15 Best Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah for Adventure Lovers

Ras Al Khaimah isn’t the first name that springs to mind when you’re thinking about an adventurous holiday, but it should be. This Emirate is a hidden gem for thrill seekers, nature lovers and explorers nestled in the northernmost part of the UAE. The things to do in Ras Al Khaimah are equally extreme with its tremendous mountain landscapes, sprawling deserts and pristine coastlines to cater to the fearless zipliner, the tranquil kayaker and beyond. It’s a refreshing, authentic and exciting mix that makes RAK unlike its glitzy neighbours.

Ras Al Khaimah is exactly what people are looking for if they want an escape from the ordinary. Horse whispering, hiking the Hajar Mountains, gliding over cliffs on the world’s longest zipline, this is top notch in heart racing, natural wonderfulness. The thrill is not all, you will also calmness in its quiet wadis, star lit deserts, and unspoiled beaches. Going on vacation and choosing whether or not to go alone or together with friends, you will discover that there are many fun things to do in Ras Al Khaimah and memorable days are waiting for you around the corner. Time to feed your adventurous soul? So let’s get into the TOP 15 must try.

Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah for Adventure Lovers

1. Jebel Jais Flight – The World’s Longest Zipline

Jebel Jais Flight is an adrenaline filled ride that you will never forget. Rendered at 2.8 km in length and topping at 150 km/h it is the longest zipline in the world. You will have the sensation of floating over dramatic cliffs and canyons as you glide high above the Hajar Mountains in this thrilling experience. A bucket-list activity for any lover of a sky high adventure with speed, excitement and awesome views this one is done with professional safety gear and breath-taking scenery all around it.

2. Hiking the Jebel Jais Trails

If you like to go hiking, there are plenty of challenging hiking trails on Jebel Jais suited for either the challenge or reward. There are many marked routes on the mountain for casual walkers, and those who are seasoned trekkers. On the way you’ll have to cross rocky terrains, flora, scenic views across the horizon, and other obstacles. Hike it either on a sunrise or midday the crisp mountain air and subsequent rugged surroundings make every step an enriching, energizing one in nature.

3. Jais Sledder

The Jais Sledder is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the scenic landscapes of the mountain on a mountain toboggan ride. The 1,840-meter track is a twisting, turning track through the slopes that allows riders to control their speed as they race down at exhilarating angles. This is a family friendly activity, which is designed for both kids and adults, that is full of thrill and laughter. This ride is unique and memorable for its speed and the spectacular mountain backdrop that is high in the UAE’s stunning highlands.

4. Mountain Biking in Wadi Showka

Wadi Showka is ideal for mountain bikers looking for an adventure as there is a lot of rugged terrain to test your skills on. Here the trails are natural and challenging having sharp turns, climbs and drops over a backdrop of mountains and desert landscapes. UAE cyclists and mountain biking groups favor it, as it provides both technical tracks and scenic beauty. Wadi Showka is a fantastic place to experience the wild side of the region on two wheels, whether you’re a beginner or an old hand.

5. Camping Under the Stars

Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect place to sleep under the open sky. Whether it is from the mountain tops, desert dunes, there are many camping spots that you can go to and spend a peaceful night with nature. The stargazing should be spectacular, frequently showing a sky filled with stars, with minimal light pollution. Camping in this Emirate is a close to nature experience that brings you closer to the most peaceful and inspiring part of nature, whether you choose to set up a basic tent or join a guided glamping experience.

6.  Kayaking in the Mangroves

Kayaking through Ras Al Khaimah’s mangroves is a serene yet active adventure that is an incredible experience. These are rich and lazy waterways full of local wildlife and a tranquil respite from more commonplace tourist haunts. You paddle silently through the green corridors and may see herons, crabs, flamingos and more. For beginners, the calm waters are perfect, and the natural beauty as well as the quiet surroundings make for a nice adventure. They mediate RAK’s lesser-known ecosystems in a relaxing, immersive way.

7. Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata

The rock climbing and Via Ferrata courses at Jebel Jais give you a more up tempo challenge, for a vertical adventure. The real Via Ferrata is a steel cable and ladder fixed to the rock face used to guide climbers past sheer cliff faces with wonderful views. The controlled routes are good whether you are an experienced climber or a completely novice, giving you an adrenaline rush in a safe environment. This is a test of endurance, courage and balance in one of the UAE’s most beautiful natural playgrounds.

8. Dune Bashing in the Desert

Ready? Brace yourselves because dune bashing is one of the most exciting desert adventures to do in Ras Al Khaimah. Excited and traveling with a skilled driver behind the wheel will see you power across golden sand dunes in a 4×4, dropping down with heart pounding, turning around with sharpness, and keeping one foot still on the ground. Each session is a different ride, day in and day out with the ever shifting sands. It’s an amazing thing to get that desert’s wild side and the adrenaline and there is lots of photo ops.

9. Desert Quad Biking

Get you quad bike and tear up the desert terrain in your own adventure. Quad biking creatures let you cruise through the sand and sand dunes as you are hooked onto one quad bike; there is no riding limits and you get the liberty to explore whichever trails at your own pace. It’s ideal for anyone who likes to be free to roam and the rush of speed. It is possible even for beginners to enjoy the rush with professional gear and safety briefings. It is an off road experience with the raw beauty of the desert landscape.

10. Wadi Bashing Adventures

Wadi bashing is a type of off roading in which you go through dried riverbeds, rocky valleys and natural canyons that are exclusive to the region. In comparison to dune bashing, this activity requires driving with difficult rock formations and the water carved paths calls for serious driving skills. Ras Al Khaimah’s geological wonders and untamed terrain are on display in the form of a rugged ride. Wadi bashing is ideal for thrill seekers and nature photographers alike, as it provides a close encounter with the wild and lesser traveled parts of the Emirate from the comfort of a powerful 4×4.

11. Horse Riding in the Desert

Go horseback and explore the quiet beauty of the desert, the land the traditional way. Desert horse rides are guided, through peaceful dunes and open plains, usually at golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Be a beginner or experienced rider, there are horses and routes available suitable for your skill level. A cultural and adventurous out, this activity is also a serenity of the desert combined with the grace and the connection you get while riding a majestic animal.

12. Paragliding Over the Mountains

Ras Al Khaimah paragliding gives you an amazing view of the Emirate’s wild landscapes from above. As you takeoff on a high mountain peak, glide through the sky and then the regal mountains, winding roads and coastal plains seen from below. It is both calming and exhilarating to feel free, to soar silently on the air. You can be a first timer or a seasoned flyer, but certified instructors will make sure it’s a safe and unforgettable experience to give you a bird’s eye view of one of the UAE’s most scenic regions.

13. Al Hamra Sailing and Watersports

Al Hamra is the centre of all water based adventure with jet skiing, banana boat rides, sailing, stand up paddle boarding and more! Warm, calm, Caribbean-like waters naturally lure people to this place and whether you aim to carve up the heart racing jet ski ride or just a nice relaxing paddle close to the shore, this is an excellent place for any level to learn the sport. Slightly more expensive, there are also watersport centers that provide equipment and training so you can take flight ready to go. The sun is so hot, and it is a great way of beating the heat and enjoying adventures in the coastal area with family or friends.

14. Zipline at Jais Adventure Park

The main zipline is a headline act, but Jais Adventure Park also has other ziplines and aerial challenges that are suitable for groups or families. Obstacle courses, rope bridges and smaller zip rides that still provide fun tuned down from the extreme heights are all found in the park. It’s a playground for the heart built amongst the mountain with only safe adventurous fun to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. It’s a fun way to spend a day outdoors whether you’re racing friends or whether you have a fear of heights.

15. Hiking Dhayah Fort

Hiking up to Dhayah Fort is a combination of history and adventure. It has panoramic views of the coastline, the date farms that surround it, and the mountains surrounding it. The climb is short, but steep, and is a good mini challenge for casual hikers. The views once at the top are spectacular and the historical significance of the site makes for a better journey. It is a peaceful and enriching experience that combines physical activity with a chance to step back in time and admire RAK’s rich heritage.

Conclusion

No matter if you are a thrill seeker, nature lover or just tired of seeing the same old city landscape everywhere, Ras Al Khaimah will provide you with a mad dash at adventure and peace. Sitting on a rugged mountain, which heart races zipline, or in quiet mangroves on a kayak, this Emirate truly does have something for all kinds of explorers. And what makes it even more appealing is how untouched and diverse in landscapes it is compared to its more commercial neighbours. Each time you will find greater joys and more natural beauty with each visit.

Therefore, if you’re planning your next outdoor escape, then you need to explore the many things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. From desert adventures to mountain hikes to coastal thrills, RAK has a lot of electrifying moments and adrenaline pumped in it. Don’t forget that there are also free things to do in Ras Al Khaimah that will allow you to enjoy the Emirate without spending any money. Although a destination, the hidden gem is more than that for adventure lovers, it is a waiting playground.

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