Ras Al Khaimah walking tour & city guide

Jebel Jais and nature

A spectacular winding road climbs Jebel Jais to around 1,900 meters, where temperatures are much cooler. The Jais Flight is one of the longest ziplines in the world, and viewing decks look out over the Hajar Mountains.

On the coast, the mangroves of Al Qurm can be explored by kayak, and the beaches of Al Marjan Island are lined with resorts.

History

The old town has a fort that now houses the National Museum, and Dhayah Fort, on a hill among palm groves, has sweeping views. The abandoned pearl-fishing village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra is one of the last traditional coastal towns in the Gulf.

Mountains, beaches and the old town

Ras Al Khaimah works best as a slow two-day trip. Spend one morning up on Jebel Jais, where the air is noticeably cooler and the road climbs in long switchbacks to viewing decks over the Hajar Mountains. Adventurous visitors try the world's longest zipline here.

Back at sea level, the National Museum is housed in an old fort, and the Corniche along the creek is a pleasant evening walk. The abandoned pearl-diving village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra, with its coral-stone houses, is one of the most atmospheric places in the country.

Good to know

The emirate is about an hour's drive from Dubai, and having a car makes everything easier. Beach resorts line the coast, but the real reason to visit is the variety: desert, mountains, mangroves and sea within half an hour of each other.

In summer Jebel Jais can be 10°C cooler than the coast, which makes it a popular escape. In winter it occasionally gets frost at the top, a rare sight in the Gulf.