AE · Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah · 25.77°N 55.95°E

ras al khaimah

Mountain switchbacks, an old pearling village and beaches beyond Dubai.

Best time
November–March is best, warm on the coast and cool up the mountain. June–September is hot and humid by the sea; Jebel Jais is noticeably cooler but still warm.
How long
3 days
Getting there
About 7 hours direct from KL to Dubai, then about an hour by road. The UAE is 4 hours behind KL.
Save postcard
AE · Emirate of Ras Al Khaimahras al khaimah25.77°N 55.95°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Mountain switchbacks, an old pearling village and beaches beyond Dubai.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingRas Al KhaimahAE, Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah
KLras al khaimah
≈ 5,488 km from KL, as the crow flies
Ras Al Khaimah

Photo: Zanisj · CC BY-SA 4.0

1 / 3

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE's northernmost emirate, a low-rise coast of beaches and mangroves backed by the bare Hajar Mountains. The road up Jebel Jais climbs higher than anywhere else in the country.

Makan

  1. Grilled fishLocal catch grilled simply and served with rice or flatbread.Map ↗
  2. MachboosRice and meat flavoured with dried lime and warm spices.Map ↗
  3. KhameerSoft, slightly sweet Emirati bread, eaten with cheese, honey or date syrup.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Jebel JaisA road of hairpin bends up the UAE's highest mountain, with viewpoints and a very long zipline near the top.Map ↗
  2. Dhayah FortA small fort on a hilltop above date groves and the sea, up a steep flight of steps.Map ↗
  3. Al Jazirah Al HamraAn abandoned pearling village of coral-stone houses and wind towers by the sea.Map ↗
  4. Flamingo BeachA free public beach near the city centre, with lifeguards, calm water and sunsets.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Dhayah Fort's steps are steep and exposed, so climb in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Food is halal as standard; alcohol is served only in hotels and licensed venues.
  • Fighting involving Iran closed Gulf airspace several times in 2026, cancelling flights at short notice, so a flexible ticket and insurance that covers disruption are worth having.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.