About Ras Al Khaimah

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

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:

Ras Al Khaimah A Heritage That Spans Millennia

Natural Beauty: From Coast to Canyon

Ras Al Khaimah Natural Beauty: From Coast to Canyon

Nature lovers are spoiled with:

  • Mangroves, creeks, lagoons, and desert dunes: It’s a playground for both serenity seekers and outdoor explorers.
  • Over 64 km of white-sand and red-sand beaches
  • Rocky mountains and dramatic cliffs
  • Green plains and date farms

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.
Ras Al Khaimah Staycations & Luxury Escapes

Family-Friendly Fun

Ras Al Khaimah Family-Friendly Fun

Kids love RAK! Activities include:

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
Ras Al Khaimah Endless Leisure & Wellness

Adventure Capital of the UAE

Ras Al Khaimah Adventure Capital of the UAE

RAK is making a name for itself as the UAE’s outdoor thrill zone:

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
Ras Al Khaimah Festivals & Cultural Events

Dining & Culinary Experiences

Ras Al Khaimah 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

Ras Al Khaimah Shopping & Souqs

Eco & Sustainable Tourism

Ras Al Khaimah 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
Ardee Al Marjan Island Launches in Ras Al Khaimah

Getting to & Around Ras Al Khaimah

LocationTravel TimeDistance
RAK International Airport20 minutes18 km
Dubai International Airport45 minutes85 km
Abu Dhabi International Airport2.5 hours250 km
Musandam, Oman Border30 minutes40 km

Ras Al Khaimah to other Emirates:

EmirateDistance in KMApproximate Travel Time
Umm Al Quwain561 hour
Ajman711 hour 15 minutes
Sharjah741 hour 15 minutes
Dubai791 hour 20 minutes
Fujairah1302 hours 10 minutes
Khor Fakkan1232 hours
Abu Dhabi2753 hours

Local Transportation in Ras Al Khaimah

RAK Bus between UAE and Musandam: All you need to know

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)

FactDetails
LanguageArabic (English widely spoken)
ReligionIslam
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Time ZoneGMT +4
Area2,478 sq. km
Coordinates25°26’N, 55°60’E
Airport CodeRKT
Dialing Code+971 (0)7
Population~400,000 (2023 estimate)

Source: en.rasalkhaimah.ae | www.rak.ae

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