A bit about Ras al Khaimah

An Arabian enclave of glittering sands, date palms and camel trains, the tiny emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is the most northerly of the United Arab Emirates. It was once an outpost of the ancient Silk Road and offers a more authentic experience than its glitzier UAE neighbours of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Its capital, also called Ras Al Khaimah or RAK city, is a former fishing port studded with trees and surprisingly green parks with characterful Arabian architecture of minarets and arches.

To the south of the city, amid millionaire marinas, lagoons and peninsulas of burnished golden sand, travellers can find the Jazirat Al Hamra area with the widest choice of accommodation. New luxury resorts are also opening up on the artificial islands of Marjan just offshore. Inland, Ras al Khaimah's wilderness of desert oases, scenic mountains and hot springs is the setting for a clutch of luxury resorts and camps. From the renowned opulence of the Waldorf Astoria to more understated beachside resorts, there's something to suit all budgets and tastes.

Things to see and do in Ras al Khaimah

A little-known Middle Eastern enclave favoured by those looking for Arabian adventure or simply a peaceful and authentic break, Ras al Khaimah holidays offer much to delight sand-and-sun seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Small enough to explore in one trip, RAK's stunning glittering sands, gently ebbing azure waters, deep desert valleys and towering mountain crags make a spectacular holiday setting.

There's plenty to do too – from traditional Arabian pursuits such as falconry and camel racing to classic sightseeing and family activities such as desert safaris, watersports and theme parks. Whether you are looking for luxury holidays in RAK or a budget break in the sun, Ras al Khaimah hotels range from the opulent Waldorf Astoria and fabulous Banyan Tree al Wadi desert retreat to affordable all-inclusives right on the beach.

Authentic culture

Unlike RAK's ultra-modern oil-rich neighbours, the ‘rising emirate' offers a glimpse into the real Arabia, with traces of a long history and fascinating culture that gives it a more authentic appeal. Travellers to RAK City can find a good dose of culture just strolling around the corniche and souk with a mix of artisan's workshops and modern stores. The area is flanked by a lagoon on one side and the sea on the other, with plenty of restaurants, green spaces and places to sit along the pathed promenades.

Its chief attraction is the National Museum of Ras al-Khaimah, housed in the stuccoed palace of the al Quawasim family, which ruled here in the 18th century. The museum's fascinating exhibits take visitors through the country's long history with artefacts left over from centuries of lucrative pearl diving, carrying frames once used in the camel trains of the ancient Silk Road and even pottery dating back to the first century B.C. To the south, it's also well worth taking in the beautiful white minarets and domes of Sheikh Zayed Mosque, overlooking al Quawasin Corniche.

For visitors interested in walking through the region's history, the emirate has preserved some of its historic sites including Dhayah Fort, north of Al Rams town, and Jazirat Al Hamra fishing village, close to RAK city. Five-hundred-year-old Dhayah fortress is the only remaining hill-top castle in the UAE and was once an outpost of the ancient Silk Road. Reached by steep stone staircase, there are stunning vistas of date palm plantations and distant mountains from the top.

The 16th century remnants of the abandoned fishing town of Jazirat Al Hamra offer an atmospheric snapshot of times-gone-by in this sleepy corner of Arabia. One of the oldest and best preserved coastal villages on the UAE, its crumbling coral stone houses and public buildings were the base for a traditional fishing and pearl diving industry that dates back to the 14th century.

Travellers curious about RAK's pearl diving heritage should not miss a trip to the Pearl Museum that charts the industry's regional history with quirky exhibits and houses a glittering collection of prize pearls including the huge Miracle of Arabia pearl. You can also take a tour of a Pearl Farm that produces more than 100,000 pearls a year, where visitors have the chance to open an oyster and keep any pearl they may find.

An impressive bird of prey often associated with Arabia, the falcon is the national symbol of Ras al Khaimah and traditional falconry is still going strong in the emirate. Watching an authentic Arabian falconry show and learning to handle the birds at the school in the desert is an unforgettable experience for all the family. The ancient sport of archery is also popular in RAK, and travellers can take part in archery lessons and even follow an archery trail in the desert. Both traditional activities are offered by the Banyan Tree Al Wadi resort, set in the desert dunes of southern RAK.

To experience a key heritage activity in Ras al Khaimah, take a trip to the camel races and watch an age-old spectacle amid the desert dunes of Digdaga and Hamraniya. From October and throughout the milder months, the track is alive with colourfully-clad camels and trainers and locals taking wagers. Weekends are the busiest, with official races also held on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings.