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Ras Al Khaimah is one of the Middle East’s most diverse and exciting destinations, offering an extraordinary mix of adventure, nature, culture and leisure attractions. From the breathtaking landscapes of Jebel Jais to calm coastal mangroves, historic forts, island promenades and contemporary lifestyle attractions, the emirate is made for exploration.
The emirate’s events calendar brings together outdoor adventure, cultural discovery and major sporting championships, creating an impressive and eclectic programme of activities for residents and visitors. It’s ancient culture and unique identity – forged over 7,000 years – are showcased at the National Museum and reflected across more than 1,000 archaeological sites scattered throughout the emirate. Four of these sites – Julfar, Shimal, Dhayah and the ancient pearling village of Jazirah Al Hamra – are included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, underscoring their global significance.
Ras Al Khaimah also provides accessible ways to experience its natural environment, whether kayaking through mangroves, cycling along the coast or exploring hiking routes across wadis and mountain valleys. Together, these experiences reflect the emirate’s growing reputation as a leading destination for adventure, culture and modern outdoor living.
Attractions and Activities
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Jebel Jais
The UAE’s highest peak is one of the region’s most popular year-round adventure destinations. Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline spanning 2.83km – put Jebel Jais on the global adventure map, while the Jais Sky Tour takes visitors across six interconnected ziplines and suspended platforms for unmatched aerial views.
Families can enjoy the Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan run, and adventure enthusiasts can take on the Via Ferrata, a guided route that blends rock climbing with mountaineering.
Jais Adventure Park also features the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, which offers survival courses for all ages alongside new experiences such as axe-throwing, updated air rifle shooting and enhanced archery facilities, making outdoor adventure accessible to beginners and seasoned explorers alike.
Jebel Jais has also become a premier sporting destination. In 2025, the emirate hosted the inaugural Jebel Jais Cycling Challenge, a 25 km timed ascent featuring sprint segments, alongside King of the Mountain and multiple jersey categories, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s great mountain roads for elite and amateur cyclists.
With temperatures up to 10°C cooler than the coast, Jebel Jais provides a refreshing escape in the summer months and remains one of the UAE’s most compelling outdoor experiences throughout the year.
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Hiking & Trail Experiences
The Jebel Jais Rim Trail offers one of the region’s most impressive mountain routes — a 40-kilometre loop that showcases the peak’s incredible landscapes, including the UAE’s longest balcony walk and ridge trail. Hikers can take in sweeping views over coastal mangroves and the Hajar mountain range extending into Oman, with opportunities for longer, multi-day trekking. A dedicated trail navigation map supports visitors in customising routes by fitness level and distance, adjusting their journey mid-hike, and navigating safely using clear signage and downloadable resources from the Visit Jebel Jais website.
Beyond Jebel Jais, Wadi Showka in southern Ras Al Khaimah offers a 10-kilometre developed hiking trail that passes natural pools and striking desert-mountain scenery. The area is also a growing hub for mountain biking, with 16.5 kilometres of signed single-track trails and community-built routes suited to a range of skill levels.
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Beaches, Islands & Coastal Experiences
Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline is an essential part of its appeal. Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra offer waterfront dining, cycling routes, family activities and beach clubs suitable for all ages, while Flamingo Beach is famous for its shallow turquoise water, scenic dunes and flamingos, with occasional wild camels adding to its unique atmosphere.
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Culture & Heritage
Ras Al Khaimah is home to more than 1,000 archaeological sites and several of the region’s most significant cultural landmarks — including four locations on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage list:
Dhayah Fort: A striking hill-top fortress dating back to the Late Bronze Age, with 239 steps ascending to panoramic views across mountains and coastline.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra: The Gulf’s best-preserved traditional pearling village featuring historic coral-stone homes, watchtowers and narrow lanes.
Julfar City: Once a bustling medieval port and trade hub
Shimal: Home to prehistoric settlements and ancient tombs stretching back thousands of years.
These sites — alongside numerous lesser-known ruins, forts and heritage zones — tell a story that spans millennia, from Bronze-Age settlements to pearling and the rise of coastal trade in the Gulf.