Point to Point guide to your first trip to Ras Al Khaimah

When it comes to the United Arab Emirates, most people immediately think of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. But Ras Al Khaimah is located in the North of the seven Emirates, and while it only makes up slightly over 2% of the entire territory in the country, it’s the fourth largest of the Emirates and also the place to get your adventure on in comparison to its younger, luxurious neighbours.

A quick note, if you’re planning to visit the UAE, you’re going to need travel insurance. This is especially true if you’re planning to take advantage of the more adventurous side of the Emirates, as travel insurance will cover you in case you get hurt while you’re having fun and exploring, and will also ensure you’re taken care of in the event that you’re hospitalised or even just simply lose your passport.

There are many reasons to visit Ras Al Khaimah. Unlike the skyscrapers and malls famous in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is a great way to learn about the ancient culture, terrain, and history of the region, and you’ll be able to explore ruins that are centuries old, while also enjoying the mountainous landscape and golden coastlines.

That’s not to say that you can’t find a little luxury in amongst the adventure of Ras Al Khaimah, it’s simply a little more restrained compared to the over-the-top, extravagant and somewhat gaudy image that we associate with the UAE thanks to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

You’ll find Ras Al Khaimah above Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, and you can get there from Dubai within 45 minutes.

Ras Al Khaimah has a number of great places to stay, and while there are only a few resorts, you can definitely find a hideaway on the sea without the towering high-rises. You will, however, still find hotel brands that you recognise, like the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa. This resort is in an excellent location, and you’ll find it overlooking the sea while still close to the key city sites in Ras Al Khaimah.

If you’re looking to get a little off the beaten path, you’ll find that while there isn’t a lot of tourist infrastructure, it’s still relatively easy to visit other resorts and local sites. You can easily book private cars with the taxi system in the city and travel to a number of key attractions.

Dune bashing is a must, and you’ll be able to enjoy an adrenalin rush while seeing the desert like you’ve never seen it before. If you book a jeep safari, it’s likely that you can also choose to end at the Oasis Bedouin Camp, and you’ll enjoy entertainment and food underneath the stars, learning about the area’s nomadic people.

You can also enjoy the history and architecture here, and be sure to check out the Dhayah Fort which dates back to the 16th century.