The great outdoors in Ras Al Khaimah
The UAE’s adventure emirate — Jebel Jais and the world’s longest zipline, mountain trails, beaches and desert, about an hour from Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), in the northern UAE, is the country’s outdoors emirate — where the Hajar Mountains meet the Gulf, trading skyscrapers for peaks, beaches, mangroves and desert. It is a relaxed, resort-style base only about an hour from Dubai.
Jebel Jais
The UAE’s highest mountain is the headline. A superb switchback road climbs to viewing decks with cool air and huge views, and the peak is home to Jais Flight, billed as the world’s longest zipline, along with a mountain toboggan and via ferrata routes. It is noticeably cooler up top than at the coast.
Coast and desert
- Long sandy beaches and mangrove kayaking along the Gulf shore.
- Desert dunes for safaris and camps just inland.
- Historic sites like Dhayah Fort and the old pearling heritage of the creek.
When to go & getting there
November to March is ideal, with the mountains pleasant even when the coast warms up; summer is hot at sea level. RAK is about an hour’s drive north of Dubai, best reached by car. See places to stay in Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai.