Exploring Ras Al Khaimah: Top 8 Places to Visit in UAE’s Lesser-Known Emirate

The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven emirates, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the most popular. One of the emirates that is really a hidden gem of the UAE is Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is known for its rugged natural beauty. It is one of the few emirates in the UAE that gives you a glimpse of the past of the Arab nation with attractions from ancient times. Apart from this, Ras Al Khaimah has also introduced modern attractions, bridging a gap between old and new. With this note, we will talk about the top 8 attractions in Ras Al Khaimah.

Ras Al Khaimah Museum

The Ras Al Khaimah Museum is an archeological and ethnography museum and is usually a part of Ras Al Khaimah tour packages. The archeological section of the museum is a testament to the fact that humans lived in the area since 5000 BC. The ethnographic section of the museum is all about the traditional life, heritage, historical background, and occupation of the people of the region. The exhibits you will find here are The Natural History Room, Qawasmi Room, and the Ethnographic Section.

Dayah Fort

Dayah Fort is one of the most important landmarks of Ras Al Khaimah. Although the fort that one sees today was built in the 19th century, the history of this fort dates to the bronze age. A fort made of golden mudbrick, it played a crucial role in the battle between the local tribes and the British. Today, you can climb the numerous steps to reach the top of the hill fort and enjoy the view of the surroundings, including the lush palm oasis and the Hajar Mountains.

Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park

Ras Al Khaimah is home to the UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Jais. Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park is the place you must visit to check out the gorgeous views of the place. You will find several viewing decks here, each with a binocular to give you a panoramic view of the landscapes, including the mighty mountains, rugged cliffs, and deep chasms. During the drive up, you can also see the abandoned villages, lush green wadis, and more.

Shimal

If you are interested in knowing more about the history of Ras Al Khaimah, visiting Shimal is one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. Shimal is a hamlet village that is also an important archeological site. Archeological findings here prove that humans lived here around 2000-1300 BC. You will get to see numerous things like bronze and copper weapons, stone vessels, pottery, and beads that were found during archeological excavations. Another unique thing about the place is that you will find several pre-historic Islamic tombs here, including a large circular tomb from the Umm al-Nar period.

Saqr Park

If you are visiting Ras Al Khaimah with your family and are looking for family-friendly attractions, Saqr Park is a place you must visit. Located in the Keiran area, this park has a lot of amenities and facilities for kids and adults alike. The park has an arcade, a children’s play area, picnic and barbeque areas, and more. There is an artificial lake in the park where you can enjoy pedal boat riding. There is also a garden with date palm trees and a skatepark here.

RAK Zoo

RAK Zoo is the largest private zoo in the country. Spread around an area of one million square meters, the RAK Zoo is home to more than 40 wild animals, including several endangered species. When you visit the zoo, you will get to see animals like African lion, tiger, white tiger, golden tiger, cheetah, crocodile, hyena, cougar, monkey, deer, wild buffalo, rare antelope, and more. You can also see some exotic birds here.

Flamingo Beach

Ras Al Khaimah has plenty of golden sand beaches, but Flamingo Beach is one of the most popular ones. The best thing to do here is to lounge on the sand and enjoy the view of the blue waters before you. As the beach has shallow waters near the shore, it is the ideal place to play water games and indulge in swimming. There are cafes and restaurants on the beach, making it possible to spend an entire day here. You can also try water sports on Flamingo Beach.

Al Hamra Mall

When the heat of Ras Al Khaimah gets too hot, head to Al Hamra Mall to cool off and have a good time. Spread around an area of 45,000 square meters; this mall has more than 120 stores of some of the coolest brands. There is a large food court with several popular eateries and restaurants. Entertainment is available in the form of a multiplex cinema hall and a play area for kids. Al Hamra Mall promises a day of fun and frolic.

Although not many know about this emirate of the UAE, it is important to know that there are several popular and hidden places in Ras Al Khaimah. So, do pay a visit to RAK when visiting the UAE.