How to Spend a Week in Ras Al Khaimah

So you’ve booked yourself a week in Ras Al Khaimah – good call. It’s one of the UAE’s lesser-known places, a mix of mountains, beaches, heritage, and just enough luxury to feel special without being over the top. Over the next seven days, you’ll collect the most wonderful memories.

Day 1 

Check in, unpack, and get your bearings. Spend your first afternoon at the beach – relaxing, drinking something cold, and watching how the sun blazes over the golden sand and the ocean. When evening comes, walk along the waterfront promenade, grab some dinner al fresco, and settle into the week.

Day 2 

Head up into the mountains, one of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. This is where you’ll find Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Get a late-morning start and enjoy a viewpoint, a short trek, or a cable car ride if you’re into all that. The views from up there are among the best you’ll ever see – cliff edges, rock faces, and the sea, a blue stripe off in the distance, define the natural beauty here. 

Once you’re done, head back to your resort and maybe get a spa treatment. Speaking of resorts and spa treatments, pick the right place to stay. You have several choices, including Anantara Mina Al Ras Al Khaimah, a well-known five-star Ras Al Khaimah resort.

Day 3 

It’s the day for a slow morning. After all, you’re on holiday, so there’s no need to rush things. It’s time to visit a few heritage attractions. For example, Dhayah Fort stands on a hill and offers both panoramas and history. Walk the steps, peer over date-palm groves, and learn how the region used to defend itself. Then later, visit a local market, try some local food, and experience the laid-back atmosphere of Ras Al Khaimah.

Day 4 

Time to head back to the beach, and this time, you’ll throw in some activity. Sunbathing is a must, but Ras Al Khaimah is also known for activities like snorkelling, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Spend your morning enjoying water sports, grab lunch, and then head to one of the nearby man-made islands. In the evening, enjoy dinner and sundowners by the water.

Day 5 

Visit the desert for some adventurous fun. Enjoy an afternoon 4x4 safari, dune-bashing, maybe camel rides and a BBQ dinner under stars. The vast arid landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah have a calm all their own. Get here at dusk, sip a cup of tea while the desert air cools down – this is the kind of experience that stays with you. Then go back to your resort for a relaxed evening and some dinner. It’s also a good time for a late night market visit. 

Day 6 

You’ve experienced the beach, the desert, and the mountains. Now it’s time for the mangroves. Maybe spend a few hours on the fringe where the city meets the wilderness. Read a book under the palms, or take a kayak through the water. In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant with a view of the sea.

Day 7

It’s your last day in Ras Al Khaimah, so revisit something you really loved doing – it could be the beach, the desert, the mountains, or the mangroves. Do something memorable: a sunset cruise, a final climb to a viewpoint, or a meal at the resort’s rooftop. You could also go for another spa treatment so you can head home feeling as fresh as a daisy.

Best Time to Visit 

Ras Al Khaimah is the sort of place that makes you want to stay outdoors all the time, so you’ll want the weather on your side. The prime time to visit is between November and April. Temperatures during these months range from the mid-20s °C to low 30s °C, the skies are mostly clear, and outdoor activities are readily available. Late October or early May–June can also work, especially if you don’t mind a bit more heat and want fewer crowds or better deals.