Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) is one of the world’s best kept family holiday secrets. The most northerly of the UAE’s emirates, it shares the Arabian Gulf coast with its neighbor Dubai and sits in a similar magnificent desert landscape against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.
But RAK is relaxed and uncrowded, the skyline is defined by the four graceful minarets of Sheikh Zayed Mosque, its manmade islands win eco-awards and there’s as much green as there is blue and gold in the city’s natural color palette. Families from Dubai come on holiday here to enjoy the resorts, beaches and wonderful weather of home just with more heritage, traditional culture and a gentler pace of life.
Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) is 45 minutes by road from Dubai International Airport: the main transport hub of the UAE.
RAK City is just over half-an-hour’s drive from the border of Oman and less than an hour by plane from the beautiful Omani capital, Muscat.
RAK is home to Jabal Jais, the highest peak in the Hajar Mountains.
From palaces to hill forts and traditional fishing villages, the region has many of the most historic sites in the UAE.
A wide range of accommodation includes family hotels in the city centre, luxury resorts on Al Marjan and opulent desert spas.
RAK is the only emirate where mangroves grow and the city’s parks and gardens are lush, shady retreats when it’s too hot for the beach.
Average temperature is 100˚F in summer and 95˚F in winter.
Almost everyone in RAK drives so renting a car is the best way to get around and explore the area outside the city. Most resorts have transport to attractions and can arrange tours. If you want to walk, the best place is the Corniche or one of RAK’s many city parks.
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