Ras Al Khaimah, the hidden gem in UAE
Although Dubai and Abu Dhabi may have proven their status as tourist hotspots, Ras Al Khaimah, the fourth-largest city in the UAE, is working to become a popular travel destination.
Qatar Airlines will start operating daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah on November 1. This small emirate, whose name means “top of the tent,” is situated between the extreme north of the Sultanate of Oman and Dubai. Thanks to the Doha-based airline, it will be connected to the rest of the globe. Qatar Airways is not the only airline operating in this new market. Smartlynx Airlines of Latvia plans to start flying from Munich to the small emirate in October.
Why should you go to Ras Al Khaimah?
This little piece of land has many big ambitions despite being a completely unknown destination to several travellers. According to H.E. Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourist Development Authority (RAKTDA), Ras Al Khaimah expects to welcome three million annual visitors by 2030. CNN Travel has identified the emirate as one of the most attractive destinations in 2023.
The emirate was also selected as one of the “World’s Greatest Places 2022” by Time magazine. According to the industry news website Air Journal, German, Russian, British, Czech, and Kazakh travellers are the real trailblazers, highlighting these few nations as the only essential tourist profiles currently visiting Ras Al Khaimah.
During the last 12 years, the emirate has been working on increasing its prominence in the tourism industry. As a result, the government established a dedicated tourist development office in May 2011. According to RAKTDA, the government has given the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority the responsibility of approving, regulating, and overseeing the emirate’s tourist and hospitality sectors. More than 8,000 hotel rooms and popular companies like Radisson, Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Mövenpick have already been introduced to Ras Al Khaimah’s hotel portfolio during the previous ten years. We can also anticipate hearing names like Marriott and Sofitel. Thanks to Wynn Resorts, Ras Al Khaimah can claim the first casino in the UAE in 2026.
When it comes to things to do, the emirate is constructed around a natural harbour that defines the two primary regions to explore. It doesn’t have much to resent about the countless attractions of its opulent neighbours, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as it’s an ideal place for diving as well as basking on warm, sandy beaches. Ras Al Khaimah has a long history of pearl production and is a must-see destination for those who enjoy vast open spaces and beautiful landscapes.
The tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais, is located in Ras Al Khaimah. This mountain, located on the border with Oman, is the tallest peak in the Hajjar mountain range. A trip to Wadi Bih, the Grand Canyon of the UAE, allows visitors to experience the rugged terrain. Even the temptation to ride a stunningly long zip line across the cliffs can lure adventure enthusiasts. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Sheba’s Palace, and the Dhayah Fort are also excellent cultural attractions in the emirate.
