Michele’s guidebook to RAK
Sightseeing
About 55 kilometers northeast of Ras Al-Khaimah, Jebel Jais, part of the Hajar Mountain Range, is the United Arab Emirates' tallest mountain, with its summit at 1,934 meters. A recently opened 20-kilometer-long road to the top (not quite to the summit) snakes in a switchback all the way up the mountain's flank, with viewing platforms along the route to take in the beautiful far-reaching vistas.
Near the top of the road, a series of landscaped terraces with viewing platforms and cafes offer up spectacular views that tumble over craggy peaks down to the coastal plain, making this prime territory for photographers, particularly in the late afternoon when the orange-hued rocks glow.
Al Hajar Mountains
About 55 kilometers northeast of Ras Al-Khaimah, Jebel Jais, part of the Hajar Mountain Range, is the United Arab Emirates' tallest mountain, with its summit at 1,934 meters. A recently opened 20-kilometer-long road to the top (not quite to the summit) snakes in a switchback all the way up the mountain's flank, with viewing platforms along the route to take in the beautiful far-reaching vistas.
Near the top of the road, a series of landscaped terraces with viewing platforms and cafes offer up spectacular views that tumble over craggy peaks down to the coastal plain, making this prime territory for photographers, particularly in the late afternoon when the orange-hued rocks glow.
The world's longest zipline (stretching for 2.8 kilometers) on Jebel Jais has become one of the United Arab Emirates' major adventure activities and a main draw for adrenaline junkies visiting the country. From the take-off point, near the summit of Jebel Jais, the zipline whips down the mountain, with zipliners traveling at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. As well as the thrill of the flight itself and the stupendous mountain scenery, a major highlight is landing on the halfway platform, which is suspended in mid-air.
ZIP LINE
The world's longest zipline (stretching for 2.8 kilometers) on Jebel Jais has become one of the United Arab Emirates' major adventure activities and a main draw for adrenaline junkies visiting the country. From the take-off point, near the summit of Jebel Jais, the zipline whips down the mountain, with zipliners traveling at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. As well as the thrill of the flight itself and the stupendous mountain scenery, a major highlight is landing on the halfway platform, which is suspended in mid-air.
The Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum is in a fort that was the residence of the ruling family up until the early 1960s. The museum houses an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts.
The Qawasim Room on the first floor is particularly interesting, with a collection of documents, manuscripts, and treaties between the rulers of Ras Al-Khaimah and Great Britain. There are also exhibits of traditional weapons belonging to the ruling family, as well as archaeological displays about the earliest settlers in the area up to the late Islamic period. The museum's ethnographic section introduces traditional life in the emirate, including architecture, pearl diving, date growing, farming, and fishing.
To learn more about the region, the Private Full-Day Tour of Ras Al-Khaimah delves into its cultural and historical sights, as well as showcasing its scenic coastal scenery, with plenty of photo stops along the most scenic parts of the Corniche and at the marina along the way. Major included sights are the museum, Dhayah Fort, and Jazirat al-Hamra
10 habitants recommandent
Ras Al Khaimah National Museum
Al Hisn RoadThe Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum is in a fort that was the residence of the ruling family up until the early 1960s. The museum houses an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts.
The Qawasim Room on the first floor is particularly interesting, with a collection of documents, manuscripts, and treaties between the rulers of Ras Al-Khaimah and Great Britain. There are also exhibits of traditional weapons belonging to the ruling family, as well as archaeological displays about the earliest settlers in the area up to the late Islamic period. The museum's ethnographic section introduces traditional life in the emirate, including architecture, pearl diving, date growing, farming, and fishing.
To learn more about the region, the Private Full-Day Tour of Ras Al-Khaimah delves into its cultural and historical sights, as well as showcasing its scenic coastal scenery, with plenty of photo stops along the most scenic parts of the Corniche and at the marina along the way. Major included sights are the museum, Dhayah Fort, and Jazirat al-Hamra
If you like ruins, this abandoned fishing village, about 20 kilometers south of Ras Al-Khaimah city, will be right up your alley and provides a very photogenic sightseeing opportunity. Jazirat al-Hamra has been left to slowly decay, with its traditional coral-block architecture now a reminder of the simple local life before the oil boom.
The Emirati inhabitants here would have made their living out of pearl diving and fishing, but the villagers all left in the 1960s, and the dry desert climate has helped preserve the buildings. The entire place is infused with a lost-in-time atmosphere.
Al Jazirah Al Hamra
If you like ruins, this abandoned fishing village, about 20 kilometers south of Ras Al-Khaimah city, will be right up your alley and provides a very photogenic sightseeing opportunity. Jazirat al-Hamra has been left to slowly decay, with its traditional coral-block architecture now a reminder of the simple local life before the oil boom.
The Emirati inhabitants here would have made their living out of pearl diving and fishing, but the villagers all left in the 1960s, and the dry desert climate has helped preserve the buildings. The entire place is infused with a lost-in-time atmosphere.
About 26 kilometers southeast of Ras Al-Khaimah, Khatt Springs is an area of mineral-rich hot pools, where the water is noted for its relaxing and therapeutic properties. The resort lies amid a palm-tree-strewn oasis, backed by mountains. The healthy waters are a top get-away-from-it-all holiday draw for locals as well as tourists.
As well as soaking your cares away in one of the steaming pools, the surrounding area is home to approximately 170 archaeological sites. Items uncovered in the area by archaeologists include prehistoric tombs and 19th-century mud-brick fortification towers, pointing to the long and continuous settlement of this area.
Khatt Hot Springs
Khatt Springs RoadAbout 26 kilometers southeast of Ras Al-Khaimah, Khatt Springs is an area of mineral-rich hot pools, where the water is noted for its relaxing and therapeutic properties. The resort lies amid a palm-tree-strewn oasis, backed by mountains. The healthy waters are a top get-away-from-it-all holiday draw for locals as well as tourists.
As well as soaking your cares away in one of the steaming pools, the surrounding area is home to approximately 170 archaeological sites. Items uncovered in the area by archaeologists include prehistoric tombs and 19th-century mud-brick fortification towers, pointing to the long and continuous settlement of this area.
Food scene
If you feel like having some social life then the place to visit is the Waldorf Astoria! Looking like the kings palace of fairy tales , the beautiful hotel has incredible interiors and top notch restaurants. If you want to meet the creme de la creme of Ras al Khaimah thsi is where you come!
13 habitants recommandent
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Vienna StreetIf you feel like having some social life then the place to visit is the Waldorf Astoria! Looking like the kings palace of fairy tales , the beautiful hotel has incredible interiors and top notch restaurants. If you want to meet the creme de la creme of Ras al Khaimah thsi is where you come!