Jake BorlandCo-Founder
Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE's most underrated emirate. From mountain hikes to world-record zip lines, mangrove kayaking to ancient forts, there is far more to discover here than most visitors expect.
Most people visiting the UAE head straight to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, overlooking the emirate that arguably offers the most dramatic and varied landscape in the country. Ras Al Khaimah sits at the northern tip of the UAE, where the Hajar Mountains meet the Arabian Gulf, and the combination of terrain, history, and adventure activities makes it genuinely worth exploring. Whether you are a student at our RAK campus or a visitor passing through, here are fourteen things that will make the most of your time here.
Jebel Jais is the UAE's highest peak, and the zip line that runs from its summit held the world record for the longest zip line at over 2.8 kilometres. The views across the Hajar Mountains as you descend are spectacular, and the experience is one that is difficult to match anywhere in the region.
For those who prefer to take in the mountain scenery at a slower pace, the Jebel Jais hiking trails offer routes suitable for different fitness levels. The cooler months between November and March are ideal, with temperatures at altitude considerably lower than on the coast.
One of the best-preserved traditional settlements in the Gulf, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is a largely abandoned coastal village whose coral and gypsum buildings have stood for centuries. Walking through its lanes gives a striking sense of what life in the UAE looked like before the discovery of oil.
Housed in a restored fort, the National Museum covers the history of the emirate from the Bronze Age through the pearl diving era and into the present day. The collection is modest but well-curated, and the fort itself is worth visiting for its architecture alone.
RAK has some of the finest mangrove ecosystems in the UAE. Paddling through them by kayak is a peaceful and unexpectedly beautiful experience, with herons, flamingos, and other wading birds regularly visible in the quieter stretches of water.
RAK's beaches are less crowded than those in Dubai and genuinely beautiful. Al Hamra Beach and Saqr Park Beach are popular choices, with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a long way from the bustle of the larger emirates.
The dunes around RAK offer dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin camp experiences. Several operators run evening safaris that combine the sunset over the dunes with a barbecue dinner under the stars.
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the Dhayah oasis, this 19th-century hilltop fort is one of the most photographed landmarks in RAK. The climb to the summit is short but rewarding, with panoramic views across the palm groves and coast below.
Fishing is deeply embedded in RAK's culture, and boat trips for visitors are widely available. Whether you are after a relaxed morning on the water or a more serious deep-sea fishing excursion, several operators offer trips tailored to different levels of experience.
Falconry is a UNESCO-recognised element of Emirati cultural heritage, and RAK is a good place to learn about it. Cultural centres and heritage events regularly feature demonstrations that offer genuine insight into this ancient tradition.
Beyond those highlights, RAK also rewards visitors with its pottery village at Shimal, where traditional wheel-throwing techniques have been practised for generations; its Friday Market on the road to Hatta, selling local produce, ceramics, and carpets; the Ice Land Water Park for family days; and the growing restaurant scene in Al Hamra Village, where you can eat well overlooking the marina. Whether you are here for a week or for months as a language student, RAK has enough variety to keep you genuinely engaged throughout your stay.
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Written by
Jake Borland
Co-Founder
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