A holiday in the United Arab Emirates is usually dedicated to Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a day or two in the other emirates. However, this is slowly changing. The other emirates are also gaining popularity among travelers. Ras Al Khaimah is one of them. Apart from tourists visiting the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is quite popular with UAE residents who want to take a break from their routine life. Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its rugged landscapes, vast deserts, mighty mountains, dramatic coastlines, and beautiful mangroves. The emirate is also rich in history and is home to numerous ancient forts and monuments. It also offers visitors the chance to indulge in several thrilling activities. With so much to do in Ras Al Khaimah, a day visit is enough. Here we present you a 3-day itinerary for your Ras Al Khaimah holidays with kids.
Day 01: Beaches, Leisure, and Culture
Morning: Plan your itinerary in such a way that you arrive at Ras Al Khaimah early in the morning, so that you can make use of the entire day for sightseeing or any other activities. The first thing to do is check-in at the hotel or resort you are staying at. It would be best to pick up one of the hotel packages in Ras Al Khaimah in advance. Once you have checked-in, spend some time exploring the place and perhaps in the hotel’s swimming pool and recreational centers.
Late Morning: Once you have settled in, head out to Al Marjan Island for a couple of hours. As most luxurious and family-friendly resorts of Ras Al Khaimah are located on this island, you may just have to walk to this waterfront promenade. The promenade includes 7.8 kilometers of pristine white sand beaches, walking and jogging tacks, kids’ play areas, and so much more. You can take a stroll along the area (during winter afternoons, when the weather outside is bearable), spend time at the beach, indulge in some water activities, and choose a restaurant or café nearby to enjoy lunch along with the view of the area.
Afternoon: The next stop for the day should be Suwaidi Pearls Farm. Pearl fishing is an integral part of the UAE’s history. It was one of the main occupations along with fishing before oil was discovered in the region. If you want to know about pearl fishing and even check out the people in action, you must take the Suwaidi Peals Farm Tour. The tour begins with a boat ride around the mangroves, where your tour guide would explain the history of pearl diving and pearl fishing, the different diving techniques and tools, and lots more. You will also get to know about the modern-day techniques of pearl diving. You can also visit the gift shop at the end of the tour to buy a pearl jewelry or some souvenirs. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Evening: After an afternoon of walking around, it is time to give your legs some rest. Head over to Flamingo Beach in the Mina Al Arab area to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets. Locate a spot on the beach that gives you unobstructed views of the sunset. If you are an avid photographer, you will have an amazing time capturing the breathtaking photos of the sunset colors and landscape. Apart from watching the sunset beyond the Arabian Gulf, Flamingo Beach is also perfect for swimming, playing beach sports, and indulging in a BBQ picnic. You can enjoy your dinner at one of the restaurants nearby before heading back to your hotel. For an authentic experience, try out one of the Emirati restaurants in town.
Day 02: Nature, Mountains, and Adventure
Morning: No trip to Ras Al Khaimah can be complete without a visit to Jebel Jais. A part of the Hajar Mountain Ranges, Jebel Jais is the highest peak of the UAE. If you love outdoor adventures, the best thing to do here is hike up the mountain. Jebel Jais offers plenty of hiking trails, and you can choose one as per your level of expertise. Ghaf Summit Trail, Samar Trail, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, and Hidden Oasis Hike are some of the trails you can try. If you do not wish to hike, you can drive to Jebel Jais Viewpoint. There are several photo stops and lookout points from where you can check out the view of the place, which include gorgeous cliffs, dramatic canyons, rugged mountains, etc.
But hiking is not the only thing you can do here. In fact, Jebel Jais is brimming with activities that would satisfy the adventurer in you. The most important is the Jais Flight, which is the longest zipline in the world. Stretching 2.83 km, this zipline runs across the canyons and cliffs of Jebel Jais, giving you the chance to enjoy the view while having immense fun. Another thrilling activity you can try here is the Jais Sledder, which is like a mountain coaster that takes you along the rocky mountain. Archery, rock climbing, abseiling, etc., are some other activities that adventure enthusiasts can try here.
Afternoon: Once you are done with all the adventures offered here, it is time to relax and admire the view while relishing a delicious meal. Head to 1484 by Puro at the Jais Adventure Center for a hearty meal. The name of the restaurant comes from the fact that it is located 1484 meters above the ground. The restaurant has plush interiors and a classy outdoor seating that gives you marvellous views of the surrounding areas. The menu here includes food made from farm fresh ingredients, making it both hearty and healthy. There is also a special kids’ menu, ensuring that this is a restaurant you can visit with your family.
Late Afternoon: After finishing your lunch at 1484 by Puro, head to Dhayah Fort, the highest and the only existing hill fort in the UAE. While the fort was originally built in the 16th century, it was used as a defence structure from the 19th century. Hike up the 200 odd zigzagging steps to reach the top, which is located 70 meters above the ground. From the top of the fort, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire area, which is filled with lush green date palm gardens. As you are waiting late in the afternoon, it is the perfect time to watch a beautiful sunset in the area.
Evening: As you have spent the entire day indulging in strenuous activities, it is time to take a break and enjoy some leisure time with shopping and dinner. There are plenty of places to shop in Ras Al Khaimah. You can choose one among Al Hamra Mall, Manar Mall, RAK Mall, Al Naeem Mall, etc., for some retail therapy. All these shopping malls offer both local and international brands, giving you the chance to buy luxury brands as well as special souvenirs and gifts. You will also find plenty of restaurants, food courts, and cafes at these malls, where you can savor an appetizing dinner along with your family. These shopping malls also have play areas where kids can have a good time.
Day 03: Wildlife, History, and Nature
Morning: As you are traveling to Ras Al Khaimah with your kids, a visit to RAK Zoo is a must. Opened in September 2014, it is considered to be the largest private zoo in the UAE. Spread around an area of one million square meters, RAK Zoo is home to more than 40 species of wild animals, many of them being endangered. Here, you will get to meet white lions, African lions, golden tigers, grey wolves, cheetahs, white tigers, deer, antelopes, black panthers, and so many more animals. The best part is that all these animals are kept in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. Apart from the exotic residents, you will also get to see different ecosystems and spend time in the serene environment.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon of the last day of your RAK trip at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah. This is an interesting place to visit for those who want to know the history of RAK and the UAE. Archaeological excavations reveal that advanced civilizations have existed in the region since 5000 BC. Located inside the ancient fort of RAK, this museum is home to ethnological and archaeological artefacts, documents, etc., that give you a glimpse into the early life of the region. You will get to learn about date agriculture, farming, pearl diving, and ancient architecture here. Once you are done exploring the museum, you can visit one of the nearby restaurants that serve traditional Arabic cuisine for lunch.
Evening: Dedicate your last evening in Ras Al Khaimah to desert safari. The evening desert safari begins late in the afternoon and includes plenty of adventurous activities. You can try dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding here. You can also choose to explore around the desert camp on a quad bike. Entertainment programs like belly dancing, fire shows, and Tanura dancing are often part of the desert safari. But the highlight is the view of the sunset amongst the golden desert dunes. The desert safari in Ras Al Khaimah ends with a scrumptious 3-course BBQ dinner.
Conclusion
The 3-day Ras Al Khaimah itinerary present here is a blueprint of your holiday. You can tweak it by adding more attractions or interchanging the days as per your interests and convenience.
