Free things to do · Ras Al Khaimah · United Arab Emirates
6 free things to do in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: wilhelmtittes, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Ras Al Khaimah without paying an entry fee: Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park, Dhayah Fort, Al Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village and Shimal and Sheba's Palace are all free. Visit from May to September for heavily discounted resort rates, if you can handle the heat.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 2
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–September
Free sights and experiences
Nature · Jebel Jais
1.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.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Free
Castle · Ras Al Khaimah City
2.Dhayah Fort
Climb in the late afternoon for the softest light and cooler air; wear shoes with grip on the gravel path.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Views
- Free
- Photo spot
- Kids
Historic site · Al Hamra Village
3.Al Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village
Visit in the early morning or at golden hour; there is little shade between the houses.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Free
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
Historic site · Shimal
4.Shimal and Sheba's Palace
Wear sturdy shoes for the rough path and go in the cooler months.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Views
- Free
- Off the beaten path
Waterfront · Ras Al Khaimah City
5.Al Qawasim Corniche
Come at sunset and pick up karak chai from a nearby cafeteria.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- After dark
- Kids
Nature · Hajar Mountains
6.Wadi Shawka
Hike between November and March, start early and carry plenty of water; there is little shade.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Active
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Free
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Jebel Jais | Jebel Jais and the Viewing Deck Park | Half a day |
| Ras Al Khaimah City | Dhayah Fort and Al Qawasim Corniche | 1 hour + 1 hour |
| Al Hamra Village | Al Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village | 1–1.5 hours |
| Shimal | Shimal and Sheba's Palace | 1 hour |
| Hajar Mountains | Wadi Shawka | Half a day |
Worth a small ticket
Nature · Khatt
Khatt Hot Springs
Visit on a cool winter morning; check whether the public pools have separate times for men and women.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
Experience · Ras Al Khaimah City
Manar Mall
Use it for a midday break from the heat, combined with the Corniche in the evening.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Shopping
- Rainy day
- Kids
More ways to save
- Visit from May to September for heavily discounted resort rates, if you can handle the heat.
- All-inclusive packages on Al Marjan Island can save money where restaurants outside the resorts are scarce.
- Eat in the city's Emirati and South Asian restaurants rather than in resorts for a fraction of the price.
- Jebel Jais, Dhayah Fort, Al Jazirat Al Hamra and the Corniche cost nothing to visit.
- Fly into Ras Al Khaimah directly where possible; transfers from Dubai add cost and time.
- Fuel is relatively inexpensive, so a hire car can be cheaper than repeated taxi trips.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Ras Al Khaimah expensive to visit?
Ras Al Khaimah is moderately priced for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Ras Al Khaimah?
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.