The best attractions in Ras Al Khaimah in 2026 are Jebel Jais for mountain views, Jebel Jais Flight (billed as the world's longest zipline), Dhayah Fort, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah and Iceland Waterpark. Al Marjan Island has the emirate's beach resorts.
Ras Al Khaimah is about an hour and a half north of Dubai and is the UAE's adventure emirate: the Hajar Mountains rise behind a long coast. Jebel Jais is cooler than the coast, which makes it a good summer escape. See our best day trips from Dubai for planning.
The UAE's highest mountain, with a winding road, viewing platforms and cooler air.
Jebel Jais rises to roughly 1,900 meters in the Hajar Mountains, and a purpose-built road climbs to viewing platforms near the summit. The air is noticeably cooler than on the coast.
It is the emirate's top draw for scenery.
Good to know: Go in the morning for clear views, and bring a layer in winter.
Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A zipline billed as the longest in the world, over mountain valleys.
Jebel Jais Flight is a zipline billed as the longest in the world, running across the valleys beside the summit. Riders lie face-down in a harness.
It is the main adventure draw in the emirate.
Good to know: Book in advance and check the weather forecast before you travel.
Jebel Jais Flight, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A hilltop fort with views over palm groves and the coast.
Dhayah Fort is a hilltop fort north of Ras Al Khaimah city, with views over date plantations and the Gulf. It is reached by a stepped path.
It is the emirate's best-known historic site.
Good to know: Climb in the morning or late afternoon; the steps are exposed to the sun.
Dhayah Fort, Dhayah, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A museum in the former fort of the ruling family, covering local history.
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is housed in a historic fort once used by the ruling family. Its galleries cover the emirate's history, archaeology and daily life.
It is a good introduction before heading to the mountains.
Good to know: Allow an hour; check opening hours before you go.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hisn Road, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A polar-themed water park, a popular summer day out for families.
Iceland Waterpark is a polar-themed water park with slides, a wave pool and a lazy river. It is one of the larger water parks in the northern emirates.
It is a family favorite in summer.
Good to know: Go early on a weekday to avoid queues.
Iceland Waterpark, Khuzam, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A working pearl farm with boat and tasting visits.
Suwaidi Pearls is a pearl farm that offers tours of its oyster beds and lets visitors open an oyster to find a pearl. It highlights the area's pearl-diving history.
It is a short, unusual stop on a day in the emirate.
Good to know: Book the tour in advance; the schedule depends on the tides.
Suwaidi Pearls, Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A man-made island of beach resorts, with a long public-facing beachfront.
Al Marjan Island is a man-made island off Ras Al Khaimah city with a string of beach resorts and restaurants. Most of the sand is attached to resorts, which sell day passes.
It is the emirate's resort area, and the best base for a beach stay.
Good to know: Day passes vary by resort and season; check each resort's website.
Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
About 90 minutes to two hours by road, depending on traffic and your destination. Jebel Jais is further, at around two hours.
It is the highest mountain in the UAE, at roughly 1,900 meters. The mountain road, viewing platforms and Jebel Jais Flight zipline are the main attractions.
Yes. Jebel Jais and Dhayah Fort fit in a single day. For beaches and resorts, stay overnight on Al Marjan Island.
Yes, book ahead, especially at weekends. Weather can affect operations, so check the day before.