Comparison · Abu Dhabi vs Ras Al Khaimah · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi vs Ras Al Khaimah
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Wadiia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Abu Dhabi for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and nightlife; choose Ras Al Khaimah for Jebel Jais and Jais Flight zipline. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 217 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 217 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Abu Dhabi
- November–March
- Best time for Ras Al Khaimah
- November–March
Side by side
| Abu Dhabi | Ras Al Khaimah | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates |
| Known for | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks | Jebel Jais, Jais Flight zipline and Beach resorts |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$350 | $200–$380 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 43°C (109°F) | July, 41°C (106°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 24°C (75°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Corniche Beach | Al Marjan Island |
| Airports | AUH | RKT, DXB, SHJ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Abu Dhabi for…
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and nightlife. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, spreads across a main island and a ring of smaller islands on the Gulf coast. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan palace carry the cultural side, while Yas Island packs…
Choose Ras Al Khaimah for…
Jebel Jais and Jais Flight zipline. The northernmost emirate combines a long Gulf coastline of beach resorts at Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Mina Al Arab with the rugged Hajar Mountains, where the road up Jebel Jais climbs to about 1,900 metres and the Jais Flight zipline and Jais Sledder…
Top sights compared
| # | Abu Dhabi | Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park |
| 2 | Louvre Abu Dhabi | Jais Flight zipline |
| 3 | Qasr Al Watan | Jais Sledder |
| 4 | Qasr Al Hosn | Dhayah Fort |
| 5 | Corniche promenade and beach | Al Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village |
Food compared
| Abu Dhabi | Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|
| Machboos | Machboos |
| Harees | Samak mashwi |
| Thareed | Harees |
| Luqaimat | Saloona |
Which is cheaper?
Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $200–$380 in Ras Al Khaimah (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Abu Dhabi on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are about 217 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Abu Dhabi and 4 in Ras Al Khaimah.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $200–$380 in Ras Al Khaimah (estimates).
+Is Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah better for a first trip?
Pick Abu Dhabi for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and nightlife, or Ras Al Khaimah for Jebel Jais and Jais Flight zipline.
+How far is Abu Dhabi from Ras Al Khaimah?
About 217 km in a straight line.