48 hours in Ras Al Khaimah, the ‘other emirate’ in the UAE

Suwaidi Pearls, a pearl farm is located in the small fishing village of Al Rams, which nestles at the bottom of the majestic Al Hajar mountain range in Ras al Khaimah, the UAE.

Beginning today, Dubai will play host to the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of Parties or COP28, on till December 12. If you’re visiting Dubai to attend the conference and are looking to take a mini break amid the action-packed days, then Ras Al Khaimah may just be the getaway for you.

Located barely an hour and half’s drive away from Dubai, this lesser-known gem in the UAE boasts a rich history spanning over 7,000 years. The oldest of the UAE’s seven emirates, Ras Al Khaimah or RAK as it’s lovingly abbreviated, distinguishes itself from its more glamorous cousins Dubai and Abu Dhabi by virtue of its heritage, culture and natural allure. As the sole emirate showcasing a diverse landscape of desert, sea and mountains, RAK also serves as a hub for adventures catering to a broad spectrum of interests, age groups and levels of daring.

Here’s how you can make the most of it over two days:

DAY 1

8 am: Drive to Ras Al Khaimah and up to Jais Adventure Park

Ras Al Khaimah is home to Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE standing tall at 1,934 metres, as part of the Hajar mountain range. The drive from Dubai to RAK city through the desert landscape may feel monotonous, but as you drive on and ascend the Hajar mountains, serpentine curves add an element of excitement to the landscape, which transforms gradually revealing expansive views of the Hajar Mountains and the surrounding valleys.

Jebel Jais Mountain, Ras Al-Khaimah, the UAE.

10 am: Experience adrenaline rush at the world’s longest zipline

Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of adventure in RAK is the Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline that whooshes you down from atop the Jebel Jais. Surging at speeds of 160 kmph, it guarantees three minutes of unadulterated adrenaline rush as you zip line for nearly three kilometers over rugged peaks and deep ravines. Stringent safety practices have ensured over 70,000 incident-free flights so far. After signing a stack of forms, you’re guided through a demo video and then outfitted with suits, helmets, GoPro cameras, and harnesses. One last set of instructions awaits you at the launch pad on top of Jebel Jais, while your instructor expertly secures your harnesses to the zipline. Despite any initial trepidation that you may have, the allure of this once-in-a-lifetime experience propels you forward into a thrilling ride.

Jebel Jais zipline.

12 noon: Have brunch at the highest restaurant in the UAE

Located within the premises of the Jais Adventure Park, with a sleek modern interior and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Hajar mountains and valleys below, 1484 by Puro is the highest restaurant in the UAE perched at 1,484 metres above sea level. Complementing the magnificent panoramic views is a refreshing menu of healthy, hearty dishes focussed on fresh local ingredients — perfect for fuelling up for the next adventure.

1484 by Puro, Ras Al-Khaimah, the UAE.

1:30 pm: Sled down the Hajar mountains

Offering an exhilarating downhill ride on the slopes of the Hajar mountains, the Jais Sledder takes you swerving through 1,840 hairpin curves and undulating waves, with glorious panoramas of the mountains around and the coastline in the far distance. The specially designed sled lets you control the speed, allowing you to reach a comfortable top speed of 40kmph, making it perfect for those who may find the zip line too intimidating.

Jebel Jais sledder.

3 pm: Drive back to RAK city for a dive into its history and heritage

Housed in the Al Hisn Fort, one of the oldest forts in the UAE, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah stands as a cultural gem, chronicling the emirate’s rich history and heritage. The museum seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, featuring artifacts, exhibits and interactive displays exploring the region’s maritime, archaeological and ethnographical past. Exhibits showcasing the region’s pearl diving legacy, cultural practices and trade routes provide insights into Ras Al Khaimah’s evolution from ancient times to the vibrant present.

5 pm: Check in to your beachside luxury resort and enjoy a sundowner

There are several upscale beach-fronted resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, but for the best bang for your buck, the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort offers luxurious accommodations with a blend of contemporary and Arabic design aesthetics, multiple pools including a saltwater pool, private beach and state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre. Stunning views of the Arabian Gulf keep you company as you sit back and sip on a coconut water or cocktail at the al fresco SOL Beach Lounge, while the sun sets for the day.

8 pm: Indulge in a sumptuous Levantine spread for dinner

One of Ras Al Khaimah’s most outstanding contemporary Lebanese inspired restaurants, Al Maeda comes with unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf and serves a delectable feast of kebabs, koftas, shawarmas, baklavas and other delicacies from the Levant.

DAY 2

10:.30 am: Climb up to Dhayah Fort

Wake up late, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then make your way to yet another monument that stands as a testament to RAK’s historical legacy. Crowning the Dhayah mountain, a short distance outside the city centre, Dhayah Fort stands as an ancient fortification dating back to pre-Islamic times when it served as a crucial defensive post. Ascending the rugged terrain can be a bit arduous, but once at the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of the desert, sea and Hajar mountains. Its stone structures, watchtowers and strategic positioning provide a glimpse into the region’s military history.

Dhayah Fort in Ras al Khaimah, the UAE.

12 noon: Visit a pearl farm and try your luck at finding the gem

One of the most exciting and offbeat water adventures to embark on in Ras Al Khaimah is cruising the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf in a traditional-style boat to visit Suwaidi Pearls. The Arab world’s first pearl farm established by the world’s first Arabian pearl farmer, Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, it preserves the legacy of pearl farming in the region while showcasing modern, sustainable and environmentally friendly practices prevalent today. A quick tour of a traditional pearl diving boat is followed by hands-on lessons on different types of pearl oysters and pearl grades. You can also volunteer to choose an oyster from the demo tank and pry its shell open to look for a pearl, or shop for the shiny gems to take back home. The tour ends with a simple traditional lunch served with views of mangroves and mountains in the distance and the sea around.

Al Rams' Suwaidi Pearl farm in Ras al Khaimah, the UAE.

3 pm: Spot desert wildlife at a private nature reserve

Drive into the Al Wadi Desert through small mounds of sand dunes interspersed with sparse vegetation and arrive at the ultraluxe Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. Within it lies a 1,235-acre private nature reserve, best explored aboard a sturdy 4x4. On the hour-long drive over steep dunes, encounters with herds of gazelles, Arabian oryx and other captivating desert creatures bring the vibrant wildlife of this expansive natural sanctuary to life.

Al Wadi desert in Ras al Khaimah, the UAE.

4.30 pm - 9pm: Depart to Bassata Village for an evening of desert delights

Designed to resemble a vibrant Bedouin enclave amid the Al Wadi Desert, Bassata Village beckons with thrilling adventures like sandboarding, quad biking and camel rides. The highlight, dune bashing, will leave you exhilarated as you navigate the sandy terrain, driving up and down dunes and revving up mounds of sand along the way. After a serene sunset pause atop a dune, return to the village for a diverse barbecue spread for dinner, as the evening unfolds with captivating traditional performances — belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and a mesmerizing fire show, creating a perfect desert escapade.

Dune bashing in RAK.