Comparison · Dubai vs Ras Al Khaimah · United Arab Emirates
Dubai 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: imran shahabuddin, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and nightlife; choose Ras Al Khaimah for Jebel Jais and Jais Flight zipline. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 94 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 94 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Dubai
- November–March
- Best time for Ras Al Khaimah
- November–March
Side by side
| Dubai | Ras Al Khaimah | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates |
| Known for | Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and Shopping malls | Jebel Jais, Jais Flight zipline and Beach resorts |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$380 | $200–$380 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 41°C (106°F) | July, 41°C (106°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 24°C (75°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Kite Beach | Al Marjan Island |
| Airports | DXB, DWC, SHJ | RKT, DXB, SHJ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Dubai for…
Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and nightlife. Dubai grew from a pearling and trading port on Dubai Creek into a city of skyscrapers stretched along the Gulf coast. The old quarters of Al Fahidi and Deira keep wind-tower houses, gold and spice souks and wooden abras crossing the creek, while Downtown has…
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
| # | Dubai | Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa – At the Top | Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park |
| 2 | Dubai Mall | Jais Flight zipline |
| 3 | Dubai Fountain | Jais Sledder |
| 4 | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood | Dhayah Fort |
| 5 | Abra ride across Dubai Creek | Al Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village |
Food compared
| Dubai | Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|
| Shawarma | Machboos |
| Machboos | Samak mashwi |
| Harees | Harees |
| Luqaimat | Saloona |
Which is cheaper?
Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $200–$380 in Dubai and $200–$380 in Ras Al Khaimah (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Dubai on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are about 94 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Dubai and 4 in Ras Al Khaimah.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $200–$380 in Dubai and $200–$380 in Ras Al Khaimah (estimates).
+Is Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah better for a first trip?
Pick Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and nightlife, or Ras Al Khaimah for Jebel Jais and Jais Flight zipline.
+How far is Dubai from Ras Al Khaimah?
About 94 km in a straight line.