy hotlines
• Is Your Money Safe in the UAE? – Banking, savings and financial security
• Grocery Prices in RAK – What has gone up, what the government controls
• How to Register With Your Embassy in the UAE – Step-by-step for every major nationality
• War Risk Insurance for UAE Residents – Do you actually need it?
• How to Talk to Your Children About What Is Happening – Age-appropriate guidance for parents

For the full overview, visit our Live in Ras Al Khaimah hub.

Sources Used for This Update

• Gulf News – UAE Distance Learning Extended to April 17
• CNN – Iran War Week 6 Status
• The National – Ceasefire Negotiations
• Gulf Business – CBSE Assessment Plan
• Wego – RAK Airport Status
• Visit Jebel Jais – Season Activities
• Time Out Dubai – Attractions Closed
• The National – UAE New Openings