What type of traveller should be putting Ras Al Khaimah on their wish list?
With everything from ultra-luxurious beach resorts to family-friendly, more affordable hotels, the emirate offers something for most travellers. It’s becoming popular as a wedding destination too, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, marking 12% growth in tourism revenues.
It’s also ideal for nature and wildlife lovers. It has an exceptionally diverse natural terrain and climate – from the spectacular vistas of the Hajar mountains, to 64km of coastline with white sandy beaches, to lush green coastal plains and dense mangroves, teeming with nature and wildlife – including resident pink flamingos.
With the diversity of natural landscapes, what can active and adventure enthusiasts expect?
Ras Al Khaimah’s terracotta desert is home to the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, where you can trek on camels, go dune bashing, join a safari, hop on a quad bike, or take private archery lessons. There’s a luxurious dining and entertainment experience available at the Sonara Camp. Or see the desert from the air in either a hot-air balloon, or during a flying lesson with Jazirah Aviation Club.
There’s plenty of active pursuits in the mountains too: Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, is known as a hiker’s paradise, with 94km of trails. Coming on February 7, the fourth edition of the popular HIGHLANDER event will kick off, offering adventure seekers the chance to test themselves along three formats of trails.
Jebel Jais is home to the Jais Adventure Park, where the world’s longest zipline (Jais Flight) can be found plus the highest restaurant in the UAE with panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains. Those who want to sleep under the stars can visit Camp 1770, the UAE’s highest campsite, with local Emirati culinary experiences.
What initiatives are there for growing sustainable tourism, particularly to benefit local communities?
With plans to attract 3.5 million annual visitors – which will triple the current number – preventing overtourism has been a key consideration. The strategy around these targets will ensure that development is balanced, safeguards natural assets, and supports local communities, their surroundings and cultural identities.
Sustainability efforts extend to cultural preservation of 20 of the Emirate’s 80+ historical and archaeological sites that date back as far as the Bronze Age. This includes Suwaidi Pearls, the only pearl farm in the UAE which still cultivates local pearls. Many historical attractions are operated by local suppliers, local guides and community members.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is partnering with Sage inclusion, the global leader in accessible travel, to promote accessibility for all visitors with disabilities and special needs.
What’s new and upcoming for agents to sell?
2025 will see the arrival of Rove Hotels to Ras Al Khaimah. Rove Al Majan Island Hotel will be located right on the waterfront of Al Marjan Island. The Wynn Al Marjan Island and Nobu Hotel Al Marjan are both slated to open in 2027.
We have lots of exciting things happening on the Jebel Jais mountain in 2025. Jais Wings Paragliding will land in Ras Al Khaimah, the GCC’s first dedicated paragliding site, offering the chance to fly from the top of Jebel Jais.
Furthermore, Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge comprising of 70 luxury eco-lodges within Jebel Jais is set to be the ultimate mountain retreat.
