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Ras Al Khaimah
Mountains, forts and quiet beaches
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
- Currency
- AED
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
The northernmost emirate, where the Hajar Mountains meet the sea: the UAE's highest peak, old forts and calm resort beaches an hour from Dubai.
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Al Ain
- Ras Al Khaimah
Quick facts
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Province population
- 400,000
- Population of United Arab Emirates
- 10.7M
- Country area
- 83,600 km²
- Official language
- Arabic
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) · 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Calling code
- +971
- Drives on the
- Right
- Elevation
- 5 m
- Plugs
- G · 230V
- Emergency numbers
- 999 · 998
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 24° | 25° | 28° | 33° | 38° | 41° | 42° | 42° | 39° | 35° | 30° | 26° |
| Low | 13° | 14° | 17° | 21° | 25° | 27° | 30° | 30° | 27° | 23° | 18° | 15° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$75
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$160
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$415
Top things to do
- ≈ $110
Jais Flight zipline
One of the world's longest ziplines, high on the UAE's tallest mountain; weight and age limits apply.
- Half day
- Jebel Jais
- Free
Jebel Jais viewing deck
A winding mountain road to terraces over the Hajar Mountains, often 10°C cooler than the coast.
- Half day
- Jebel Jais
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- Free
Dhayah Fort
A hilltop fort of the 16th century above palm groves; a short, steep climb for wide views.
- Half day
- Old town and forts
- ≈ $2
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
The old ruling family's fort, with pearling, archaeology and daily-life exhibits.
- Half day
- Old town and forts
- Indoors
- Free
Beaches of Al Marjan Island
Calm, shallow water and resort beaches, quieter and often cheaper than Dubai's.
- Half day
- Al Marjan and the beaches
- Good for kids
- ≈ $80
Pearl farm boat trip
A traditional boat to a working pearl farm in the mangroves, where you open an oyster yourself.
- Half day
- Al Marjan and the beaches
Before you go
Entry and visas
GCC citizens enter without a visa. Many nationalities get a visa on arrival; Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or green card, or a UK or EU residence permit, can get a pre-approved visa on arrival. Check your nationality on the official UAE portal, u.ae.
Official websiteFrom the airport
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has some direct flights; most visitors land in Dubai, about an hour's drive by taxi or hotel shuttle.
Getting around
A car or taxi is needed: sights are spread out and public transport is limited.
Local tips
- Jebel Jais is much cooler; bring a jacket in winter evenings.
- Book the zipline in advance and check the weather; it closes in high wind.
- Summer at the coast is very hot and humid.
- Alcohol and dress rules are more relaxed in resorts than in town; dress modestly in public places.
Areas worth knowing
- Old town and forts
- Jebel Jais
- Al Marjan and the beaches
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on July 24, 2026.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in United Arab Emirates
All destinations
Sources: UAE Government portal (u.ae): visas · Visit Ras Al Khaimah (Tourism Development Authority)