Adventure is out there! How to spend 24 hours in Ras Al Khaimah
A day trip to Ras al Khaimah (RAK) is the perfect escape for residents and visitors from the glitz and glamour of the big city. The picturesque northern emirate is home to epic valleys, serene mangroves, bucket list camping spots and numerous thrilling adventures. Our guide on how to spend 24 hours in Ras Al Khaimah will help you make the memories of a lifetime!
THINGS TO DO IN 24 HOURS IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
Ras Al Khaimah is a fun destination for tourists and UAE residents alike. With no hard border crossing between RAK and its fellow emirates, visitors can make the trip without hassle. So if you’re short on time, 24 hours is more than enough time to enjoy some of the many things to do in RAK. So keep on reading to find out everything the northernmost emirate of the UAE has in store for you!
MANGROVE KAYAK EXCURSION
Spend time in the tranquil mangroves by taking a kayak tour. Paddle your way through the dense mangroves and immersed in the emirate’s natural beauty.
The mangroves in RAK are home to a wide range of crustaceans, fish, molluscs and pastel pink flamingoes. They are also home to the Kalba collared kingfisher and western reef heron. These mangroves offer a safe refuge and pit-stop for migratory birds that travel from the Baltic seas to North Africa.
There are several tour operators, like Challenging Adventure, that can arrange a mangrove kayak trip for you and your family. Please check the official website of Challenging Adventures in Ras Al Khaimah for the available packages and other details.
VISIT JEBEL JAIS FOR THE THRILLS AND CHILLS
Known for being the adventure capital of the UAE, RAK offers some of its most challenging knee-trembling adventures on Jebel Jais. Once you step foot in this adventure haven, you might end up spending wanting to spend all your RAK time here!
Endless adventures await at Jais Adventure Peak where attractions such as Jais Sky Maze offer you a chance to go biking in the air amidst the rugged valleys. But that’s not all, there’s more!
If you only have 24 hours in Ras Al Khaimah, don’t forget to try the Jais Sledder. The longest toboggan ride in the region at 1,840 metres is a crowd favourite. The low-slung ride reaches up to 40 kilometres per hour as it swerves down the Hajar Mountain. It’s an experience you can’t miss.
DISCOVER AN EERIE GHOST TOWN
Did you know that there’s a mysterious ghost town called Jazirat Al Hamra that you can visit during your 24 hours in Ras Al Khaimah? Also known as Jazeerah Al Hamra, this once bustling fishermen’s village was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century for reasons unknown.
An opinion largely believed is that the buildings are haunted by supernatural beings. Whether it’s true or not you can be the judge after you pay this eerie town a visit!
VISIT THE LOCAL FISH MARKET
Use a few of your 24 hours in RAK to explore the Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market. At this bustling traditional marketplace you’ll discover a huge range of seafood from both local and international waters. Select your favourites and get them cooked at the various restaurants nearby or make it a BBQ picnic on the local beach.
- Location: Old Market Area, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road
HIKE ON THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Why not dedicate a few of your 24 hours in Ras Al Khaimah to hiking the popular Stairway to Heaven route in Wadi Galilah? This memorable track follows an ancient Shihuh Mountain route.
The challenging course is for seasoned hikers but there are tracks and trails that are suitable for newbies under supervision. So if you’re new, get in touch with any of these hiking tour operators in the UAE.
Stairway to Heaven is one of the most popular hiking tracks in the UAE. It includes a steep climb of over 1,500 meters, but rewards the dedicated with truly amazing views.
PAY A VISIT TO THE AL SAWAN CAMEL RACE TRACK
Camel racing is a major part of local Bedouin and Emirati traditions. So without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah in 24 hours is to visit the Al Sawan Camel Race Track. The 10-kilometre race track is tucked away amidst the thickets of Ghaf trees in the Digdaga and Hamraniya.
The entire arena is divided into three tracks and the camel races are held on the soft terracotta sands of the main trail. The races usually take place in October and continue through the winter season. The races are held on Friday mornings between 06:30 to 09:30 am.
- Location: Digdada
- Contact: +971-7-246-1321
SPEND SOME TIME AT THE JAZIRAT AL HAMRA PUBLIC BEACH
Jazirat Al Hamra Beach is counted among the most popular public beaches in RAK. Known for its sandy coast and azure waters the stunning beach offers a wide range of watersports for thrill-seekers.
Most of the watersports and other activities are available at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, one of the most frequently visited resorts in the emirate. The beach is perfect for a picnic as well.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FREE THINGS TO DO IN RAS AL KHAIMAH?
There are plenty of free things to do in RAK in 24 hours that you can’t miss! Visit the countless historical forts and other sights for free such as The Dhayah Fort. Similarly, explore the impressive landscapes at the various wadis in Ras Al Khaimah including Wadi Shawka. The emirate also has an array of public parks that are free to visit.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR RESORTS IN RAS AL KHAIMAH?
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa, Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert and The Cove Rotana are some of the most popular hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah.
That’s all for our roundup of the things and activities to do in Ras Al Khaimah in 24 hours. We’ve included some of the most popular tourist attractions and activities that you can be a part of during your day trip. But you can also try camping and glamping at the Long Beach Campground in RAK. There are plenty of restaurants in RAK that are worth exploring on your trip as well.
