Discover the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is about 1 hour 15 minutes by road from Dubai on the E311 and around 2 hours 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi. There's no commercial airport for international flights, so most visitors fly into Dubai International or Al Maktoum and transfer by road. Shared and private services run daily, and several tour operators include RAK hotel pick-up from Dubai in their packages. A taxi from Dubai to RAK runs roughly AED 250 to 350 one way.

Al Marjan Island is the spot for luxury beach resorts, with places like Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Mövenpick, and the upcoming Wynn resort. Al Hamra Village has family-friendly hotels with golf, beach, and marina access. If you're after mountain and adventure stays, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and 1484 by Puro at the Jebel Jais summit are genuinely unique. Budget-friendly options are available in RAK city centre near the Old Town and Corniche.

RAK doesn't have a public metro or bus network for tourists. Taxis are affordable and available across the emirate. Rental cars are the most flexible option since roads are well-maintained and parking is free at most attractions. Most adventure tours and desert safaris include complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off. Uber and Careem do operate in RAK, but coverage is limited compared to Dubai.

Ras Al Khaimah is more conservative than Dubai. Beachwear is fine at resort pools and beaches, but dress modestly when you're visiting mosques, heritage sites, and the Old Town souq. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is strictly off-limits. Alcohol is only available in licensed hotels and resort restaurants.