The northernmost emirate Ras al Khaimah is small, but big. The emirate is not only home to the only pearl farm in the VAE, but also some of the oldest archaeological excavations. Wandering around Arabian Oryxes grace the desert, as adventurers soar in the Hajar Mountains on the Jais Flight. Just a 45 minute drive from the airport Dubai, this easily accessible destination is an absolute must-visit.
About Ras Al Khaimah
With over 7.000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and accessible Arabian experience. The emirate enjoys year-round sunshine and offers pristine beaches, lush mangrove trees and terracotta-colored dunes, as well as green oases and sweeping vistas of the majestic Hajar Mountains, including the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais. Inland, there are plenty of other leisure options, from golf and authentic desert camp experiences to mountain adventures, including the world's longest zip line. But what really sets Ras Al Khaimah apart is the warmth of the Arabic welcome that awaits you. Enjoy true Emirati hospitality, world-class cuisine and exceptional comfort. The emirate offers everything from international resorts to exclusive boutique hotels.
Also read: Must sees in Dubai | The most beautiful places + bucket list activities!
Exploring the mangroves
Years before the discovery of oil in the Arabian Gulf, pearl diving was the lifeblood of the local community and the main source of wealth for the UAE. The Al Suwaidi family has been linked to the pearl fishery in the Gulf States since the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. In the twentieth century, Abdulla Al Suwaidi's grandfather was one of the last surviving pearl divers in the UAE, before the discovery of oil and the invention of the cultured pearl.
Suwaidi Pearls is the only pearl farm in the UAE that uses naturally farmed and hand-seeded oysters instead of wild ones. This ultimately contributes to local economic development and environmental protection in Ras Al Khaimah. In addition, the pearl farm is completely environmentally friendly because no machines are used to harvest the oysters. Instead, it is powered by solar panels, which promotes the use of renewable energy and environmental protection in the UAE. Suwaidi Pearls farm contributes to Ras Al Khaimah's integrated approach to sustainability and preserves the culture and traditions of the emirate.
A visit to the pearl farm is a unique cultural experience in Ras Al Khaimah and attracts visitors from all over the country and beyond. The cultured pearl farm is a visual eye-catcher and is located at the foot of the impressive Al Hajar Mountains in the northern city of Al Rams. The Al Rams lagoon benefits from fresh rainwater from the Hajar Mountains, which oxygenates the seawater, creating the perfect environment for the pearls.
Adrenaline in the Hajar Mountains
Adventurers can experience an extraordinary experience at the summit of Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the country. With the world's longest and fastest zipline, daredevils race over the gorges of the majestic Hajar Mountains at a speed of 160 km per hour. In just two minutes, this flight creates an indelible memory. Jais Adventure Park also offers the Jais Sky Tour, which consists of a series of six small ziplines that form a remarkable mountain tour as they are linked one behind the other.
On the Jais Sledder toboggan run, located at an altitude of just over 1.350 meters, visitors can not only enjoy the beautiful mountain panorama, but also get an adrenaline rush thanks to speeds of up to 40 km per hour.
For those who have worked up an appetite after so much excitement, the 1484 by Puro restaurant offers a solution. Located at an altitude of 1.484 meters, this is the highest restaurant in the UAE. Not only top-class culinary delights are served here, but guests also enjoy a magnificent view of jagged mountain peaks.
Spotting wildlife in the desert
Always wanted to stand eye-to-eye with an Oryx? Ras Al Khaimah offers visitors the opportunity to experience the serene tranquility of the vast Arabian desert, which is home to some of the most impressive terracotta dunes. At the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert adventurers book a nature drive through the desert. Here, visitors ride between grassy plains and steppe oases, where gazelles, camels, and even rare oryx antelopes take refuge.
With a careful approach, it is even possible to get just a few meters from these shy four-legged friends and their offspring, and even feed them. To capture the animals on camera, travelers must be nimble and quickly pull out the camera, like on a safari – one wrong move and the agile oryx disappears deep into the protected areas of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve once again. Visitors who want to end their day with an atmospheric dinner in the desert under the stars should not miss the Sonara Camp, which offers a unique sunset and dinner experience.
