By: Jean-Paul Courville
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven Emirates along the Arabian Peninsula was established in December 1971, the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) was added in Feb of 1972. These seven Emirates are made up of its capital Abu Dhabi, the more popular Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and RAK.
*An emirate is a political territory that is ruled by an emir.
I have lived in the UAE since Feb 2014 and RAK has been the perfect place to get away from the hustle of cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Each Emirate has its unique flare but for me its Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) specifically between the months of November-April where the weather is perfect for exploring the desolate Al Hajar Mountains and beautiful beaches.
I commonly tell friends and family who inquire about visiting the UAE that the city (Emirate) of Dubai is extraordinary with modern engineering and luxury with a melting pot of many cultures. Essentially, you could visit Dubai and depart with no real exposure to the Emirati culture however, if you visit the capital of Abu Dhabi you will get the more traditional experience.
Living in the United States I learned that if you drive a few short hours in any direction you would stumble across a National or State Park along with rivers or lakes for hiking, camping, and doing so on a conservative budget. This method applies here in the UAE too, as on many weekends and during the travel restricted COVID-19 year of 2020 I can pack my bags and drive within one hour from Dubai, two from Abu Dhabi and have an adventurous outing in RAK.
RAK gives you the majestic Al Hajar Mountians that run thru the UAE and the neighboring country of Oman, to the beaches, sand dunes, all enriched with the local culture. The hiking trails aren't well marked in fact they aren't marked at all which is part of the charm. Following rock formations established from previous hikers, scrambling over large boulders and following wave points shared by others online to navigate the trails in Leopard Canyon or the mysterious Stairway to Heaven provide a feeling of an almost undiscovered area. Wild camping is another wonderful option, find a location, no need for a permit or advanced request, set up camp, start a fire and enjoy.
Wadis like Wadi Shah, Naqab, and Bih give you the opportunity to climb to summit where isolated villages abandoned during parts of the year but occupied during the temperate months by Bedouin locals where you might have the chance to share a tea.
* Wadi is an Arabic word meaning "valley" usually dry until the rainy season.
Jebel Jais The highest peak in the UAE is Jebel Jais (1892 M / 6207 FT), located in RAK, the actual summit is on the Omani side which is slightly higher leaving Jebel Yibir to be considered the UAE's highest peak.
In recent years the UAE has invested in creating more touristic attractions in RAK with the worlds longest zip-line, via ferrata lanes, and mountain biking trails.
*Jebel or Jabal is an Arabic word for "Mountain" or range of hills and mountains.
Zip-Line
Mountain Biking
Pearl Diving Pearl diving was once the most lucrative profession in the United Arab Emirates and was tightly woven into the UAE culture that dates back around 7,000 years. When the Japanese discovered how to make artificial pearls in the early 1900s, the practice of pearl diving naturally declined. In RAK you can take a tour of a remaining pearl farm, Suwaidi Pearls and learn the history and tour thru the beautiful mangroves with the desert mountains in the background.
Beaches The coastline and beaches are much more spacious than the nearby Dubai options with less people and numerous resorts ranging from the luxurious to the practical. The mountains don't provide the fresh flowing water wadi's like in the neighboring country of Oman but the proximity of coast and mountains while in the desert provide a diverse situation.
Waldorf Astoria on the coast of RAK
For those seeking something out of the ordinary you can visit the historic Dhayah Fort, the Ghost town of Al Jazirah and the haunted palace Al Qassimi all located in RAK. If you desire a more modern feel of local restaurants and coffee shops stroll the strip of the Corniche along the waterway.
*In the desert sand dunes a luxurious Ritz Carlton Resort lay nestled for a unique departure
Adventure and exploration await in the Emirate of RAK.....Lets go
Off Road Driving Driving off road whether in the sand dunes, the mountains, are on the beach you will find opportunities at every turn. In the rainy season or after a good downpour many of the wadis will provide pools to drive your vehicle thru adding to the adventure.
I have enjoyed RAK in groups, hosting friends for hikes, and going alone.
Get Outside
Bonus My various looks and selfies over the years in Ras Al-Khaima....
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