Major city · United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimahرأس الخيمة
Choose Ras Al Khaimah for beach and mountain time on a quieter northern coast, two to three nights, about 1 hour from Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost major emirate, with beaches, mangroves and the Hajar Mountains. Jebel Jais is the UAE's highest peak, with the world's longest zipline. It is cheaper and quieter than Dubai and popular for resort stays. It fits a trip as a beach and adventure break after or before Dubai, and it works best with a rental car.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AED
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- avoid Jun–Sep (hot and humid)
- Airport
- RKT
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 5Alcohol is served only in licensed venues such as hotels,…
- United Arab Emirates ↗Alcohol is served only in licensed venues such as hotels, bars and some restaurants; drinking or being drunk in public is an offence.
- United Arab Emirates ↗Cover shoulders and knees in malls, government buildings, souks and mosques; swimwear stays on beaches and at pools.
- United Arab Emirates ↗Keep public behaviour reserved: no kissing or close contact in public, no rude gestures, swearing or arguments online or in person, and ask before photographing people.
- United Arab Emirates ↗Some common medicines (certain painkillers, sleeping pills and ADHD drugs) are controlled here: check the health ministry's rules and carry the prescription before you fly.
- United Arab Emirates ↗Check entry rules for your passport on the official government portals; many nationalities enter without a prior visa, others need one in advance.
What is in this basic guide8 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ras Al Khaimah999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ras Al Khaimah, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Dirham (AED): cards and phone wallets work almost everywhere in Dubai; keep small notes for abras, tips and souk stalls.United Arab Emirates-wide
- SIM or eSIMEtisalat (e&) and du sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at DXB and AUH arrivals; a passport is needed.United Arab Emirates-wide
- Tap waterTap water is desalinated and treated to safe standards, but tastes flat; most people drink bottled or filtered water.United Arab Emirates-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% if no service charge; round up in cafeterias.United Arab Emirates-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Arab Emirates-wide
- SafetyRas Al Khaimah is generally very safe for visitors; the main risks are summer heat, mountain roads and breaking local laws.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets with a bidet hose nearly everywhere; free in malls, metro stations and petrol stations.United Arab Emirates-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police · 998 ambulance · 997 fire
- Sundays & holidaysFriday midday prayers close some small shops and souks roughly 12:00–14:00; government offices close on Friday afternoon and weekends…Friday midday prayers close some small shops and souks roughly 12:00 PM–2:00 PM; government offices close on Friday afternoon and weekends…United Arab Emirates-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportRKT Ras Al Khaimah International (About 25 km (16 mi) from the centre; limited routes.RKT Ras Al Khaimah International (About 16 mi (25 km) from the centre; limited routes.
- Getting aroundcheckA rental car or taxi is needed; public buses link to Dubai (Union Square, about AED 25 (≈ US$7), check) and Sharjah.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- RKT Ras Al Khaimah International (About 25 km (16 mi) from the centre; limited routes. A taxi takes about 30 minutes (AED 80–120, check). Many visitors use Dubai (DXB) and then a car or bus, about 1 hour.)RKT Ras Al Khaimah International (About 16 mi (25 km) from the centre; limited routes. A taxi takes about 30 minutes (AED 80–120, check). Many visitors use Dubai (DXB) and then a car or bus, about 1 hour.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
not flagged
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
Jun
Avoid
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
Jul
Avoid
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
Aug
Avoid
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
Sep
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Oct
not flagged
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Nov–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jan (2 rain days), driest May (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ras Al Khaimah: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
May
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
0 rd
Jun
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
0 rd
Jul
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
0 rd
Aug
42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C)
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
0 rd
Sep
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
0 rd
Oct
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
0 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A rental car or taxi is needed; public buses link to Dubai (Union Square, about AED 25, check) and Sharjah. City taxis are metered; app-based taxis such as Careem work. Jebel Jais needs a car or tour.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jebel Jais
goDoor to door: About 45 min–1 h
Car or taxi, about 35 km (22 mi)Car or taxi, about 22 mi (35 km)
Zipline, viewpoint and hikes; go early.
Dubai
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Car or bus, about 100 km (62 mi)Car or bus, about 62 mi (100 km)
Traffic is heavy at peak times.
Khatt hot springs
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Car, about 25 km (16 mi)Car, about 16 mi (25 km)
Short stop; check facilities before going.
Musandam (Oman)
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h with border
Car or tour across the border, about 60 km (37 mi)Car or tour across the border, about 37 mi (60 km)
Check visa, border and rental-car rules first; dhow trips are the draw.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Al Marjan Island
Beach resorts; the main choice for a beach stay.
Old town
Local restaurants and the museum; quieter, fewer hotels.
Al Hamra Village
Beachfront resorts and a golf course; a bit apart from the city.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- AED 140–240 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- AED 240–520 (≈ US$70–150) excl. bed
- High
- AED 520 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat is severe, though the mountains are cooler.
- Check local rules on alcohol (only in licensed hotels) and dress.
- Jebel Jais roads are steep and can be foggy; the top can be much colder in winter.
- Zipline and adventure activities need advance booking at weekends; they can close for wind or weather.
- Do not camp or drive off-road without checking permits and local rules.
- Check current government travel advice for your country; the UAE has strict laws on drugs, public behaviour and online speech.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 999
- Ambulance
- 998
- Fire
- 997
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ras Al Khaimah. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Mar · avoid Jun–Sep (hot and humid) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialVisit Ras Al Khaimah
- secondaryWikivoyage — Ras Al Khaimah