Ras Al Khaimah provides a wide variety of activities, whether you are looking for excitement, sport activities or blissful relaxation. You will never be bored in Ras Al Khaimah ….. it’s a place that caters for all ages and all tastes.
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah pays great attention to maintain ancient sports by organizing various annual competitions at local, regional and global level. Camel racing, falconry, equestrian sports, greyhound hunting and sailboat racing are the most popular types of traditional sports in the United Arab Emirates today.
Ras Al Khaimah Sailing Academy
The Ras Al Khaimah Sailing Academy offers sailing courses of various levels from basic to advanced with cabin and dinghy boats. You can also rent a boat for half or full days or enjoy an evening cocktail cruise. The waters of Ras Al Khaimah are ideal for sailing as they are calm.
Location: Al Hamra Village
Tel: 05 5 2975792 / 05 06703169
Opens: end September till beginning of May
Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club attracts many sailing, yachting and water sport enthusiasts. The Royal Yacht Club organises water events and sailing competitions for the Marina. Al Hamra Marina hosted the Alinghi Catamaran Campaign for the 34th America’s Cup and is used as a stopover for the well-known Sailing Arabia Tour.
The Al Hamra Marina Clubhouse offers dining and management services for the Royal Yacht Club.
Location: Al Hamra Village
Tel: 07 243 2274
Enjoy a range of yacht trips around the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, with Prince of Sea, which is named after the first Arab Seaman, Ahmad bin Majid. There are day, afternoon and dinner cruises which also offer activities such as swimming and snorkelling. Seafood, barbecued food and other food is also offered.
Full day trip: 10:00 am – 4.00 pm
Dinner Cruise: 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Tel: 05 037 21772 / 05 512 0900
Golf
Mad about golf??… If you are, Ras Al Khaimah is the place for you… with its two 18-hole championship golf courses, Al Hamra Golf Course and Tower Links Golf Club. Both of these golf clubs are well-known for participating in and hosting regional golf championships. They have superb, world-class golfing facilities, provide lessons for amateurs and boast spectacular beach and mountain views.
Location: Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Tel: 07 244 7474
Location: Khuzam
Tel: 07 227 9939
Fishing
Fishing trips for both experienced and starter anglers can be organized from Ras Al Khaimah’s resorts and hotels. Fishing enthusiasts can spend days at sea on professionally equipped vessels in the company of expert crew to help bring in the day’s catch.
Bowling
Ras Al Khaimah has two bowing facilities which also offer other games and food and beverage facilities.
Brunswick Bowling
Location: Faisal Road, near General Police Station
Tel: 07 235 5313
Super Bowling
Location: Bin Dhaher Street, opposite Etisalat
Tel: 07 228 9595
RAK Tennis provides a variety of tennis activities and training for individuals and groups.
Location: various facilities in Khuzam and Al Hamra
Tel: 05 095 47084 or 05 286 94973
Opening hours: 9:00 am till 9:00 pm
Archery
The Archery Range located at Banyan Tree Al Wadi is perfect for both young ones and adults. You can choose from various fun activities and receive guidance from experienced archery instructors.
Location: Banyan Tree Al Wadi
Tel: 07 206 7777
Al Jazeera Flying Club is licensed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation in the UAE and is a club for flyers of small gliders. Visitors of the club can go on a small plane ride which provides a wonderful opportunity to see the city at an altitude of 600 ft.
Tel: 07 244 6416 / 05 555 31318
Camel Race
A camel race at Ras Al Khaimah is a fun way to spend your day and an unforgettable experience!
RAK hotels provide details of this traditional Arabian pastime. The camel races normally take place at weekends.
Water Adventures
You can’t beat Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches and facilities for water sports! There is a wide choice of activities on offer such as water skiing, parasailing, diving, sailing, jet skiing, scuba diving and fishing. You can also take a breathtaking Kayak trip to the natural mangroves.
Adventure Sports (Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa)
Tel: 07 288 8844 (Ext. 5716) / 05 510 59812)
The Cove Rotana Resort & Spa
Tel: 07 206 6000
Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort
Tel: 07 244 6666
Fly Fish Watersports Club
The Fly Fish Watersports Club offers many different types of watersports for both amateurs and experienced visitors:
Location: Marjan Island
Opening hours: from 8.00 am till sunset
Tel: 05 077 59494 / 05 0557 4654
20% discount if you visit Sunday to Wednesday
Mountain Sports: Challenging Adventure LLC
Challenging Adventure LLC offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities such as:
- Kayaking in the sea and mangroves
- Rock climbing
- Raft building
- Abseiling
- Trekking and Orienteering in the mountain and desert
- Aqua orienteering
- Archery
- Camping
- Various workshops
- Weekend camping
Challenging Adventure offers high quality training by experienced British instructors to individuals or groups. All camping equipment and food are provided.
Tel: 05 610 60798
You can take a 4 hour hiking tour of Jais mountain in Ras Al Khaimah with an experienced guide where you will be able to explore traditional old buildings and other old landmarks as well as beautiful scenery.
Cost: AED 225 per person which includes transport and refreshments
Tel: 07 243 3577
Pearl Excursion and Museum
The first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, the Pearl Farm produces more than 100,000 pearls every year. Visitors to the Pearl Excursion start by learning how a pearl is cultivated and have the opportunity to open an oyster. If the oyster contains a pearl, then the visitor gets to keep it!
The Pearl Museum offers visitors insight into the history of the pearl industry in the Arabian Peninsula with its rich display of ancient equipment, diving costumes and impressive selection of natural pearls.
Tel: 05 019 80480
Iceland is the place to visit for fun and excitement with its spectacular water features. Iceland is the largest water park in the Middle East and it boasts the highest manmade waterfall in the world. It welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors monthly. Every Friday, from 7.00 pm until midnight, the park welcomes females only and on this evening all the park’s employees are female too.
The water fall at the park’s entrance known as Penguin Fall is the largest artificial water fall in the world. The park’s ‘Aqua James’ is a football pitch coated with herbs and shallow water, which provides a unique sports experience. “Coral Reef” allows visitors to swim and dive with fascinating fish and reefs.
Address: Al Hamra Village
Tel: 07 206 7888 / 07 206 7810
For those who want to experience the ultimate desert adventure a visit to Bassata Desert Village cannot be missed! There you can enjoy many traditional activities such as belly dancing, camel riding, dune bashing, Arabic Tanoura as well as enjoy a delicious barbecue meal. You can stay the night too in the Bassata Desert Village accommodation facilities.
Price: AED 225 per person
Pick up: 4.00 pm
Address: Hisham Hania, Roba Fayed
Tel: 05 533 41526
Ras Al Khaimah Equestrian and Adventures Club
The Ras Al Khaimah Equestrian and Adventures Club is situated in a nature reserve and offers horse riding and horse riding training from experienced instructors, to children from the age of 6 and adults.
You can spend the day not only horse riding but enjoying the pool, Mexican food at the Sarab restaurant and bar.
Tel: 0567064774 / 0564944397
Gardens and Parks
RAK is well-known for its lush greenery and trees. There are many parks in Shaam, Digdaga, Kheran, Khat and Rams.
Visit the lovely Saqr Park, which is the largest and greenest public park in Ras Al Khaimah.
Location: Al Dhaith South
Tel: 05 037 44150
Falcon Show
The Falcon Show at the Middle East’s first desert spa resort, the Banyan Tree Al Wadi is a unique experience. There you can witness a spectacular display by falcons, kestrels, eagles, owls and hawks. Raising Falcons is an old tradition in this part of the world. You can also visit the Falconry Mews and Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre.
Location: Banyan Tree Al Wadi
Tel: 07 206 7777
Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp
The Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp offers visitors interesting and relaxing evening desert activities. The activities are based on The Bedous’ (which means nomadic tribes) ancient lifestyle and are the theme for this camp’s activities. You can also enjoy the mouth-watering cuisine on offer at the camp.
Tel: 05 0632 5182 / 07 233 8828
Desert Safari
A Desert Safari in RAK offers visitors a day filled with adventure and excitement. The Safari begins with a thrilling drive in a 4×4 vehicle across the desert, climbing sand dunes, at times at a 45-degree angle! Later visitors have the opportunity to experience a camel ride and enjoy a traditional Arabic meal and entertainment around a camp fire.
Tel: 04 450 4450
Beach Parties
Beach parties with live music and DJ’s and dancing are organised regularly in Ras Al Khaimah during the winter months.
Click here for upcoming events in Ras Al Khaimah.
Seawings
Departures from Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Soa or Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort.
Experience an exciting aerial tour with the Seawings Urban Experience. You will experience breathtaking views of the sea, the city and the Hajar mountain range.
Price: AED 299.00 per person
Tel: 04-8070708
Cinemas in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah has a number of cinemas offering the latest Arab and foreign films for the whole family. One of the most well-known cinemas is Grand Manar Cinema located in Manar Mall and Vox cinema located in Al Hamra Mall.
Khatt Springs
Ras Al Khaimah’s Khatt Springs are popular with tourists and visited from all over the world. There are three natural springs of hot mineralized water from as deep as 90 ft underground and with temperatures reaching 40 degrees centigrade. The springs are famous for their medicinal and curative qualities due to the minerals in them and the high heat. The springs are visited by people for the treatment of various dermal problems as well as to sooth rheumatic problems.
Treatments offered at Khatt Springs:
- Relaxing and therapeutic hot springs
- Private pools
- Precious stone treatments
- Hot stone treatments
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Café
- Picnic facilities
The Khatt Springs are located near Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort and Spa, to the west of Ras Al Khaimah next to the Hajar Mountain range, just 20 minutes’ drive from RAK City.
Al Qawassim Corniche
Al Qawassim Corniche is an area of 41,000 sq ft which boasts amazing views of the creek, mountains and mangroves. There are a variety of facilities for visitors such as restaurants and coffee shops which are housed in historic looking buildings. The Corniche is set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, pathways, water features and streams. It is a lovely way to spend the day and relax for tourists and families.
Facilities include:
- Outdoor restaurants
- Watersports
- Bus sightseeing tours
- Yacht trips
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
Location: Corniche
Awafi Desert
Awafi Desert is where the annual Awafi motor ride festival is held. On offer are:
- Football competitions
- 4×4 dune bashing
- Camel rides
- Play areas
- Horse racing
- Motor cycling shows
- Desert off road competitions
Location: Opposite Saqr Park
Cruise trip to Oman
Exclusive full day and half day dhow cruises
Enjoy an unforgettable cruise through the “Fjords of the Musandam” on board a traditionally decorated Omani dhow, where you can sit on cushions and carpets while feasting your eyes on the amazing scenery. A dhow trip offers an insight into the spectacular landscape. Discover ancient villages and swim and snorkel in the waters off Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, while visiting Khor Shem, Qanaha and Maqlab. There is a strong possibility you will see dolphins. A buffet lunch and refreshments are served on board. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided to all.
For more information:
Helicopter Tour
For the ultimate in views, take a helicopter tour to view RAK’s diverse landscape with 65 km of coastline, mountains, desert and landmarks! The aircraft are modern and comfortable and the pilots highly experienced.
Tel: 07 226 48 64 / 05 576 60340 / 05 552 82425
Historical Sites
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah’s National Museum houses many fascinating discoveries, including archaeological and ethnological findings dating back from the earliest settlers. The museum is located in a fort that was the ruling family’s place of residence until the early 1960’s.
Location: Ras Al Khaimah Old City
Tel: 07 233 3411
Website: www.rakheritage.rak.ae
Sheba’s Palace
It is worth visiting the ruins of the medieval Sheba’s Palace. The remains of the palace of the Queen of Sheba are located in Shimal, about five km from the city.
Dhayah Fort
The Dhayah Fort, which was built in the 16th century on top of a mountain which overlooks the Gulf is also worth a visit. It is the only surviving hilltop fort in the United Arab Emirates.
Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque is the biggest traditional mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
People can visit the Mosque for prayers and tourists can visit the Mosque at times other than prayer time.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Al Jazeera Al Hamra is one spooky village….. there are many spooky stories about this place. It is known for its abandoned houses and other buildings, including a mosque. These properties are widely believed in the local community to be haunted.
Al Jazirat Al Hamra is one of the oldest historical sites in United Arab Emirates, with forts, deserted schools and mosques, narrow streets and old buildings that were inhabited since the 16th century and abandoned about 40 years ago. The villagers who lived here, were mainly fishermen and pearl traders.
The town was originally home to the Al Zaab family, who moved to Abu Dhabi after a dispute with the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Visit Al Jazirah Al Hamra, the abandoned “ghost town” to see the preserved architecture from the early 20th century.
Luxurious Spa Treatments….. Get Pampered….
Treat yourself to a spa and experience the ultimate in luxury at the Waldorf Astoria and you won’t regret it!
There are many treatments available with the use of Irish organic seaweed, Voya and Rodial which is a well-known skin product that will make you feel and look years younger!
Location: Waldorf Astoria, Vienna Street, Ras Al Khaimah
Tel: 07 203 5555
A spa experience at the exclusive Banyan Tree Spa at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi desert resort is the ultimate in pampering and a must for all! The award winning Banyan Tree Spa located in Wadi Khadeja has world-class treatment and hydrotherapy facilities. The spa’s therapists are highly trained to ensure the highest quality of service.
Location: Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Al Mazraa, Ras Al Khaimah
Tel: 07 206 7777
Rixos Spa at Rixos Bab Al Bahr offers the ultimate extravagance in spa experiences! First-class luxury treatment rooms are provided for individuals or for couples.
Location: Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Tel: 07 202 0000
Hilton Al Hamra Beach and Golf Resort
Surrender yourself to relaxation as you sooth your muscles and rid your body of toxins in the saunas and steam rooms. Work out in the gymnasium or swim in the outdoor pools.
Tel: 07 244 6666
La’mar Spa at Marjan Island Resort offers spa experiences which are tailor-made to suit individual clients’ needs. La’mar Spa’s mission is to offer their clients “an unforgettable memory and a story to share”. This is certainly the case at this spa, with a wonderful location like Marjan Island what better place to rejuvenate and relax yourself?
Tel: 07 203 6500
Yearly Events/Festivals
The Government of RAK pays attention to festivals with sport activities as their central theme.
UAE Awafi Festival
The Awafi Festival is held in December or January every year and lasts for three weeks. Be sure not to miss the famous sand dune race, a competition which the best 4-wheel drivers of the UAE take part in.
The Awafi Festival will provide a wonderful day out for everyone and on offer are a variety of games, a petting zoo, food, dance, a heritage village, shops and souvenirs. You can also eat your picnic there and the entry is free.
RAK Ramadan Festival
The RAK Ramadan Festival’s activities has contributed strongly to transform RAK during the holy month of Ramadan to a major destination for visitors throughout the holy month. During this festival there are distinguished activities which allow tourists to learn about the UAE heritage.
The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is held in February. It is the only international running event held in the United Arab Emirates. Experienced runners as well as amateurs who prefer to walk or jog can take part. The marathon extends nearly 22 km. The 2013 version of this marathon was participated by over 3000 professional and amateur racers from all over the world.
The Terry Fox Run is held every year in March on the RAK Corniche. It is a charity run which supports cancer research in the United Arab Emirates. The money raised is donated to the UAE University in Al Ain for cancer research projects.