Ras Al Khaimah is one of seven emirates which together comprise the federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was the last one to join and is claimed to be on top as emerging tourist destination in the GULF. It is the strongest emerging tourism spots in UAE with its natural beauty and stunning scenery. It has a 64 km shoreline of superb sandy beaches and clear crystal blue waters. Ras Al Khaimah features a wealth of landscapes from rugged mountain peaks to coastal areas and deserts. Tourists have options of host of outdoor activities from swimming, fishing and golfing to desert safari, diving, paragliding, parasailing, Bedouin desert camp, Iceland water park and above all a microlight flight.
Ras Al Khaimah is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and is the perfect getaway for business, leisure, adventure, and luxury travel. The emirate has over 7,000 years of fascinating history, culture and is home to the highest mountain in the UAE. It is a destination offering views of the terracotta deserts and an international gourmet experience. It also promises activities to suit adventure-seekers, spa-goers in addition to the exceptional experiences available at the world-class resorts.
Dhayah Fort : Built as a strategic military castle in the 16th century on a mountain overlooking the Gulf, Dayah Fort witnessed a battle between the local people and the British troops. Here, its towers were set on fire and later destroyed in 1819. The Fort was restored in the 1990’s and its strategic location provides outstanding views of Ras Al Khaimah.
Falcon Show : Falconry is a traditional pastime in Ras Al Khaimah. At the Banyan Tree Al Wadi, the first desert spa resort in the UAE, visitors can enjoy a spectacular show of falcons in the natural desert environment. Home to Arabian gazelles and the Oryx the desert spa resort has a nature reserve which spans over 130 hectares.
Enjoy an informative talk and display with various falcons. Participants may even get a chance to hold one of these majestic birds, whilst experiencing the Arabian sunset with a drink in hand, a harmonious blend of nature and luxury.
Iceland Water Park: A perfect escape from the heat, the Iceland Water Park is an ideal family entertainment destination for visitors of all ages. Providing a wide variety of games, water slides and an extensive food court, Iceland Water Park offers visitors maximum fun and amusement.
Al Jazirah Aviation Club: A truly amazing experience awaiting Ras Al Khaimah visitors is to fly with a micro-light aircraft as well as powered parachutes and enjoy scenic views of the desert, the white sandy beach, the turquoise sea and the majestic mountain
Mangroves: From mountains, deserts and ancient cultural sites to beaches, mangroves, water sports and more, Ras Al Khaimah is a truly unforgettable Arabian experience. Mangroves and salt flats form a large part of the coastal and inland landscape. The mangroves, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingoes, extend right into the centre of Ras Al Khaimah bringing a rich sense of nature into the city. Visitors can explore the mangroves by taking kayak excursions and literally lose themselves in the natural beauty.
Mountain trail: In the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah is a spectacular mountain range called the Ru’us Al Jibal. It is part of the Hajar Mountains, which start in the Musandam Peninsula and run as far south as Sur in Oman. These mountains were formed more than 70 million years ago. Jebel Jais at 1,930 m is not only the highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah but in the entire UAE. A key feature of the mountains is the abundance of wadis and hiking and mountain bike trails.
Water Adventures: Situated on the west coast of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah offers the ideal location for all water activities. The clear blue waters of the Gulf provide the perfect conditions for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and water skiing. For lovers of nature, kayaking in the mangroves of Ras Al Khaimah or at sea offers an unforgettable experience.
Al Hamra Marina & Royal Yacht Club: The Al Hamra Marina is the ideal destination for visitors and water sport lovers out to enjoy the beauty of the sea. It has a restaurant and offers charter boats. The marina also provides maintenance and training and charter boats. The Al Hamra Marina comprises of 200 wet berths up to 100 feet provided with power supply and fresh water. It is the last significant fuelling stop for vessels in the Arabian Gulf. Al Hamra Marina also hosts the Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah, and as well organizes water activities and amazing competitions.
Named after the first Arab Seaman Ahmad bin Majid, the “Prince of Sea“, a motorised yacht (pictured below) which offers visitors a variety of sailing trips around the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, introduces you to an amazing sailing journey with valuable heritage and the Arabian hospitality. Various excursions including daytime, sunset and dinner cruises offering visitors various activities covering swimming, snorkelling and the opportunity of spotting one of the rare green turtles at Al Marjan Island, while enjoying delicious barbequed seafood, watch a folkloric show with a belly dancer.
Sawing: The Seawings Urban Experience takes off from the pristine shores of Ras Al Khaimah on an exciting 45 minutes aerial tour of the city, giving you picturesque views of the emirate before flying to Dubai. Departure & Arrival: Ras Al Khaimah – Dubai
From desert retreats to beachfront properties, Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels and resorts offer an array of signature treatments to stimulate your senses. With tranquil surroundings, expert therapists and rejuvenating massages, every spa experience is sure to restore the balance of mind and body. Banyan Tree Al Wadi is the first desert spa resort in the UAE.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi: The resort, located only 20 minutes from the vibrant Ras Al Khaimah city centre, offers a wide variety of exclusive services and facilities including 101 pool – villas. Explore the 500 hectare private nature reserve, indulge in 3,999sqm of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities and take advantage of numerous meeting and banquet spaces, a kids’ club, falconry mews as well as horse and camel stables.
Desert Safari: A Desert Safari in Ras Al Khaimah offers visitors a day filled with excitement and adventure. The Safari begins with a thrilling drive in a 4×4 vehicle across the desert and climbing sand dunes, often at a 45-degree angle! Later in the day visitors will have the opportunity to experience a ride on a camel and enjoy a traditional Arabic dinner and entertainment around a camp fire.
Desert Camps: Ras Al Khaimah is famous for its many beautiful camping spots, where people can enjoy picnics and barbecues under the stars, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can go it alone or visit one of the traditional Bedouin camps and discover a fascinating way of life that has changed little over the years.
Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp: The first Bedouin-style desert camp in Ras Al Khaimah provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to explore desert living. Using only traditional and natural materials, the Bedouin Oasis Desert allows visitors to be transported back to the days when tent roofs were originally made from goat hair and an antique gas light or a fire were the only sources of heat and light.
Authentic and generous hospitality is an essential component of Arabian culture. This sentiment is beautifully reflected in Ras Al Khaimah’s diverse collection of hotels and resorts, ranging from boutique to luxurious five-star properties. Al Hamra Village (pictured below) is a luxurious integrated community, located in Ras Al Khaimah on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The development covers an area of 77 million square feet and includes 1,500 kilometers of pristine beaches, over 1,000 villas and townhouses, nearly 2,500 residential apartments, five hotels, an 18 hole golf course, a marina and a shopping mall.
For those who are looking for a premium weekend getaway or planning their vacation, Ras Al Khaimah offers two of the UAE’s most luxurious hotels in the beachfront Waldorf Astoria, the Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort as well as the Banyan Tree Al Wadi in the heart of the desert.
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