One of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ras Al Khaimah means ‘top of the tent’ in Arabic. Only 45 mins from Dubai, RAK, is geographically located between the Hajjar Mountains and the Persian Gulf and shares borders with Oman. Above all, apart from its rich Arabian culture and beautiful weather, Ras Al Khaimah is known for its scenic beauty from mountains, beaches, deserts and mangroves.
Weather in RAK: Cooler, Fresher, Better
RAK enjoys a climate that’s up to 10°C cooler than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, thanks to its mountainous backdrop and coastal breezes. This is because RAK is located between the Hajjar Mountains and the Persian Gulf. Even in peak summer, the humidity is low, and come winter—you might even witness snowfall atop Jebel Jais!
A Heritage That Spans Millennia
With a legacy spanning 5,000+ years, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the UAE. You’ll find:
- The National Museum of RAK – housed in an 18th-century fort
- Dhayah Fort – the last hill fort still standing in the UAE
- Al Jazirat Al Hamra – a preserved ghost town from the 14th century
- Shimal – archaeological sites with ancient tombs and pottery
Natural Beauty: From Coast to Canyon
Staycations & Luxury Escapes
RAK offers some of the UAE’s best hotel deals. Top-tier resorts include:
- Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Cove Rotana, Hilton
- Rove, Radisson, Hampton by Hilton, Movenpick, and Accor Group
- Upcoming: Avani, Four Seasons, Address
- From romantic beach escapes to family resorts and desert glampsites, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Family-Friendly Fun
Kids love RAK! Activities include:
- UAE’s first floating water park
- Sailing clubs and beach games
- Kids zones and water sports
- Desert safaris, pony rides, and cultural tours
RAK is designed for safe, family-focused adventures.
Endless Leisure & Wellness
Relax and recharge with:
- Luxury spas and wellness retreats
- Infinity pools and yoga by the beach
- Golf courses with mountain views
- Fishing, snorkeling, diving, and boat cruises
Adventure Capital of the UAE
RAK is making a name for itself as the UAE’s outdoor thrill zone:
- Jebel Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline
- Mountain Sledder – UAE’s only toboggan ride
- Hot air ballooning, Paragliding, seaplane tours, rock climbing, quad biking
- Soon to launch: skydiving
Festivals & Cultural Events
Time your trip with RAK’s exciting festivals:
- RAK Arts Festival – showcases local and global talent
- Awafi Festival – celebrates Emirati heritage with dune bashing, markets, and folklore
- RAK Half Marathon – one of the fastest courses in the world
- Desert Bike Challenge – a magnet for off-road cycling enthusiasts
Dining & Culinary Experiences
RAK’s food scene is diverse and delicious:
- Emirati classics like harees, majboos, and fresh seafood
- Romantic beachside restaurants
- Rooftop lounges and global dining at five-star resorts
- Traditional souqs for dates, spices, and local treats
Shopping & Souqs
RAK Mall, Manar Mall, Al Hamra Mall, Al Naeem Mall for international brands
Traditional souqs for perfumes, abayas, carpets, and handmade crafts
Special Cellers, Beach Markets, Flea and Car Boot Sales
Eco & Sustainable Tourism
RAK is a pioneer in eco-conscious tourism with:
- Al Wadi Nature Reserve – home to Arabian oryx, gazelles, and falcons
- Mangrove kayaking and nature walks
- Eco-lodges and desert conservation projects
Perfect for mindful travelers who care about nature.
Invest & Live in RAK
Beyond tourism, Ras Al Khaimah is booming as a business hub:
- RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) supports thousands of startups and multinationals
- Affordable real estate and a growing expat community
- High quality of life with beaches, schools, and leisure access
Getting to & Around Ras Al Khaimah
| Location | Travel Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| RAK International Airport | 20 minutes | 18 km |
| Dubai International Airport | 45 minutes | 85 km |
| Abu Dhabi International Airport | 2.5 hours | 250 km |
| Musandam, Oman Border | 30 minutes | 40 km |
Ras Al Khaimah to other Emirates:
| Emirate | Distance in KM | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Umm Al Quwain | 56 | 1 hour |
| Ajman | 71 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Sharjah | 74 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Dubai | 79 | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Fujairah | 130 | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Khor Fakkan | 123 | 2 hours |
| Abu Dhabi | 275 | 3 hours |
Local Transportation in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is a well-connected emirate, offering various transportation options for tourists and residents alike.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available across RAK, with easy access at hotels, malls, and public spots. Make sure the meter is on, as most taxis operate on a metered fare system.
- Public Buses: Ras Al Khaimah offers an efficient bus system that connects major areas of the city with neighboring emirates. The buses are affordable and a good option for budget travelers.
- Car Rentals: Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore RAK and its surrounding areas. Rental services are available at the airport, major hotels, and rental agencies across the city. Driving in RAK is easy, with wide roads and good signage.
- Shuttle Services: Many hotels and resorts in RAK offer free shuttle services to popular destinations such as the city center, shopping malls.
- Cycling: For the more adventurous, cycling is a great way to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s scenic coastlines, mountain routes, and deserts. Bicycle rentals are available at certain resorts and outdoor activity providers.
- RAK Taxi App: You can also use the RAK Taxi mobile app for easy booking and fare tracking.
Facts about RAK (Ras Al Khaimah)
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | Arabic (English widely spoken) |
| Religion | Islam |
| Currency | UAE Dirham (AED) |
| Time Zone | GMT +4 |
| Area | 2,478 sq. km |
| Coordinates | 25°26’N, 55°60’E |
| Airport Code | RKT |
| Dialing Code | +971 (0)7 |
| Population | ~400,000 (2023 estimate) |
Source: en.rasalkhaimah.ae | www.rak.ae
