Hotels in Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah: Hajar Mountains, Coastline, and Ancient Forts

Ras al Khaimah (RAK) sits at the northern tip of the UAE, roughly 100 km from Dubai International Airport. The emirate spans desert, the Hajar Mountains, and 64 km of coastline along the Arabian Gulf. Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak at 1,934 m, rises just 30 minutes from the coast and is home to the world's longest zipline at 2.83 km. This geographic range sets RAK apart from its urban neighbors.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster along Al Marjan Island, a series of reclaimed peninsulas that jut 4.5 km into the Gulf, and around Al Hamra Village, a resort district 10 km south of the city center. Both areas offer beach access and easy links to the mountains. The historic Al Qawasim Corniche and Old Town suit travelers focused on the 18th-century Dhayah Fort, which crowns a basalt outcrop 30 m above the surrounding palm groves.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Ras al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) handles direct flights from several European cities; Dubai Airport is 75 minutes by road.
• Best season: October to April; July and August temperatures regularly exceed 42 °C.
• Jebel Jais access: The mountain road opens daily; the zipline requires advance booking and closes in high winds.
• Currency: UAE dirham (AED); most hotels price in AED or USD.