Ras Al Khaimah’s major attractions and events have been temporarily closed following regional conflict, as Iranian missile and drone strikes prompted UAE-wide precautionary measures. Here is a complete guide to what is shut, what is still running, and what residents and visitors need to know right now.
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 since intercepted 186 ballistic missiles and over 800 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.
This article will be 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.
Quick Status Overview
| Location / Activity | Status | Details |
| Jebel Jais (all) | CLOSED | All attractions, ziplines, restaurants, hiking — closed until further notice |
| RAK International Airport | DISRUPTED | Limited Air Arabia services resuming; confirm before travelling |
| Color Splash 3.0 (Holi) | POSTPONED | Al Hamra White Beach event postponed by Marquee Events; refunds available via Platinumlist |
| BM Beach Hotel Holi Event | CANCELLED | Formally cancelled by venue; contact fb.reservations@bmhotelsresorts.com |
| All Schools & Universities | REMOTE | Distance learning extended nationwide to Friday 6 March 2026 |
| CBSE Board Exams (Gulf) | POSTPONED | Class 10 & 12 exams postponed; new dates to be announced officially |
| Private Sector Workplaces | REMOTE | MOHRE remote-work advisory in effect; essential roles may continue on-site |
| Hotels & Resorts | OPEN* | Most RAK hotels remain operational; verify with individual properties |
| Supermarkets & Essential Retail | OPEN | Essential services continue to operate normally |
| Hospitals & Clinics | OPEN | Healthcare services fully operational |
* Hotels: Individual properties may have closed specific outdoor venues, pools, or events. Call ahead.
What Is Closed in RAK
Jebel Jais Mountain — Fully Closed
The UAE’s highest peak and RAK’s flagship tourism attraction has been shut since 1 March 2026 in line with national safety guidance. The closure covers every activity and facility on the mountain:
- 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
All existing bookings have been cancelled or postponed. Visit www.visitjebeljais.com and follow their official social media channels for reopening announcements.
Holi Events — Cancelled / Postponed
Both major Holi celebrations planned for Saturday 7 March in RAK have been called off:
- Color Splash 3.0 at White Beach, Al Hamra Residence — officially postponed by Marquee Global Events. The organiser has stated it is working on revised dates. Ticket holders can request a refund via Platinumlist or contact Marquee Events directly.
- 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 — Severely Disrupted
RAK International Airport suspended all operations when UAE airspace was closed on 28 February. As of 4 March, limited Air Arabia services are resuming, but the situation remains fluid. Travellers are strongly advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline before proceeding to the airport. Do not go to the airport without a confirmed departure notification.
Schools & Universities — Distance Learning
The Ministry of Education has extended remote learning for all public and private schools and universities across the UAE through Friday 6 March 2026. CBSE board examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 scheduled at Gulf examination centres have also been postponed; students should monitor official CBSE channels for rescheduled dates.
What Is Still Running in RAK
Despite the precautionary closures, daily life in RAK continues largely as normal for residents:
Essential Services
- 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 high alert
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. However, individual outdoor attractions, event spaces, or pool facilities at some properties may be scaled back. Guests should contact properties directly for the latest information.
Private Sector & Business
The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) has advised private sector companies to implement remote working where possible through 3 March, with local authorities determining ongoing arrangements. Employees in essential roles may continue attending work on-site. Businesses are operational — many just with reduced on-premise staff.
Safety Guidance for RAK Residents & Visitors
- 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 further notice
- 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 events, contact Platinumlist or the event organiser directly
What to Watch For
The situation continues to evolve. Key things to monitor in the coming days:
- Official reopening announcement from Visit Jebel Jais
- Updated school reopening guidance beyond 6 March
- Flight normalisation at RAK International Airport
- Rescheduled dates for Color Splash 3.0 and other postponed events
- Any new UAE government directives from NCEMA
Official Sources
- RAK Government Media Office: @RAKmediaoffice on all platforms
- Jebel Jais official site: www.visitjebeljais.com
- UAE NCEMA: www.ncema.gov.ae
- Color Splash 3.0 / Marquee Events: @colorsplashrak and @marqueevents on Instagram
- Platinumlist (ticketing refunds): www.platinumlist.net
