Exploring the UAE’s Hidden Gem: A Guide to Spending a Weekend in Ras Al Khaimah

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The United Arab Emirates is known for its numerous world-famous tourist destinations, many of which can be found in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The country, however, is made up of seven emirates. As such, there are other beautiful places to see if you happen to be here. Visit Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE’s hidden gems.

Ras Al Khaimah is an emirate located in the northern part of the UAE, adjacent to Musandam, an Omani peninsula. It is home to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

The old Ras Al Khaimah was known for its agriculture, pearling, fishery, and building materials industries. Today, the emirate is a favorite destination, attracting hundreds of travelers every day.

The emirate aims to be one of the country’s top tourist destinations by preserving its historical and natural landmarks and introducing new, modern ones that appeal to and excite both locals and tourists.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Popular Destinations

Ras Al Khaimah is teeming with must-visit places. Below are the emirate’s most popular destinations:

Al Jazirat Al Hamra

Al Jazirat Al Hamra is home to old forts, schools, mosques, buildings, and streets that were occupied from the 16th century up to the second half of the 20th century. It is one of the oldest preserved historical sites in the UAE.

Dhayah Fort

Dhayat Fort is another historical site built during the 16th century. This hilltop fort provides tourists with excellent views of Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains, gardens, and other lovely sights.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

This historical place was originally a royal palace where the emirate’s ruling family lived. It was turned into a museum in 1987 and houses wide-ranging collections of silver, rocks, shells, and fossils.

Khatt Springs

This must-visit place, which is located in Khatt Village, is a natural thermal spring. Guests are welcome to take a bath in this oasis of warm, bubbling, and relaxing springs.

Suwaidi Pearl Farm

Learn about the history of pearling, Ras Al Khaimah’s main industry in the olden times, at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm, which is located at Al Rams. You’ll also get a glimpse of the latest pearling techniques and get a chance to take home a pearl as a souvenir of your trip.

Spending the Weekend at Ras Al Khaimah

If you’re visiting Ras Al Khaimah for only two days, follow these tips and ideas for enjoying the full weekend here:

Go on a sightseeing tour.

Sign up for a guided tour and explore the heritage and culture of Ras Al Khaimah. These tours will take you through the emirate’s top historical attractions. If you want to visit the Al Dhayah Fort, Ras Al Khaimah Museum, Jazirat Al Hamra, and other ancient sites aboard a luxurious vehicle, find a tour operator that offers this package.

Take a private excursion.

To get the most out of your stay at Ras Al Khaimah, arrange for a customized tour. Aside from passing through all the emirate’s historical sites, you can visit Jebel Jais. You can also experience a Bedouin lifestyle right in the desert.

There are several hotels and resorts in the area as well, which means you can enjoy a luxurious overnight stay.

If you haven’t visited Dubai or Abu Dhabi yet, ask your tour operator to arrange a travel plan that will allow you to do so. For instance, from Ras Al Khaimah, you can head to Dubai and stop by all the world-famous landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.

Enjoy a private picnic or brunch.

You and your loved one or family can enjoy a scrumptious brunch or picnic amidst the magnificent views of the Al Wadi desert or Jebel Jais mountains. It’s a great way to savor amazing food and authentic Arabic delicacies if you want to try the local cuisine.

Go shopping.

Ras Al Khaimah has several malls and shops where you can treat yourself to great retail therapy. Don’t forget to visit gold and spice souks as well; you may find great deals and items you can bring home.

Try other activities.

Lastly, if you aren’t afraid of heights, experience riding the world’s longest zipline: Jebel Jais Flight. It currently holds the record for the longest zipline in the world, as it stretches across 2,832 meters.

You can also head to the Al Wadi Natural Reserve, which is 1,235 acres of natural reserve in Ras Al Khaimah. It’s home to various attractions and activities that adventurous travelers love. These include falconry shows, hiking, catch-and-release fishing, and camel and horse riding, which are some of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, which means you can easily find the perfect accommodation. Moreover, these options have exceptional facilities that let you make the most of your short visit here.