Think of sun, sand and seriously chic hotels, and chances are you’ll imagine the UAE.
In 2022, the Emirates were the most popular destination in the world for sun-starved Brits, according to online holiday experts Travel Republic.
And this year, the focus is on Ras Al Khaimah – just 45 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport.
Ras Al Khaimah – or RAK to regulars – has vast beaches, huge open spaces to take you close to nature, and so much going on that you’ll never get bored.
With guaranteed sun, it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for some heat. Top-notch hotels, breathtaking architecture and top-tier grub from all over the world is the icing on the cake.
But on top of that, RAK is built for adventure – and a whole new kind of Emirati holiday.
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Here, there are mountains to be explored, ziplines to be flown and flame-coloured dunes to be ridden over.
There’s cliff climbing, pearl diving and desert dining. It’s value for money, too.
No wonder it saw a 51 per cent increase in bookings from Travel Republic guests last year, compared to 2019 – and already, this year’s bookings are up another 15 per cent.
“Ras Al Khaimah is a great alternative to Dubai for those wanting to visit this part of the world on more of a budget,” says Antonio Fellino, Travel Republic’s managing director.
“It is an especially good destination for those looking for an all-inclusive stay or a great value family holiday.
“With its beautiful golden beaches and warm waters, it’s perfect for relaxing and the excellent range of hotels and resorts makes it an ideal all-rounder.”
Travel Republic loves the UAE, and they’ve curated a great selection of RAK holidays to suit everyone. Whatever you’re looking for, Ras Al Khaimah has it in spades.
HEAD FOR HEIGHTS
Straddling the border with Oman, Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE. Here in RAK you can explore it, zipline off it, or – for less adventurous souls – simply take in the jaw-dropping views.
Whatever you’re after, there’s something for you on the mountainside.
Families will love the newly opened Jais Sledder, which swerves around hairpin bends down the mountainside at up to 25mph (don’t be scared – toboggans seat two, and run on a track).
The Ropes Course at the world’s first Bear Grylls Explorers Camp is another one for all ages and wannabe acrobats.
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As part of the obstacle course, floating 10m above the ground, you’ll cycle (fully secured) along a plank of wood high in the sky.
Adrenaline junkies can reach for the skies at Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline, which swoops between the mountain peaks at hair-raising speeds of up to 100mph, a whopping 1,680m above the Arabian Gulf.
Not enough drama? Add in the Jais Sky Tour, a two-hour, three-mile series of ziplines that fly through the Hajar mountain range.
And if all that’s too much effort? Head to the UAE’s highest restaurant, 1484 by Puro, for incredible ping panoramic views from its terrace wedged into the mountainside.
DOWN BY THE SEA
Backed by the dramatic Hajar mountains that roll down to the sea, RAK has no fewer than 40 miles of coastline, from white sand beaches to flamingo-filled mangrove forests, ripe for kayaking through.
Of course, one of the main reasons we all love the UAE is its wealth of beaches – and Ras Al Khaimah is no different.
Here, you’ll find beachfront resorts perched on the pristine sands, from family-friendly resorts to super-luxe five-star digs.
Wherever you pick – Travel Republic has curated a collection to suit all budgets – you’ll find water sports on tap, with kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing and jetskiing all on the menu.
If you want to spend the day at an Ibiza-style beach club, head to Banan Beach, on Al Marjan island. It’s an upmarket, boho campsite, with its beach club – plus outdoor cinema and bonfires on the sand – open to all.
Need more action? North of RAK city is the stunning Al Rams corniche, where mountains rest behind you, and the mangrove forests open up in front.
Rent a kayak and glide through them, to see kingfishers, eagles, and bright pink flamingos – alongside fish, crabs and even the odd ray.
DESERT DELIGHTS
There are regular deserts, and then there are the spectacular terracotta sands of RAK, which spill across the emirate.
Of course, you can pick from your classic UAE activities here: dune bashing in buggies, quad-biking across the sand, or – for the truly brave – attempting a desert camel ride.
But things tend to be a little closer to nature here than some of its neighbours, so you can also gallop across the desert on horseback.
The Al Wadi Equestrian Centre offers desert rides on purebred Arabian horses for all levels as well as pony “adventures” for kids.
Look out for the rare Arabian oryx on your ride – the antelopes were brought back from the brink of extinction in the 1970s here in the UAE.
The riding school is at the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi hotel, which is also home to the fancy Sonara Camp, where you can dine by candlelight in the desert with oryx and gazelles your nearest neighbours.
CULTURAL REVELATION
RAK’s history dates back 7,000 years – the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, in the coral-stone fort in the centre of town, tells the emirate’s story, from archaeological finds to the history of pearl diving.
The latter doesn’t just exist in a museum, though. Head south of the city to Al Jazeera Al Hamra (“Red Island”), the UAE’s last pearling village.
Today it’s a heritage site with its traditional buildings – including fancy merchants’ houses, mysterious wind towers and a souq – all made in traditional style from materials such as coral blocks, date palm and mangrove trunks, and seashells.
Want to know more? Abdulla Al Suwaidi is singlehandedly keeping the 7,000-year-old history going at Suwaidi Pearl Farm, in Al Rams – the last pearl farm in the UAE.
Hop into a boat to reach the farm, floating in the bay on a pontoon. You’ll even get your own oyster to open – and it might just have a pearl in it.
North-east of Al Rams is another “only in RAK” moment: Dhayah Fort, the last hillfort in the UAE.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, surrounded by date palms and topped with a 19th-century mud-brick fortress glowing amber in the sun, it boasts spectacular views of the land and sea below – once you’ve braved its 239 steps.
Book your 2023 holiday today with Travel Republic, rated excellent on Trustpilot, and learn more about Ras Al Khaimah
