Travel Kuoni

Ras al Khaimah Holidays

Surrounded by desert, sea and mountains, on holidays to Ras Al Khaimah you’ll have sunrise and sunset to yourself and dizzying adventure high up in the sky.

A rare glimpse of the elusive Arabian oryx, Champagne dinners on white sands and trekking by Arabian horse through valleys and pools; Ras Al Khaimah holidays are for those inclined to discover lesser-known places. Imagine Middle Eastern style picnics on oriental rugs as you sink into oversized pillows on the beach, dune bashing out into the desert and kayaking through mangroves. This quieter emirate in the UAE has so far managed to keep its secrets away from the crowds but those in the know come here to go off-the-grid in blue skies luxury against a backdrop of dramatic Hajar Mountains.

You can tick off the crazy on holidays to Ras Al Khaimah – zip line on the Via Ferrata’s one kilometre sky high route, 4x4 over rolling dunes and climb the highest mountain in the UAE, but equally you can star gaze through telescopes, discover how Arabian explorers navigated the terrain and fall asleep under the stars to the night sounds of the desert. We love this part of the world for its mystique, romance and solitude – scorching days, cooler nights and unabashed indulgence.

The beaches are a dream – miles of white sand sloping into brilliant blue seas, nomadic life of years gone by can be found in abandoned ghost towns home to perfectly preserved 14th-Century buildings, and frenetic souks, early morning fish markets and unique mosques ascertain where you are in the world. Just an hour’s drive from Dubai this under-the-radar emirate is making shapes to become a rather a special place.

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Ras al Khaimah Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Ras al Khaimah

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

An Arabian fortress of decadent pool villas for luxury desert escapism.

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

An Arabic-influenced resort right on the waterfront with copious facilities.

Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort

With its powder-soft golden sands and glistening paradise shores, this exclusive escape beckons y...

Movenpick Al Marjan Island

A five-star retreat giving you breathtaking vistas, elegant decor and a treasure trove of delight...

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa

A sanctuary of style and sophistication footed by crystalline waves, craggy mountains and clay-co...

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

Elegant and stylish, this exclusive beachfront resort offers blissful seclusion.

Get to know Ras Al Khaimah and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +4 hours

CURRENCY

United Arab Emirates Dirham

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

7 hours

RELIGION

Islam

LANGUAGE

Arabic

Where is Ras Al Khaimah? Bordering the Kingdom of Oman, Ras Al Khaimah is the northern most emirate in the UAE and the fourth largest, about an hour’s drive from Dubai.

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Getting around The coastline stretches some 35 miles and as hotels, restaurants and attractions are quite spread-out, car hire is the most convenient way to get around. Parking is also free. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive.

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Food and drink Arabic cafés, shisha, lavish hotel restaurants on the beach and local dining on the Corniche, there’s plenty to indulge in. Expect Indian, Lebanese and Turkish influences, fresh seafood platters and a very intriguing camel’s milk ice cream. You’ll find authentic Moroccan restaurants, glamorous New York-style steakhouses and world-class sushi menus.

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What to do in Ras Al Khaimah Hike Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, follow the trails to peace and tranquillity in the Hajar Mountains and chase the sun on a dune bashing tour. For sky-high thrills, try out the longest zip line in the world and fly through mountains at peaks, or keep your feet firmly on the ground and explore the dust covered pearl fishing village of Al Jazeera Al Hamra just south of the city where you’ll find 14th-Century houses abandoned long ago. There are plenty of scuba diving opportunities among over 700 species of fish – sometimes you’ll be lucky enough to spot a whale or rare green turtle. End the day on a sunset cruise by catamaran or a candlelit dinner overlooking the beach.

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Historical Sites Ras Al Khaimah has some of the oldest historical sites in the UAE. Take a walk along Al Rams Corniche to see the 19th-century village where homes are built from coral and wood. Dhayah Fort dates back to the Bronze Age and is the UAE’s only remaining hill fort. Al Jazeera Al Hamra is a former pearling village and the oldest in the Emirates. Both sites are on the UNESCO Heritage tentative list due to their historical and cultural importance to Arabia.

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Natural Landscapes From the vast swathes of golden beaches to the highest mountains in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has plenty of untouched and natural beauty. The coastal fringes have flamingos wading in the mangroves and turtles swimming offshore whilst the desert is a place of peace and tranquillity and home to Arabian oryx, foxes and sand cats.

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Best time to visit Ras al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is the more relaxed and scenic end of the United Arab Emirates. The timing of your trip matters a lot here. From November to March, the weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for outdoor exploration. From May through September, the heat intensifies, and much of daily life shifts indoors. If you’re visiting during Ramadan, which falls a little differently each year, be aware that eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is not allowed. That said, most hotels still cater well to visitors during the holy month, and evenings come alive with traditional food, music, and family gatherings.

Ras al Khaimah Weather

Oct - Mar

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Ras al Khaimah Weather by Month

January in Ras Al Khaimah

January is one of the best months to visit. Daytime temperatures stay around 23 to 25 degrees, with cool evenings that might call for a light jumper. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures, such as mountain hikes or kayaking through the mangroves. Rain is rare, but when it does fall, it tends to clear quickly. 

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February in Ras Al Khaimah

February feels much like January, but with slightly longer days and slightly warmer air. You’ll get highs in the mid-20s and comfortable evenings. Whether you’re walking on the beach or heading up to Jebel Jais for sunset, it’s a great time to be outside.

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March in Ras Al Khaimah

March brings warmth, with daytime highs around 28 or 29 degrees. Outdoor life is still going strong, and it’s an excellent time for sunrise hikes or al fresco dinners. If Ramadan falls in March, expect quieter public spaces during the day, but a festive atmosphere after sunset with late-night markets.

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April in Ras Al Khaimah

By April, the heat begins to make itself known, with temperatures climbing into the low 30s. Mornings and evenings are still enjoyable, especially with a coastal breeze. If Ramadan continues into April, daytime hours in shops and cafés are reduced. 

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May in Ras Al Khaimah

May brings full-on summer temperatures. Highs often reach the upper 30s, and outdoor plans need to happen early or late. The sea feels like bathwater, and hotel pools become the place to be. Many resorts begin lowering their rates, making this a good month for a quiet, good-value escape. It’s slower, but not without sunshine appeal if you’re prepared for the heat.

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June in Ras Al Khaimah

June ramps things up a notch. Temperatures regularly top 40 degrees, and even the evenings stay hot. Most outdoor attractions reduce their hours or close for the hottest part of the day. It’s wonderfully peaceful, and if you enjoy quiet hotels, spa treatments, and long, lazy dinners, it can be a relaxing time to recharge. Sunsets over the dunes are especially striking.

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July in Ras Al Khaimah

July is very hot and often humid, with daytime temperatures easily reaching 43 degrees or more. Most activities shift indoors, and the city adopts a slower pace. It’s a good month for indoor pools, hammams, and relaxed days out of the sun. 

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August in Ras Al Khaimah

August is still intensely hot, but for families travelling during the UK school holidays, it can be a surprisingly good-value option. Resorts often run generous summer deals, and there are plenty of indoor activities to keep things interesting. Most of your exploring will happen in short, shaded bursts, but with a cold drink in hand and a pool nearby, it’s an easygoing escape.

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September in Ras Al Khaimah

The heat begins to back off, though it’s still far from cool. Highs stay in the mid to high 30s, but humidity slowly fades, and evenings become more comfortable. Desert camps begin preparing for the new season, and restaurants start reopening their terraces. It’s a transition month, but one that shows signs of the more active season just around the corner.

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October in Ras Al Khaimah

October feels like a shift. By mid-month, temperatures dip closer to 33 degrees, and the evenings become comfortably warm rather than sweltering. Outdoor activities return, from mountain drives to beach afternoons. Hiking season restarts in Jebel Jais, and weekend events begin popping back up on the calendar.

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November in Ras Al Khaimah

November is hard to beat. Highs range from the high 20s to the low 30s, and the air feels fresh. It’s perfect for beach days, hiking, or wandering through the markets. The city feels lively but not too busy, and this is when many locals start spending long evenings outside again.

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December in Ras Al Khaimah

Mild, sunny, and full of life. December days hover in the low to mid-20s, and evenings can feel surprisingly cool. It’s an excellent time for exploring both the coast and the mountains. The first few days of the month are marked by National Day celebrations, featuring fireworks, flags, and light shows.

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