Located in the northernmost region of the U.A.E., Ras Al Khaimah, is an emirate holding a deep-rooted historical significance. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in the U.A.E. which has a plethora of sightseeing options and adventure activities for every traveller. Apart from giving a glimpse to the visitors about its history, the places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah also include scenic sites for adventurers to hike, therapeutic hot springs to relax & rejuvenate, and a park with rides to spend gala time or even have a picnic. So, head to this year-round destination to explore for yourself!
8 Places To Visit In Ras Al Khaimah
Many travellers don’t go beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi on their trip to the U.A.E. and hence, Ras Al Khaimah is still an unexplored destination for many. So, check out the list of top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah to make the most of your trip:
1. National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Founded in the 18th century, the National Museum is located in the historical fort of Husn in the old town of Ras Al Khaimah. Built as a defence structure, it was the residence of the ruling Quwasim family before being converted into a museum in 1987. The galleries in the museum house a collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts, many of which were donated by the Quwasim family, providing an insight into the culture and traditions of the area. Some of the items found in the museum include weapons, old coins, fishing nets, manuscripts, jewellery, shells & seashore creatures, clothing, and more. The museum is one of the top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah for those who want to dig deeper into the history of the city.
Location: Ras Al Khaimah, 6031501009001
Timings: 8 a.m.to 6 p.m.(Tuesday to Thursday & Saturday to Sunday), 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Fridays), closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: AED 5 (₹ 113) for adults and AED 2 (₹ 45) for kids
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2. Shimal
Image Credit: Sahil.latheef for Wikimedia Commons
Shimal, one of the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, is a sightseeing delight for history buffs and curious souls. The rustic village houses hundreds of pre-Islamic tombs of different architectural types, many of which are monument-sized. During several archaeological excavations held in the past, several items like weapons, pottery, beads and stones, were found that hint at a link to the Harappan Indus Valley Civilisation. The items found during excavations have now been displayed at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah. The highlights at Shimal are the Palace of the Queen of Sheba, a large circular tomb from the Umm al-Nar period, and the tombs of the Wadi Suq era.
Location: Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E.
Timings: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free
3. Dhayah Fort
Dhayah Fort is the only hilltop fort left in the U.A.E. The fort has historical significance as it was initially the last point of resistance for the tribes of Ras Al Khaimah against the British attacks in 1819, who were able to surround the hill but couldn’t reach the fort due to its steep flanks. But as the situation changed, the Britishers destroyed the fort, which made the local tribe surrender. Later, the fort was rebuilt on the remains of the old fort, from stone, mud brick, and mortar. The steep zig-zag climb up to the top of the fort is worth your time and effort as it offers enchanting views of the lush palm gardens, the sea and the mountains.
Location: Rams-shaam Road, Ras Al Khaimah
Timings: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Fridays and Saturdays
Entry Fee: Free
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4. Iceland Water Park
U.A.E.’s largest water park, Iceland Water Park is a popular spot in the list of places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah during summer. With more than 30 slides, pools (an Olympic-sized lap pool and a huge wave pool), high-end private cabanas, and a beach, the amusement park has something to offer to each visitor. Some of the popular rides here include Mount Tempest, Mount Iceberg, and Penguin Falls. Casinos are also there for those who want to indulge in games and try their luck. There is a food court on the premises, where you can savour a hearty meal to satiate your hunger pangs.
Location: 6581 Al Jazeera, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, 6581
Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry Fee: AED 75 (₹ 1,694) below 1.2-metre height and AED 90 (₹ 2,033) 1.2-metre height & above
5. Jebel Jais
The highest mountain peak in the U.A.E., Jebel Jais, is perched at a height of 1,934 metres above sea level. It is among those places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah for people seeking adventure and scenic landscape views. The hiking trails to Jebel Jais are spread across the upper and lower segments of the mountains, the longest trail known as the Samar Trail and the shortest being the Farfar Trail. Jebel Jais has the longest zipline in the world, where you will be geared up and in the horizontal position, either solo or with your partner. Also, the Jais mountain is a popular camping spot.
Location: Ras Al Khaimah – Oman Border
Timings: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry Fee: AED 280 (₹ 6,324) onwards for Jebal Jais Flight Ziplining
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6. Saqr Park
Image Credit: Khanaemi for Wikimedia Commons
Saqr Park is one of the largest and most popular picnic spots in Ras Al Khaimah, where people of all ages can have a gala time. The park has an artificial lake with waterfalls, where one can also indulge in boating at an additional cost. Special rides for kids include bumper cars, carousels, Ferris wheels, train rides, and merry-go-rounds. It also has a mosque with a separate prayer area for women. Saqr Park’s highlights include the palm tree garden known as the “Land of the Garden,” the Skate Park with a range of obstacles like pyramids, bowls, round rails, and ledges, and designated areas for barbecuing.
Location: Airport Road, near the E18 intersection, Ras Al Khaimah
Timings: 10 a.m. to 12 midnight
Entry Fee: AED 10 (₹ 226)
7. Khatt Springs
Searching for places to visit in Ras al Khaimah with family, where you can relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing? Khatt Springs is the place to head to! Located in the mountainous village of Khatt, near the Hajar Mountains, Khatt Springs is a castle-like structure containing natural hot pools that are rich in minerals. The water in each pool is 90 feet underground and has therapeutic properties for skin ailments, muscular problems, and rheumatic diseases. The treatments offered here that will rejuvenate your body are Ayurvedic treatments, precious stone treatments, hot stone treatments, and therapeutic hot springs. The area surrounding the springs has around 170 archaeological sites.
Location: Khatt Village, Ras Al Khaimah
Timings: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Entry Fee: AED 52 (₹ 1,174) onwards
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8. Ras Al-Khaimah Pearl Museum
Founded by RAK Pearls Holding company, Ras Al-Khaimah Pearl Museum is located in the pearl factory. As you enter the museum, you will witness the halls and walls decorated with thousands of colourful pearl shells. The museum tour begins with a demonstration of traditional boats with wired mock-ups of two divers on the staircase. After that, you will be shown the protective gear and types of equipment for the plunger. The museum’s second floor houses a unique collection of pearls with black, white, and pink pearl collections, among others. On the tour, you will also receive instructions on how to distinguish between natural and cultured pearls. The bonus is that after the tour, each visitor receives a pearl with a certification.
Location: Al Qawasim Corniche, Ras Al-Khaimah
Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Fridays
Entry Fee: AED 15 (₹ 339) for adults and AED 10 (₹ 226) for children
Further Read: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Now that you have all the information about places to visit in Ras Al-Khaimah, bookmark it for the future. Plan a trip to the U.A.E. and don’t forget to explore these aforementioned places. Uncover the history at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah and Ras Al-Khaimah Pearl Museum, explore the archaeological sites like Shimal and Dhayah Fort, relax at Saqr Park and Khatt Springs, and trek your way to Jebel Jais.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Ras Al Khaimah
What are the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah?
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Khatt Springs, Ras Al-Khaimah Pearl Museum, Shimal, Saqr Park, Jebel Jais, Iceland Water Park, and Dhayah Fort are the top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.
What to buy from Ras Al Khaimah?
You can buy pearls, Oud, Camel milk products, lanterns, lucky stones, and more from Ras Al Khaimah. Additionally, you can buy cups with gold or silver carvings.
Can you drink alcohol in Ras Al Khaimah?
An individual who is 21 years of age can drink alcohol in Ras Al Khaimah. It is available at most dining outlets in the resorts.
What is the currency in Ras Al Khaimah?
Dirham (AED) is the local currency of Ras Al Khaimah. A foreigner can exchange it by visiting a bank or currency exchange centre.
What to eat in Ras Al Khaimah?
Some of the food items that you can try are Shawarma, Falafel, Honey Cake, Fattoush, Samak Mhammar, and Manakish.
What are the places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah at night?
Most tourist spots in Ras Al Khaimah get close by the evening. But Saqr Park (open till midnight) and Khatt Springs (open till 9 p.m.) are the places that remain open at night.
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