Book a flight to Ras Al-Khaimah with Qatar Airways

Take a trip to Ras Al-Khaimah and discover a region steeped in archaeological heritage, with new sites being uncovered on a regular basis. The government has earmarked the best of these for preservation, and they are fast becoming popular attractions in their own right.

In 2013, several graves dating back to 2000 BC were uncovered and due to Ras Al-Khaimah’s sustained importance as a trading centre throughout the ages, other sites, from across the millennia, are also being discovered.

There are also plenty of more recent attractions to tempt visitors, including the mysterious Jazirat Al Hamra Fishing Village, an eerie ghost town established in the 14th century and abandoned in the late 1960s.

Along with fishing, pearl-diving was a hugely important part of life in Ras Al-Khaimah for centuries, and the city’s Pearl Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the trade’s role in the growth of the emirate’s fortunes. The museum is also home to the Miracle of Arabia, a stunning pearl that is 12mm in diameter.

The natural beauty of Ras Al-Khaimah is a huge draw for tourists. One of the best locations is Khatt, a mountain village to the south east of Ras Al-Khaimah city. It is surrounded by craggy peaks and is famous for its thermal springs. Visitors can visit Khatt to relax in hot, mineralised water, regionally famed for its ability to improve circulation and overall health.

Also worth your time is the National Museum of Ras Al-Khaimah. Housed in a former palace, it is full of exhibits detailing the country’s natural history, folk traditions and crafts.

The last thing you would expect to find in a country known for its magnificent desert landscape is a polar-themed water park. But the Ice Land Water Park is a great spot for families to cool off.

If you want to capture the romance of the desert, then a trip to a recreated Bedouin camp, complete with camel rides and entertainment, will do the trick. There are plenty of desert-safari tours available, through tour operators and hotels.

Ras Al-Khaimah is considerably more mountainous than neighbouring emirates and if you like physical challenges, then try the famous Stairway to Heaven mountain trail. While not a hike for the faint-hearted, the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the top make the effort worthwhile.

Adventure lovers will get the rush of a lifetime soaring at hair-raising speeds across jagged mountain peaks and deep ravines on the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, extending for 2.83 km of zipline.

If you are visiting during December or January, then look out for the UAE Awafi Festival, a three-week event that celebrates the culture of the country and culminates in a dramatic sand-dune race between the best 4x4 drivers in the region.

Because of the boom in tourism and the number of people travelling to Ras Al-Khaimah from around the world, several high-quality restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine, have emerged throughout the city.

Look out for restaurants specialising in local seafood, as the ingredients used are fresh daily, prepared with special spices, and served with a selection of mezze (small dishes).

International food, particularly Indian and Italian cuisine, is also popular.

Ras Al-Khaimah is sure to win approval from retail enthusiasts, with exclusive boutiques and large, air-conditioned malls that offer a rich selection of luxury goods. RAK Mall is spacious and has a range of outlets selling everything from jewellery, to leather goods and high-end labels.

For a more authentic experience, head to the busy markets on Ras Al Khaimah’s creek, that offer a wide variety of traditional handicrafts, fish, spices, and more.