5 days in Ras Al Khaimah

Day by day

1. Day 1: Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park and Jais Flight zipline

   Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park, Jais Flight zipline and Jais Sledder, then Al Qawasim Corniche in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park

      Drive up in the late afternoon for sunset over the ridges, and bring a jacket from November to March. (Half a day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Jais Flight zipline

      Book an early slot: winds can delay or cancel later sessions, and the morning light over the mountains is clearer. (2 hours including briefing, expensive).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Machboos

      Emirati restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah City and on resort Arabic-buffet nights.

   4. Afternoon

      Jais Sledder

      Combine it with the Viewing Deck Park and lunch on the mountain to make a full day of Jebel Jais. (1 hour, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Al Qawasim Corniche

      Come at sunset and pick up karak chai from a nearby cafeteria.

2. Day 2: Dhayah Fort and Manar Mall

   Dhayah Fort, Manar Mall and Al Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village, then Sunset on Jebel Jais in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Dhayah Fort

      Climb in the late afternoon for the softest light and cooler air; wear shoes with grip on the gravel path. (1 hour, free).

   2. Late morning

      Manar Mall

      Use it for a midday break from the heat, combined with the Corniche in the evening. (2 hours, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Samak mashwi

      Seafood restaurants along the Corniche and in the city's older districts.

   4. Afternoon

      Al Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village

      Visit in the early morning or at golden hour; there is little shade between the houses. (1–1.5 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Sunset on Jebel Jais

      Drive up in the late afternoon and watch the sun drop behind the ridges from the viewing deck.

3. Day 3: Suwaidi Pearls farm and Al Marjan Island beaches

   Suwaidi Pearls farm, Al Marjan Island beaches and Shimal and Sheba's Palace, then Desert dinner at Al Wadi in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Suwaidi Pearls farm

      Book in advance and allow time for the short boat trip; it combines well with Dhayah Fort nearby. (1.5–2 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Al Marjan Island beaches

      Buy a resort day pass on a weekday for the quietest beach and pool access. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Harees

      Emirati restaurants and hotel iftar buffets, most widely during Ramadan.

   4. Afternoon

      Shimal and Sheba's Palace

      Wear sturdy shoes for the rough path and go in the cooler months. (1 hour, free).

   5. Evening

      Desert dinner at Al Wadi

      End a dune outing with dinner under the stars among the ghaf trees.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Dubai

   About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car each way. Getting there: Car, taxi or intercity bus.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Dubai

      About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car (Car, taxi or intercity bus); about 100 km.

   2. Day

      Dubai

      The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the historic Al Fahidi district and the creek's abra boats are all reachable for a full day. Best for first-timers, shopping and families.

   3. Evening

      Back in Ras Al Khaimah

      Dinner: try Saloona.

5. Day 5: Khatt Hot Springs and Wadi Shawka

   Khatt Hot Springs, Wadi Shawka and Desert experiences at Al Wadi, then Lagoon villa at Mina Al Arab in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Khatt Hot Springs

      Visit on a cool winter morning; check whether the public pools have separate times for men and women. (1–2 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Wadi Shawka

      Hike between November and March, start early and carry plenty of water; there is little shade. (Half a day, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Saloona

      Emirati restaurants and home-style cafeterias in the city.

   4. Afternoon

      Desert experiences at Al Wadi

      Book a late-afternoon outing to see the dunes turn red at sunset. (3–4 hours, expensive).

   5. Evening

      Lagoon villa at Mina Al Arab

      Stay over the water in the mangrove lagoons and kayak at sunrise.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Jais Flight zipline, Jais Sledder, Suwaidi Pearls farm and Desert experiences at Al Wadi before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Al Marjan Island keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Al Hamra Village ($$$) suits families, couples and beach. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 24–30 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.5 hours in December to 13.7 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Ras Al Khaimah
• 2 days in Ras Al Khaimah
• 3 days in Ras Al Khaimah

Questions travellers ask