Unsere Ras Al Khaimah Reise war Faszination und Spannung pur. Was erwartet uns dort und wie wird dieses Emirat sein? Die Meisten bleiben mit 99.99% Wahrscheinlichkeit im Ermirat Dubai hängen und die meisten davon direkt auch in der Stadt. Aber in den letzten Jahren ist Dubai alles andere als authentischer geworden. Es ist schwer, das echte Leben in Dubai kennenzulernen, das ursprüngliche und traditionelle Leben.
Even culture suffers in Dubai due to the fact that 197 different nations are now represented in the emirate, although I actually find that fact great. Everything is very relaxed and RESPECT is still highly valued here. In the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which is located just 100 km north of the city of Dubai, everything is still much more original and traditional. In RAK, as Ras Al Khaimah is often abbreviated, the situation is about the same as Dubai was 20 years ago.
Reason enough for us to give Uber driver RAK as the destination upon our arrival in Dubai. He drives us to our hotel, where we will be staying for a week. All in all, this emirate surprised us soooo positively. What we experienced there and how we planned our Ras Al Khaimah trip, I want to show you in the following Ras Al Khaimah travel report.
Key Facts about Ras Al Khaimah (as of 2024)
Before I start my travelogue about Ras Al Khaimah, I'd like to give you a few facts and figures about the country. Most of the time, when I talk about RAK, the VISA question comes up, as well as the question about the currency. Also, whether it's even worth it, so far away from Dubai... etc. Therefore, here are a few facts and answers.
Population of Ras Al Khaimah
In 2024, approximately 400,000 people live in Ras Al Khaimah, and it is the fourth-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ras Al Khaimah means ’Top of the Tent,„ so as the northernmost emirate, it forms the tip of the UAE. RAK is located on the Persian Gulf and borders Oman on one side.
The region has been inhabited for over 7,000 years, and what makes it special is that in addition to the sea, the mountains and the desert have always played a major role. RAK was the trade center for pearls and ceramics. Today, RAK Ceramics is one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware worldwide.
VISA / Entry Ras Al Khaimah
Also, first of all, with an EU or Swiss passport, you do not need a visa in the Emirates. However, your passport must still be valid for 6 months. Entry is usually via Dubai, and you then enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE) there. Therefore, the same rules apply to RAK as to Dubai.
Money / Currency
The currency in the Emirates is the Dirham, AED = Arab Emirates Dirham. 4 AED = 1 EUR is a rough rule of thumb. (As of 2024). I always withdraw money only in the country itself, so I never travel with cash. This has always worked perfectly in the Emirates.
Alcohol consumption / Clothing / Safety in Ras Al Khaimah
In Muslim countries, you don't drink alcohol on the street. It's a matter of decency and also forbidden. Of course, it's different in a hotel. But RAK is generally a bit more relaxed than, for example, the Emirate of Dubai. Here you can buy alcohol in small shops.
Regarding clothing, there are no strict rules either. It's more a matter of respect to cover shoulders and knees in public places.
Having lived in Barbados for a long time and now living in Gozo for quite some time, I know what a safe place is. If you don't have to lock your car, can leave your front door open, and can simply leave your wallet and laptop on the table at a cafe without anyone snatching anything; that's a safe place for me. And it's the same in Ras Al Khaimah. You don't have to worry about safety here.
The best time to travel to Ras Al Khaimah
Since summers here are very hot, the best time to travel to Ras Al Khaimah, and the Emirates in general, is winter. From mid-October to around the end of May, temperatures here are pleasant, around 27°C to 29°C. We were here in September and it was between 40°C and 43°C in the shade. That was okay for us because we're used to it. But you can't do much outdoors then. If you are traveling to the Emirates during this time, this post will be ideal for you and also my „Post about Dubai – So you're defying the heat,“ because we were there a few weeks earlier.
Arrival via Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah has its own airport, but since we're coming from Japan, we'll be flying into Dubai first. From the airport, it's about 100 km, or about an hour's drive, as mentioned above. Islands are already being built in the sea in RAK as well, and we want to get an impression of them. So, we're booking the Hampton by Hilton on Marjan Island. It's the largest Hampton by Hilton in the world and it only opened in 2021.
Normally, we avoid hotels and resorts like this, but this week we are taking the opportunity to recover from jet lag after coming from Japan before heading back to Malta. Therefore, it's now a week of all-inclusive at a mega resort. The hotel has its own 800m long beach, as well as a large outdoor pool with a bar. This makes it super pleasant and convenient for us. The hotel lounge also offers the opportunity to work from there.
The hotel is ideal for families. There is a supervised play area called the Kids Hub. You can drop off the kids there from 9 AM to 9 PM. Of course, we didn't do that because we also want to spend time with our children. But they still enjoyed going there very much.
By the way, the people here are just as incredibly nice and helpful as they are in the Emirate of Dubai. We are warmly welcomed and from here on, we don't even have to open our car doors ourselves anymore. That's how it should be! 😀
I have that Hampton by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah over Trip.com* booked, which offered the best price at the time. The platform is great anyway if you travel a lot. There is always cashback, so you also get cheaper entries here and there, or even a free night in a hotel now and then.
Considering everything we did on our Ras Al Khaimah trip, please keep in mind that it was still over 40 degrees Celsius outside. We were there in September, and it only noticeably cools down in October. Nevertheless, it was much more pleasant in RAK than in Dubai, as you simply do a lot on or in the water here.
Shopping malls – they are still empty in RAK
There are already some beautiful shopping malls in Ras Al Khaimah. For us, shopping malls are always ideal because, on the one hand, we enjoy shopping, and on the other hand, shopping malls always offer an opportunity to work while the kids can play in an indoor playground. If it's also over 40 degrees Celsius outside, it's like killing several birds with one stone. Perfect for our Ras Al Khaimah trip 2024.
Manar Mall
With over 120 stores, Manar Mall is the largest shopping mall in RAK. In addition to many well-known international brands such as H&M, Marks & Spencer, and Sephora, there are also numerous smaller boutiques offering local and regional products. This gives you a good insight into the local fashion and culture.
Additionally, there is a large indoor amusement park in Manar Mall, with many rides and also a large playground. Our kids spend a few hours here and enjoy being without us parents for a change.
The Manar Mall is idyllically situated by the water with a beautiful promenade and many restaurants and cafes inviting you to stroll. However, there's no strolling at all in September because it's too hot. But in winter, it's sure to be a great place to sit outside and enjoy the mild winter evenings.
Overall, I liked this mall the best and would definitely visit it again when I'm in RAK.
Al Hamra Mall - Ras Al Khaimah Travel Report
The Al Hamra Mall also deserves a mention in my Ras Al Khaimah travel report. It is also a modern shopping center in Al Hamra Village, a bit south of the capital Ras Al Khaimah. While it is significantly smaller, it is still suitable for a relaxed shopping day.
We also found a small, supervised indoor playground here. This one is even a notch better, although it's significantly smaller. The childcare providers offer workshops and do crafts with the kids.
Additionally, there are a few nice cafes and restaurants in the mall. Since the mall is close to Al Hamra Village, a visit can also be combined with a day at the beach. We have the beach right on our doorstep, so we'll stick to shopping.
As in all the Emirates, you can also shop duty-free with your passport in all shopping malls in RAK.
2. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
The trip to the National Museum was very educational and exciting. There are not many places in the world that have been permanently settled throughout their history. This makes Ras Al Khaimah one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Many of the artifacts found at over 1,000 different archaeological sites are displayed in the former fort of Ras Al Khaimah, which now houses the National Museum. They show that advanced trading civilizations have lived in this region since 5,000 BC. Especially between 5,500 and 3,800 BC, the region was a strategic link for trade with Mesopotamia.
Traditional construction in RAK used coral blocks and stones transported to the building site from the sea by camels. The construction method ensures a pleasant coolness in the summer and a comfortable warmth indoors during winter. Many houses were built from this material due to its easy availability and workability.
Admission to the museum in 2024 costs approximately 1.20 EUR (5 AED). Afterwards, I walked to the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salim Al Qasimi Mosque. It is located directly on the sea, but unfortunately, I could only catch a brief glimpse through the doors. A guided tour would surely be interesting here, similar to what we had in the Jumeirah Mosque made in Dubai.
About 20 minutes further north, by the way, is Fort Dhayah, the only remaining hillside fort in the UAE. We stood in front of the entrance gate, but didn't go up because it was simply too hot. But there you would learn a bit more about the history of RAK.
3. Suwaidi Pearls Farm
For me, the beauty of travel lies in the adventures on one hand, and also in discovering and learning about other cultures and traditions. Our excursion to Suwaidi Pearls farm even falls into both categories, as the journey by boat was a small adventure. We saw wild flamingos and camels walking along the shore.
Until now, I've known virtually NOTHING about pearls. How exactly do they form and from which shell or animal are they produced? I've never looked into that either.
In traditional Ras Al Khaimah, these questions are answered, and at Suwaidi Pearls Farm, you can experience firsthand how such a valuable pearl is extracted from an oyster. Pearling played a significant role in the region before oil was discovered in the 1940s. The Suwaidi Pearls farm was founded by Abdulla Al Suwaidi to commemorate his family's history. His grandfather was one of the last great pearl fishermen in the region.
Visiting the floating pearl farm is like taking a trip back in time to the world of traditional pearl diving. The history of the pearl trade comes alive here, illustrating how pearl divers once practiced their craft. We are a group of four, plus a British woman who lives in the Emirates. She gets to try on the diving gear and looks funny, with a turtle-shell nose clip and wax in her ears for protection. Back then, they would dive into the water up to 200 times a day, weighted down with stones and carrying a basket, without any significant equipment.
The decisive change came at the beginning of the 20th century, when the demand for cultured pearls from Japan increased, and traditional pearl diving was gradually displaced. Only decades later did pearl cultivation connect with this old tradition. Today, at Suwaidi Pearls, cultivation is natural.
We were shown this farm and allowed to watch as the oysters were opened one by one. Our kids' eyes grew wider with each oyster, and the anticipation built. Finally, in the fourth oyster, we found a small pearl. It was worth about 100 EUR. That's quite astonishing. While only every 60th wild oyster contains a pearl, with farmed oysters it's about every third one on average.
Afterwards, we were shown pearls of all quality levels and were allowed to admire them. They differ in shape, luster, surface texture, and color. The very fine pearls naturally catch our eye immediately.
Overall, I found the location of the pearl farm to be very idyllic as well. The farm is located at the foot of a mountain range, right in the Persian Gulf, and I don't think I've ever been to a quieter and more peaceful place. It was pure relaxation, yet so interesting to learn all about pearls and pearl fishing. Our kids also loved the excursion and had fun. Therefore, I'm happy to mention it here in my Ras Al Khaimah travel report.
By the way, I got the tickets for it through GetYourGuide booked. For me, this is the best app for tickets and admissions. They are usually a bit cheaper than at the box office.
4. Jebel Jais - Ras Al Khaimah Trip 2024
Ras Al Khaimah is enormously diverse, especially when it comes to its landscape. In addition to the desert and the sea, the emirate also boasts a unique mountainous landscape. The Hajar Mountains, located in the eastern part of RAK, extend into Oman. They are 100 km wide and approximately 700 km long, making them the highest and largest mountain range in the region.
The UAE's highest mountain is Jebel Jais, with a height of around 1,934 meters, and just below it stands the United Arab Emirates’ highest ATM. That's very important! 😀
The drive up Jebel Jais is already incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. We drive up the mountain range through moon-like desert landscapes on a new and well-maintained road. Past date palm farms and abandoned desert villages. We start in the valley at 41 degrees and later relax at the summit at a cool 30 degrees. That's great! Basically, there's about a 10-degree difference between the mountain and the valley at this point, so keep that in mind in winter when it's 15 degrees down below.
After about a 45-minute drive, we reach a beautiful observation deck with a playground, which is also an ideal starting point for many hikes. However, it's still too warm for us to do that. Directly opposite is a restaurant that serves delicious acai bowls and other tasty things. There, you can sit on a beautiful terrace that is cooled by fans. The view is magnificent. By now, it's clear why Jebel Jais is one of the region's main attractions.
For those who need even more action, you can soar through the air here on a zipline at 160 km/h. The Jebel Jais Zipline in Jais Adventure Park is the longest zipline in the world. That's why I'm mentioning this point in my Ras Al Khaimah travel report, even though we skipped it. Over a distance of 2.8 km, you shoot through the breathtaking landscape in 3 minutes. We saw people flying past us several times. It looks incredibly crazy and wouldn't be for me.
For those who find that too fast, they might enjoy racing down the valley on the summer toboggan run. It goes down the mountain at about 40 km/h. But there are also many other highlights, like a treetop adventure course and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. There, you'll learn everything you need to survive in the mountains. I always travel with my Swiss Army knife, so I always have everything I need with me. 😀
In the afternoon, we'll head back to Dubai. We'll spend a few more hours at the Dubai Marina Mall before flying back to Malta at midnight. Well-rested and without jet lag.
Excursion tips Ras Al Khaimah
Conclusion Ras Al Khaimah Travel Report
We have now traveled through Asia for 60 days, and our Ras Al Khaimah trip in 2024 was the last stop. It was at times the most relaxing, even though we also saw quite a bit of the country. But despite being on the mainland, there's a laid-back vibe here, similar to some islands. Especially the fact that we were at an all-inclusive resort certainly meant that we didn't have to worry about anything.
Ras Al Khaimah was still one of the most exciting and interesting places for me because it gives you an insight into the original life in the Emirates. It was also worth seeing how new neighborhoods and resorts are emerging here, which will certainly give the region a completely different look in 10 years. Whether that's better depends on your point of view. I really liked RAK in its current state.
Therefore, I also recommend you visit RAK soon. With the Suwaidi Pearls Farm and the current city center with the National Museum and the surrounding fortresses, it is still in great condition, hinting at how the Arab peoples lived here in the past.
More information can be found on the Official website of Ras Al Khaimah.
Have you ever been to Ras Al Khaimah? Do you know the emirate? If not, then perhaps you will feel inspired now and plan RAK as one of your next travel destinations.
Ras Al Khaimah Travel Photo Gallery 2024
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On my travel blog Wandernotizen I'll take you along on our family trips around the globe. Between wanderlust and everyday chaos, you'll find honest travel reports, tips, and plenty of material to ignite your wanderlust. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️
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