You & Me in the UAE: Ras Al Khaimah Travel Review

When you think of the United Arab Emirates, soaring skyscrapers, sprawling waterparks, and the vast, camel-dotted deserts of Dubai may come to mind. However, there’s more to this part of the world than many realise. Do Maldivian-inspired over-water villas come to mind? How about camping under the stars like Bear Grylls or drifting through emerald waters to uncover the history of Arabian pearls? The northernmost Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a spectacular destination to put on your radar. It’s a magical place where couples can expect the unexpected, immerse themselves in nature, and feel the authentic beating heart of the Emirates.

Located just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, RAK is a refreshing antidote to the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s metropolis, yet close enough to dip into the city whenever you desire. While new hotels and tourism hubs are already popping up across the region, it achieved Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destination program in 2023 – a first for the Middle East! This conscious development will help protect its serene natural environments for generations to come, including its 64km of white sandy beaches, the awe-inspiring Jebel Jais mountain peak, and its lush mangrove forests brimming with wildlife. All of these are unmissable spots during your time in RAK. Here are my top itinerary picks from the mountains to the sea to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime with the one you love…

Up In The Mountains

Heading northwards into the Hajar Mountains makes for a spectacular road trip for two. The epic snake-like road carves through the rock face, revealing jaw-dropping panoramic vistas as you twist and turn towards the highest Jebel Jais peak, standing at a mighty 1,934 metres. At its cloud-piercing crest lies the Jais Adventure Park, where adrenaline-loving couples can soar, slide, and dine among this otherworldly landscape. If you’re feeling brave enough, I recommend tackling the Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline at 2.83km that reaches eye-watering speeds of 160kph! For a slightly less daunting adrenaline rush, the Jais Sledder is the region’s longest mountain coaster. You can sit together on a toboggan and rattle down the slopes, swerving through the Mars-like terrain and filling the air with unstoppable laughter. visitjebeljais.com

All of that activity will leave you ravenous, so head to the highest restaurant in the UAE – 1484 by Puro. You can sit out on the expansive terrace and take in the startling mountain vistas while tucking into a delicious menu of fresh salads, pizzas, and light snacks, paired with soft drinks or cocktails. The unique vantage point doubles up as a breathtaking wedding reception space, where you can toast to your “I Dos” after an intimate ceremony on the mountaintop, surrounded by nature’s glory. The friendly team at Safarak, a premier Destination Management Company, can help you plan your perfect sky-high celebration. safarak.ae

Another highlight of Jebel Jais is the Bear Grylls Explorer Camp, featuring the world’s first Bear Grylls branded accommodation. This comes in the form of 16 converted camouflage cabins decked out with beds and bathrooms. For couples who love to camp out in the wilderness, this is an experience like no other, enabling you to get back to nature, learn survival techniques with highly trained instructors, and try out a ropes course, rock climbing, archery, and hiking through deep ravines and craggy peaks. beargryllscamp.ae

Into The Dunes

As you descend in altitude, Ras Al Khaimah’s landscape drastically transforms into vast desert dunes and pockets of green pastures, protected within the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Among this undulating 1,235-acre expanse lies the stunning Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert resort, where brand-new two-bedroom Signature Villas promise all-out honeymoon luxury against the backdrop of the dunes. The hotel also provides a spellbinding setting for desert weddings, with a traditional ballroom and exquisite open-air venues that dazzle by day or night.

The Ritz-Carlton resort also offers a fantastic variety of daytime activities, from horseback riding and camel treks across the rolling copper-toned dunes. One of the best ways to get up close to the wildlife is on an animal feeding experience, which begins with a thrilling dune bashing tour in an open-side truck, then slowing to find herds of inquisitive Arabian Oryx and Gazelles. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/rktrw-the-ritz-carlton-ras-al-khaimah-al-wadi-desert

Another stunning wedding venue and activity centre in the heart of the desert is the Bedouin Oasis Camp. It brings to life a modern-day Bedouin experience, complete with romantic overnight glamping tents, evening fire show entertainment, sand boarding slopes, and riveting quad biking trails. It also features a stunning secluded gazebo for romantic flame-lit dinners, proposal picnic surprises, or picturesque wedding ceremony settings, decorated to suit your desired theme and style. bedouinoasis.org

Down By The Sea

On the sparkling shores of the Arabian Gulf lies another realm of alluring discoveries at Al Jazeera Al Hamra. Dating back as far as 5000 BC, archaeological excavations have revealed that the seafaring Za’ab tribe lived in this ancient Emirati pearling village. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the abandoned collective of approximately 500 coral stone houses, watch towers, and mosques are being brought back to life through an ongoing restoration project involving interactive art installations and cultural festivals, such as the incredible Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival each February. The village certainly evokes feelings of stepping back in time, and it’s even possible to host weddings here, surrounded by one of the most remarkable open-air museums in the UAE. ajah.ae

Another unique way to experience traditional Emirati culture is by visiting the only pearl farm in the UAE, Suwaidi Pearls. Based at the foot of the Al Hajar mountains in Al Rams, the floating platform provides a glimpse into the region’s rich pearling industry. Here, you can gain insight into the lives of pearl divers, the harvesting process, and have a go at opening an oyster to hopefully uncover an Arabian pearl to treasure! suwaidipearls.ae

Adventurous couples can complete their trip with an all-time high at the first Light Sport Aviation Club in the UAE. The Jazirah Aviation Club is a social hangout for locals and visitors alike, offering incredible bird-eye views of Ras Al Khaimah from their fleet of brightly coloured microlight aircraft. Above the ocean, it’s possible to spot wild flamingos on the sandy stretches and sea turtles in the turquoise waters below! jazirahaviationclub.com

Where to Stay: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa

One of the most desirable hotels in RAK is the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa. Complete with 351 rooms and a pristine beach frontage, it’s the jewel in the crown on Hayat island, offering guests the ultimate luxury seaside relaxation in Mina Al Arab. The stand-out room choice for honeymooners is the secluded Seafront Villas, each featuring a grand living and dining area, deep soaking tubs, and spacious terraces to soak in the dreamy horizon views. They offer the perfect spot to unwind as a newlywed couple or to prep for the big day!

Speaking of weddings, the resort offers a wonderful variety of event set-ups, including the option to host a flavoursome rehearsal dinner in the Levant Restaurant, an intimate beachfront or poolside ceremony, an elegant alfresco cocktail hour in the garden, or even a lavish reception for up to 220 guests in the Juman Ballroom. The possibilities are endless when you have the support of their dedicated wedding and catering team, who will take care of every detail and ensure you have the most magical day possible. icrasalkhaimah.com

Did You Know? 

• In 2023, RAK introduced new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification programme, making it easier than ever to plan weddings here!
• The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) also offers incentives for couples looking to get married in RAK, with offers including complimentary visas, discounts, and room upgrades.

At the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, a Classic Panoramic Sea View Room (up to 2 people) starts from £281 per night, and a Seafront Villa (up to 4 people) starts from £308 per night. For package holidays inclusive of flights from London Stansted, a 4-night stay for 2 adults on an all-inclusive basis staying in a Classic Sea View Room starts from £854/pp; and for 2 adults 2 children staying in a Garden Terrace One Bedroom Suite starts from £744/pp, bookable at destination2.co.uk.

For more information and inspiration, visit visitrasalkhaimah.com