For anyone planning a visit to the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is usually one of the natural choices. Its reputation as a jewel in the UAE crown is well-deserved, but it’s certainly not the only worthwhile place to visit. Ras Al Khaimah is the capital of the Emirate of the same name, and is the sixth largest city in the UAE. As a short break destination, it has plenty to offer – particularly for those who enjoy getting out and exploring nature and delving into local culture.
©Ganesh.V
Unlock the Secrets of Ras Al Khaimah
Whether you’ve got a week, two weeks, or even just a couple of days, these are our top suggestions to help you really get under the skin of this exotic destination and make the most of whatever time you have.
Nature
The UAE is renowned for its unique, other-wordly landscape and unusual attractions, and Ras Al Khaimah is no exception.
Jebel Jais: Just a short distance out of the city centre, this incredible mountain is part of the Hajar Range, which cuts through neighbouring Oman and Ras Al Khaimah. Soaring to an impressive 1,934m above sea level, it makes for an awe-inspiring vision. The drive to the peak is spectacular, taking in a landscape of dramatic canyons, escarpments and ravines as you wind your way up and along the road. If you can arrange to arrive for sunrise or sunset, all the better – because the views are out of this world. A host of adrenaline based sports are available for those with the desire, or you can simply enjoy the outlook from above the clouds.
Jazirat Al Hamra: Straddling the realms of nature and culture, there’s a certain eeriness to this fascinating place, which dates back to the sixteenth-century. It was once a thriving fishing and pearl diving village – before the discovery of oil irrevocably changed the lifestyle of the locals. Although abandoned by residents many years ago, it remains remarkably well-preserved. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the streets, which are lined with crumbling houses, towers and mosques.
©Alexandermcnabb
Wadi Shawka: A little further out from the city (about an hour), but absolutely worth the effort, this incredible place is popular with walkers, hikers, and adventurers. Set against a spectacular mountainous backdrop, along the networked trails you’ll encounter cooling rock pools, natural springs, and oasis-like areas of startling greenery. If you don’t have the energy to hike, there are also some excellent off-road trails for vehicles.
Culture
Dhayah Fort: As the last remaining hill fort in the UAE, Dhayah Fort cuts an imposing sight, presiding high over the landscape on a 70-metre hill. Although the site itself dates back to the late Bronze Age, the present mud-brick fortress was built in the nineteenth-century. It requires a little effort (up 239 steps!) to get the full advantage of its presence and the resulting views, but it’s certainly rewarding. For those who can’t face the trek to the top, at the base there are a dozen Wadi Suq tombs, dating back to between 2,000 to 1,300 BC, to observe.
©Fatima Alzaabi
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: A visit to this very well curated museum is a must for those who want to delve a little deeper into the local culture. As one of the oldest settled regions in the world, there’s much to be learned from the museum’s extensive archaeological and ethnological collections.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra: An important heritage site, Al Jazeera Al Hamra is the last and only remaining pearling village in the Gulf region. Until the discovery of oil, pearling was an intrinsic part of the lives of locals here since prehistoric times, so being able to walk around and observe the village gives a fantastic insight into days gone by. Of special interest is the unique local architecture, as houses were often made utilising coral blocks, date palm trunks, beach rocks and seashells. The site is now an abandoned but quite spectacular open-air museum and, as a genuine time capsule of life over thousands of years, it’s currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Tentative List.
Where to Stay
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah: Luxury and opulence abound in this 5-star absolute beachfront resort. Immerse in the pleasure of the beautifully appointed rooms and suites, spectacular views, world-class service and extensive onsite amenities. Allow yourself to be utterly pampered with the international restaurants, swimming pools, 24-hour fitness centre and a wellness spa – and that’s just the start.
Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island: Set in an incredible location on a man-made island, this resort offers the ultimate in relaxation and serenity after a busy day sightseeing. The magnificently appointed rooms feature breathtaking views over the Arabian Sea, elegant decor and furnishings, and every luxurious mod-con and onsite amenity to make your stay not only memorable, but magical.
Bear Grylls Explorer’s Camp: For the most unique 5-star experience you’ll find, this is Ras Al Khaimah celebrity-style! The accommodation is simple and contemporary with a touch of luxury, and the appointments, amenities and service are of the highest calibre. Set in an unforgettable location 700m from the famous Jebel Jais Mountain, if you’re looking to do it differently, do it here!
How to Get There
To get to Ras Al Khaimah you have several options. You can fly into Ras Al Khaimah Airport (RKT), Sharjah (SHJ), or Dubai Airport (DXB), with a flight time to the UAE of around seven hours from the UK. Multiple airlines fly the routes, including British Airways and Etihad, with flights starting at about £121 each way.
To get you from the airport straight to the door of your accommodation, the best thing to do is make sure you have a pre-booking on a service from Shuttle Direct. One of our professional drivers will be waiting for you when you land to take you the rest of the way. Getting from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah will take about an hour, and slightly less if you fly into one of the other, smaller airports.
Overview
UK to DXB Flight Time: 7 hours, approx.
DXB to Ras Al Khaimah Distance: 96 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 59 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Getting from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah is simple when you book with Shuttle Direct, and you have several options, depending on your travel needs and budget.
A very popular option is our shuttle bus services, which offer a budget friendly price and a convenient, comfortable ride. You’ll meet at a designated point at the airport and travel to a central drop-off point. Because you travel with other passengers, the cost is shared, so for those looking to save money getting from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah, it’s a great choice.
Still cost-effective, but with the luxury of having the ride all to yourself, a pre-booked local taxi is a smart choice and negates the need to stand in a taxi queue when you land. Your driver will be waiting when you exit the terminal, and you’ll get from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah without delay, right to the door of your accommodation.
A minibus transfer from the airport at Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect option if you’re travelling with a larger group of family or friends, because it means you’ll all be able to go in the same vehicle. It’s very convenient and simplifies the logistics of having to organise everybody and their accompanying luggage!
One of our private Ras Al Khaimah transfers will give you everything you want if you’re looking for a touch of luxury. Your friendly and professional driver will meet you inside the terminal as soon as your flight lands, then you’ll travel in style right to the door of your accommodation. It’s the ultimate in comfort and you’ll have it all to yourself.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Everyone’s budget and requirements are different, which is why we offer multiple options for your onward ground transport. Which one you choose is ultimately up to you, but it will come down to two priorities: cost or convenience.
Convenience: If you’re looking for a door-to-door service from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah and you don’t mind paying a little extra for the convenience, then one of our pre-booked taxis or a luxury private service will best suit your needs.
Cost: If you’re on a budget (or just looking to save your money for the more important things on your holiday), a shared shuttle bus is very economical, however you’ll never have to compromise on the safety or comfort of your ride.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct we’re proud of our reputation for offering safe, convenient and cost-effective onward ground transport to and from destinations all over the world. We service all kinds of travellers’ needs, no matter what your budget, where you’re going, or how you like to travel. From budget-friendly shared shuttles to top-of-the-range luxury private transfers, we’ve got the best way to get you to where you need to go.
