Rugged landscapes, sparkling wadis, and pulse-pounding experiences, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is the adventure capital of the UAE.
Looking set rival Dubai and Abu Dhabi for its luxury experiences thanks to some major announcements of the hotel front, Ras Al Khaimah is on course to become just as popular with tourists over the next decade.
But if you are already enticed by the thought of enjoying one of the Middle East’s highest afternoon teas or zooming around mountains on an ultra-fast sledder, then have we got the perfect news for you – here are five brilliant things to do in RAK.
1. GO FAST OR GO HOME ON THE JAIS
We mentioned that RAK is a playground for adventure seekers, and we are starting fast with The Jais Sledder. Starting at the top of the UAE’s highest mountain peak, Jebel Jais, the toboggan-style ride reaches up to 40 kilometres per hour as you thunder around 1,840 exhilarating metres of hairpin curves and waves. Taking around eight minutes to complete, the ride offers up superb vistas of the surrounding mountains as well as the coastline. You can tackle the experience solo or strap in with a friend so you have someone’s hand to hold at one of the best things to do in RAK.
www.visitjebeljais.com
2. A SPOT HIGH TEA
Once you have caught your breath back, it’s time to lower the pulses and relax with a cup of tea and a scone at the UAE’s highest afternoon tea at 1484 by Puro. Set on the same site as the aforementioned sledder, the restaurant is placed at 1,484 metres above sea level and guests can sip on tea and nibble on pastries and sandwiches while admiring the unimpeded views of the Hajar mountains on a daily basis. And if you stay long enough, you could even enjoy a sundowner with a mixed drink for this top thing to do in RAK.
www.puro.ae
3. WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM THE SKY
The UAE has more than its fair share of sunrises, but have you seen it from the sky? Well, you can in RAK as hot air balloon tours by ActionFlight enables visitors to marvel at the dawning of the day while gently drifting across the desert, mangroves, and wadis towards the Hajar Mountains. But make sure to bring a fleece because it can be a bit nippy up there.
www.actionflight.ae
4. HAVE A DIP AT SUWAIDI PEARLS
RAK isn’t only about high-octane activities – did you know you can try your hand at one of the Emirates’ oldest traditions, pearl diving? Step back in time and learn about how the UAE’s once booming industry of pearling at Suwaidi Pearls. From the vantage point of a traditional pearling boat, you will learn how the gem is cultivated and harvested as well as diving techniques used by the fisherman to collect the oysters, and have a chance to have a dip and dive too. But those looking to stay dry can content themselves with cracking open an oyster to see if they have hit the jackpot. Bird lovers are also in for a treat with numerous opportunities to catch glimpses of pastel pink flamingos, western reef herons, Kalba collared kingfishers and the greater spotted eagle.
www.suwaidipearls.ae
5. DINE AT SUNSET
And for something a little indulgent, it must be a luxurious dining experience at Sonara Camp Al Wadi. Located in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, guests can enjoy a Sunset & Dinner Experience to savour a three-course meal under the stars, along with a fire show, falconry and more. And if the little ones are accompanying you to the desert feast, they can try out sandboarding, soft archery, and watch a movie underneath the stars – most definitely a brilliant thing to do in RAK.
www.nara.ae
IMAGE CREDITS:
Head image: Shutterstock
Images 1-5: Supplied