Ras Al Khaimah’s major attractions and events were temporarily closed following regional conflict, as Iranian missile and drone strikes prompted UAE-wide precautionary measures. Here is a complete and updated guide to what happened, what has since reopened, and what residents and visitors still need to know.
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
| Location / Activity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jebel Jais (all) | OPEN | All attractions, ziplines, restaurants, hiking – fully open |
| RAK International Airport | LIMITED OPERATIONS | Air Arabia and other carriers operating limited schedules; confirm with airline before travelling |
| Color Splash 3.0 (Holi) | CANCELLED | Formally Cancelled by Marquee Events; refunds via Platinumlist |
| BM Beach Hotel Holi Event | CANCELLED | Formally cancelled; contact fb.reservations@bmhotelsresorts.com |
| All Schools & Universities | SPRING BREAK | Early spring break 9-22 March; classes resume Monday 23 March 2026 |
| CBSE Board Exams (Gulf) | CANCELLED / POSTPONED | Class 10 exams (2-11 March) cancelled; Class 12 exams postponed through 16 March; new dates to be announced |
| Hotels & Resorts | OPEN* | Major RAK hotels operational; verify specific venues with properties directly |
| Supermarkets & Essential Retail | OPEN | Essential services operating normally throughout |
| Hospitals & Clinics | OPEN | Healthcare services fully operational |
* Hotels: Individual properties may have adjusted specific outdoor venues or events. Call ahead to confirm.
What Was Closed – and Current Status
Jebel Jais Mountain – Open
The UAE’s highest peak and RAK’s flagship tourism attraction was shut for one day on 1 March in line with national safety guidance. It has since fully reopened. Every activity and facility on the mountain is currently operational:
- 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 – Limited Operations Resumed
RAK International Airport suspended all operations when UAE airspace was closed on 28 February. Operations have since resumed on a limited basis. Air Arabia has restarted services from RAK to key destinations, with the airline gradually increasing flight frequencies. As of 11 March, UAE airspace remains partially open, with all schedules still subject to operational and regulatory approvals.
Travellers should confirm their flight status directly with their airline before proceeding to the airport. Do not go to the airport without a confirmed booking or direct notification from your airline.
Schools & Universities – Early Spring Break
Schools shifted to distance learning from 2 March following directives from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This was extended through Friday 6 March as authorities continued monitoring the regional situation.
On 4 March, the UAE government announced an early spring break for all schools and universities nationwide. The spring break runs from Monday 9 March to Sunday 22 March 2026. Classes and official working hours resume on Monday 23 March 2026. This applies to all public and private schools, universities, and nurseries across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK, and the Northern Emirates.
CBSE Board Exams – Cancelled and Postponed
CBSE board examinations for students in the UAE and other Gulf countries have been significantly disrupted:
- Class 10: All examinations scheduled between 2 March and 11 March in the Middle East region have been cancelled. CBSE has stated the mode of result declaration for these students will be announced separately.
- Class 12: Exams scheduled on 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 March were progressively postponed, and most recently CBSE announced exams scheduled from 12 to 16 March are also postponed. Revised dates for Class 12 papers are yet to be announced.
Students and parents should monitor the official CBSE website at www.cbse.gov.in and their school’s official communications. Do not rely on WhatsApp forwards or unofficial sources for exam schedule updates.
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
- 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
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
- 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
What to Watch For
The situation continues to evolve. Key things to monitor:
- Rescheduled dates for Color Splash 3.0 – no new date announced as of 11 March
- CBSE Class 12 revised exam dates for Middle East students – to be announced officially
- CBSE Class 10 result declaration mode for Middle East students – to be announced separately
- Full flight normalisation at RAK International Airport and across UAE airspace
- Any new UAE government security 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
- CBSE official site: www.cbse.gov.in
- Color Splash 3.0 / Marquee Events: @colorsplashrak and @marqueevents on Instagram
- Air Arabia: www.airarabia.com
- Platinumlist (ticketing refunds): www.platinumlist.net
