Top 23 Attractions in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is often called the UAE’s most beautiful emirate after Dubai. Sitting on the Arabian Gulf with the mountains of Oman to its southeast and the famous Strait of Hormuz nearby, the emirate mixes stunning coastlines, golden deserts, and the rugged peaks of the Hajar range with fertile plains and thriving mangroves. Culturally, Ras Al Khaimah boasts unique archaeological treasures and a rich artistic heritage that spans centuries. In this article, you’ll discover every side of the city, from pristine beaches to ancient forts.
1. Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s favourite public stretches of sand. Running along the Arabian Gulf, it welcomes visitors with crystal-clear turquoise water and soft sand that invite long, sunny days by the sea. The beach gets its name from the flamingo statues that celebrate the real migratory birds that rest here for warmth and food before flying farther south. The shore is spotless, the water inviting, and you’ll often hear conversations in many different languages. Once you’ve had your swim, the nearby cafés and restaurants are perfect for sharing a leisurely meal with friends or family.
2. Ras Al Khaimah National Museum
Set inside a historic fort and opened in 1987, the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum is the place to dive deep into the emirate’s past. Millennia-old artefacts sit alongside personal treasures of the ruling Al Qasimi family, rare documents, ancient manuscripts, and the traditional weapons once carried in the region. One recent visitor called it “a beautiful space steeped in stories, every item echoes the UAE’s heritage.” The museum brings the nation’s wider history to life while placing special focus on Ras Al Khaimah’s own journey.
Operating hours: 09:00 – 19:00
3. Al Manar Mall
Opened in September 2000, Al Manar Mall is one of the emirate’s oldest shopping centres and remains hugely popular thanks to its seafront location on the city’s corniche. More than 120 stores cater to every taste, while over 30 cafés and restaurants keep shoppers fueled throughout the day. Families love Tridom, the UAE’s largest indoor play zone, complete with the Middle East’s tallest drop tower, plenty of kid-friendly rides, and splashy water games. A spacious cinema screens the latest international releases, and a recent expansion has given the complex a fresh, modern feel that blends retail therapy with all-day entertainment.
Operating hours: 10:00 – 22:00
4. RAK Mall
RAK Mall is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most popular shopping spots and a tourism landmark in its own right. Sprawling across a generous footprint in the city, it gathers a wide mix of local and international brands under one roof, alongside a broad choice of stylish restaurants and cafés. Inside, the mall’s distinctive design and lively atmosphere set the stage for festivals, celebrations, and special promotions that run throughout the year. Fun seekers gravitate to Sparkys, the entertainment zone that features an ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, and a cinema equipped with the latest technology. The mall is comfortably mid-sized, not too big and not too small, with stores like the Home Centre and Lulu Hypermarket making it easy to shop for everything in one go.
Operating hours: 10:00 – 22:00
5. Bedouin Oasis Camp
Bedouin Oasis Camp draws travelers who want to swap city noise for authentic desert life. The camp recreates traditional Bedouin culture, offering guests a chance to learn local customs in a setting defined by peace and simplicity. Visitors can relax among rolling dunes, watch the sunset turn the sand gold, and gaze at a sky full of stars after dark. Accommodation comes in various tent styles to suit both couples and families, and thoughtful amenities ensure a comfortable stay. During our own visit the experience was excellent. Staff were exceptionally friendly, breakfast and dinner buffets were satisfying, and the evening belly-dance show kept everyone entertained. Camel rides and quad-bike adventures over the dunes added even more excitement.
6. Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, soaring about 1,908 m above sea level. Reaching the summit turns a day out into a real adventure, whether you come to hike the rugged trails or ride a mountain bike along scenic routes. From the top, the views are breathtaking, and the air is noticeably cooler than in the rest of the UAE.
Because the wind picks up in winter and temperatures drop sharply, it can feel cold and gusty, so pack warm layers if you plan to stay outdoors for long.
7. Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Among Ras Al Khaimah’s many attractions, its pearl-diving heritage stands out, celebrated today at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm. Founded by Abdullah Al-Suwaidi in honor of his late grandfather Mohammed, the farm keeps alive the emirate’s centuries-old link to pearling.
A visit begins with a traditional fishing boat ride out to the farm, where guides share stories of pearl divers and show the tools they once relied on. You’ll also see modern techniques now used to cultivate pearls. The tour is engaging, informative, and a beautiful way to connect with local history.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:30
Entry fee: AED 250
8. Saqr Park
Opened in 1991, Saqr Park spreads over roughly 330,000 m² and remains Ras Al Khaimah’s signature public garden. A visit here promises a full day of energy and laughter for families thanks to sweeping lawns, more than thirty children’s rides, and an artificial lake set up for water activities. Getting around is part of the fun, with options that include a balloon-style tram, a cable car, and a small train. Picnic benches sit close to designated barbecue spots, so it is easy to settle in for the day.
Operating hours: 07:30 – 23:00
Entrance fee: AED5 per person, free for children under five, and AED 20 per car
9. Al Hamra Mall
Al Hamra Mall ranks among the most popular shopping spots in Ras Al Khaimah, taking its name from the well-known Al Hamra village where it stands. The centre is spread across two main floors that bring together a balanced mix of local and international fashion labels, a large supermarket, and plenty of restaurants serving everything from quick bites to leisurely meals. A dedicated play area keeps children entertained while shoppers explore the stores.
VOX Cinemas occupies a generous space on the upper level, screening the newest international releases in comfortable auditoriums. The mall also provides separate prayer halls for men and women, making it easy to fit a visit into any daily schedule. On a recent walk-through we found the atmosphere relaxed, the layout easy to navigate, and the range of brands more than enough for an afternoon of shopping and dining.
Operating hours: 10:00 – 22:00
10. Wadi Shawka
Wadi Shawka is a favourite escape for hikers and campers who want fresh air and open views. Set in the Shawka area near the Sharjah–Khor Fakkan road, the valley combines mountain trails, picnic spots, and a pleasant family-friendly vibe. A rain-fed dam creates a lake that attracts birds and turns the surrounding landscape green in the cooler months. A ten-kilometre walkway circles the water, giving visitors an easy route for walking or cycling while soaking up the scenery.
Those looking for more adventure can climb the nearby hills, savor panoramic views, and snap striking photos of the rugged terrain. Facilities such as rest areas, barbecue sites, and small shops make it simple to spend an entire day outdoors. When we visited, the lake was full after winter rains and the temperature was comfortably cool, especially in January when the desert comes alive with color
11. Dhayah Fort
Dhayah Fort stands as one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most important historical landmarks. Built in the nineteenth century by Hasan bin Ali bin Rahma as a defensive post against British forces, it is now listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The fort crowns a rocky hill surrounded by palm gardens with the peaks of Jebel Jais rising in the distance, giving it a dramatic view of the landscape. To reach it, follow the road from the Al Nakheel business district to the coastal town of Al Rams, then continue to Dhayah village.
Because the fort sits high above the plain, you will need to climb a long flight of steps, and there are no shops on site, so if you plan a summer visit bring plenty of drinking water.
Operating hours: 08:00 – 19:00
12. Naeem Mall
Naeem Mall sits right on the waterfront in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah and has become one of the emirate’s best-known shopping destinations. Spanning about 1.5 million square metres, the complex rises over four storeys and houses roughly 200 outlets that stock global fashion and footwear labels, electronics, and much more. Families appreciate the mall’s range of entertainment: a children’s play zone keeps the little ones busy, while the cinema complex screens the latest blockbusters with high-quality sound and projection systems. Visitors can also unwind at the Naomi Salon, which offers hair, beauty, and body treatments, or fit in a workout at the well-equipped Fitness gym. Naeem Mall feels comfortably mid-sized and rarely gets as crowded as some of the city’s other malls, making it a relaxed spot for a day out with the family.
Operating hours: 10:00 – 22:00
13. Ras Al Khaimah Natural Treasures
Engineer Tarek Salman created the Ras Al Khaimah Treasures Farm to celebrate the beauty of nature. Inside, he showcases almost two thousand rare pieces gathered from around the world, arranging them in seven themed sections so visitors can explore each type of treasure in turn.
The collection ranges from sparkling gemstones and ancient fossils to exotic shells. Alongside the exhibits you will find greenhouses growing crops that normally cannot thrive in Ras Al Khaimah, a small menagerie of friendly animals, a fish lake, and wooden cabins where guests can spend the night. These varied attractions draw curious travellers from across the UAE and beyond.
During our visit we enjoyed wandering through the displays while Engineer Tarek explained the effort behind every part of the project. The farm feels both educational and relaxing, with plenty of fascinating objects and friendly animals to keep everyone interested.
Operating hours: 08:00 – 20:00
14. Ras Al Khaimah Zoo
Ras Al Khaimah Zoo is one of the emirate’s most family-friendly attractions. Children love spotting the wide variety of animals, from gentle creatures to impressive predators and even endangered species, along with many colorful birds. The zoo also runs an equestrian club for children and women, where professional instructors guide first-time riders. Shaded lawns provide plenty of space for outdoor picnics, and a small theater hosts regular shows that add to the fun.
What impressed us most was how neatly the grounds are laid out despite the zoo’s modest size. Electric carts glide along the pathways so visitors can see every corner with ease, and kids can enjoy a gentle horseback ride during their visit.
Operating hours: 09:00 – 21:00
15. Al Sawan Camel Racetrack
Al Sawan lies about ten kilometers south of Ras Al Khaimah city and is dedicated to camel racing, a sport deeply rooted in local tradition. Each year the track hosts four days of competition that draw owners and camels from across the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Sudan, and other Arab nations. An Arabian camel can reach around forty kilometers per hour during longer races and up to sixty-five kilometers per hour in shorter sprints, making the events thrilling to watch.
The course has three lanes. Camels thunder down the main track, while inner and outer lanes are reserved for support vehicles that keep pace with the racers. For visitors who love authentic cultural experiences, spending a morning at Al Sawan offers a vivid look at one of the region’s oldest sporting customs. The venue is well maintained, the atmosphere is lively, and the sight of the sleek racing camels charging down the straight is unforgettable.
16. Jais Flight (Toro Verde)
Jais Flight, or Toro Verde, sits at the very top of Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates. The venue pairs a dramatic viewing deck with the world’s longest zip line and even the country’s highest meeting room, so the excitement begins the moment you arrive and peaks as you glide above the valley at speeds topping 120 km/h. When we visited, the experience was remarkable. We tried the record-breaking zip line, found plenty of well-kept facilities, and were impressed by a team that was both professional and attentive.
Operating hours: 09:30 – 15:00
17. Al Qasimi Palace
Al Qasimi Palace, often called the “mysterious palace,” stands in the Al Dhait North district of Ras Al Khaimah. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi built it in 1985, and for years it sparked chilling tales that earned it nicknames like the Haunted Palace. Those stories faded after careful restoration, and in 2019 the building reopened its doors to curious visitors.
Today the palace is one of the city’s top attractions. Spanning four floors and housing thirty-five rooms, it dazzles with statues, chandeliers, and elaborate murals. Its design blends elements from different cultures, giving each hall and corridor a distinctive elegance. Exploring the palace is a fascinating experience, with countless ornate pieces to admire along the way.
Operating hours: 09:00 to 19:00
Entrance fee: AED 75 per person
18. Khatt Springs
Khatt Springs is among the loveliest natural landscapes in Ras Al Khaimah. Set between rolling desert dunes and the blue waters of the Gulf, the oasis offers a calm retreat for anyone who wants to relax away from city noise. The area is famous for its sulphur-rich hot springs and a range of upscale facilities designed to meet every visitor’s needs.
Palm groves surround the pools, creating a picturesque scene that draws travelers to soak in the warm water rising from underground. The springs sit close to several historic farms, forts, and leisure sites, so it is easy to combine a visit with wider sightseeing.
The pools stay pleasantly warm in winter and are perfect for a soothing swim, though the water is very deep, so caution is essential. In 2022 the entrance fee for adults was 50 AED.
19. Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Al Jazeera Al Hamra is rich in historic landmarks, with a fort, a watchtower, a small heritage souk and houses that display a variety of architectural styles. The settlement takes its name from the reddish tint of its fertile soil. For centuries residents earned their living by pearl diving, farming and animal husbandry.
The merchants’ homes are the most spacious buildings in the village. Built with coral stone and beach rock, they are strengthened by trunks of mangrove and palm trees in the traditional Gulf style. A walk around Al Jazeera Al Hamra feels like travelling back in time. Its archaeological sites and traditional buildings offer a vivid glimpse of local history and make the visit unforgettable.
20. The Ritz-Carlton Resort
The Ritz-Carlton Resort lies in the heart of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, where its luxurious villas, inspired by Bedouin architecture, let guests savour an authentic desert lifestyle. Sand dunes surround the property in every direction, creating a setting filled with calm, while nearby attractions such as Bassata Village and Bedouin Oasis Camp are only minutes away.
The resort arranges a full line-up of leisure and adventure, from camel or quad-bike rides across the desert to archery classes and horseback lessons at the Al Wadi Equestrian Center. Our stay could not have been better. The villas were spacious and spotless, and we roamed the grounds freely at any hour. Every meal was delicious, and the staff were warm, attentive, and quick to respond to any request.
21. Bassata Desert Village
Bassata Desert Village is a signature stop for travellers keen to experience traditional desert life. Located in a protected part of the Ras Al Khaimah sands, the village shelters wildlife such as roaming camels and the rare Arabian oryx, and every corner reflects classic Bedouin simplicity.
Visitors can set off on dune-bashing safaris, ride camels beneath the wide sky, sample Bedouin dishes, or gather with family and friends for a barbecue under the stars. We had a purely entertaining day, racing quad bikes over the dunes and then joining a memorable camel safari deep into the desert.
22. Old Market
The Old Market, also known as the Antique Souk, is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s best-known shopping districts. Its shops are grouped by the goods they sell, from traditional Emirati clothing and pottery to fresh produce and spices. Over the years the market has preserved its original architecture and commercial spirit, along with a wide range of handmade crafts.
You can find almost anything here, whether you are after fabric, ready-made garments, groceries, or aromatic seasonings.
Operating hours: from 08:00 to 14:00, and from 16:30 to 22:00
23. Marjan Island
Marjan Island is one of the emirate’s most important destinations. This man-made archipelago is divided into four smaller islands whose outlines resemble coral reefs. Visitors come to relax on beaches of soft golden sand beside clear turquoise water. The island also offers a variety of shops for easy browsing and plenty of eateries serving delicious dishes from around the world.
Hopefully this guide saves you time when choosing the finest attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, from historic sites to beautiful islands that will add extra enjoyment to your trip. For the best deals, check out WINGIE and enjoy the cheapest fares for your next flight to Ras Al Khaimah.
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