Ras Al Khaimah self catering holidays A blend of Persian, Islamic and Arabic culture, sunshine and sophistication
Ras Al Khaimah self catering holidays - Ras Al Khaimah, known as RAK, is different from the other emirates in the UAE due to its topography. In the north, you will discover the Hajar mountain range wuth the highest peak reaching 1,934m. Then you have the rolling sand dunes in the desert and along the 64 kms of coast, pristine silky white sandy beaches.
RAK has a rich history dating back some 7,000 years. In the 13th and 14th centuries, a prosperous port arose in the area we now know as Ras Al Khaimah. Then named Julfar, it became one of the most prominent trading posts in the Arabian Gulf and was widely known for its exquisite pearls.
Ras Al Khaimah is an up-and-coming tourism hub and will certainly get busier once the new Wynn casion resort opens on Marjan Island in early 2028. It has scenic locations with diverse landscapes ranging from rolling sand dunes, wonderful beaches, salt flats, mangroves and sulfur springs near the mountain areas.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Ruling family | Al Qawasim tribe |
| Currency | United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) |
| Population | c.400,000 |
| Capital | Ras Al Khaimah |
| Language | Arabic with English widely spoken |
| Coastline | 64 kms |
| Number of archaeological sites | > 1,000 |
| Highest mountain | Jebel Jais 1,934m |
| Hottest month | August - up to 50°C and very humid |
| Best time to visit | October to April |
Featured new developments
Ras Al Khaimah is an all year round destination with a subtropical climate with very hot summers and warm winters. From june to September, daytime temperatures can reach 45°C so the best time to visit is spring and autumn where 30°C is the norm. January and February are the coldest months and but even then, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C.
Things to see & do around Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is packed with things to see and do for all ages throughout the year. Apart from the obvious watersports around the white silky sand beaches, Ras Al Khaimah offers a wide variety of activities from hiking in the northern mountains to amazing desert safaris. The emirate is also home to one of the best-preserved traditional fishing villages in the Arabian Gulf, Al Jazirah which is well worth a vist whilst on your holiday as is the only hilltop fort still in existence in the UAE, the 18th century Dhayah Fort.
| At few suggestions.... | |
|---|---|
| Explore the western old town and souks of RAK | ✔ |
| Ride the longest and fastest zipline in the world at Jebel Jais mountain | ✔ |
| See Dhayah Fort in Ras Al Khaimah | ✔ |
| RAK gaming resort in Ras Al Khaimah's Al Marjan opening early 2027 | ✔ |
| Visit the Suwaidi Pearls Farm | ✔ |
| Try a camel safari | ✔ |
| Gentle hike to Hidden Oasis - Wadi Shah Loop in Jebel Jais Mountain | ✔ |
| Day trip to Dubai and see the Burj Khalifa | ✔ |
Our view on Ras Al Khaimah holidays
Around 5 decades ago, the UAE was basically desert and mountains. These days, it has become one of the main tourist destinations in the world. Simply because of the amount of investment that has and still is, being injected into everything from the state-of-the-art infrastructure and retail to tourism and hospitality. Combined with the perfect blend of Persian, Islamic and Arabic culture, guaranteed sunshine and exceptional cuisine, we think a holiday in Ras Al Khaimah is definitely not to be missed.
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