Travellers looking for a destination with year-round sunshine, sweeping white sandy beaches, soft adventure and world class resorts are invited to visit Ras Al Khaimah, the northern most emirate of the UAE which is located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Ras Al Khaimah is a unique destination for visitors of all ages. With its 416,600 population the emirate boasts of beautiful mountains, red sandy desert and lush green plains along with a series of creeks and lagoons. It has a rich heritage dating back 5,000 years, which manifests in numerous historical sites, forts and abandoned villages. The Emirati culture is omnipresent in Ras Al Khaimah and you will be welcomed with the warm Arabic hospitality wherever you go.
LanguageArabic is the official spoken language in Ras Al-Khaimah, with many locals and businesses within tourist areas speaking English. Learning a few basic phrases in Arabic is advised to help you in your day-to-day activities.
Bassata Desert Village is described as the ultimate desert experience. You can enjoy a wide range of traditional Arabic activities with dune bashing, belly dancing, Arabic Tanoura or camel riding as well as Arabic barbecue. Prince of Sea was named after the first Arab seaman Ahmad bin Majid, the "Prince of Sea", and is a motorised sailing yacht offering a variety of sailing trips around the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. The Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre is located in the middle of a nature reserve and offers riding experiences catering for all ages and abilities. Iceland Water Park offers thrilling amusement to visitors of all ages, with a wide variety of games, water slides and an extensive food court. Sailing has a long tradition in the United Arab Emirates and with its light breezes and calm waters, Ras Al Khaimah's conditions are ideal.
Ras Al Khaimah receives year-round sunshine, little rainfall and nearly perfect winter temperatures. It enjoys a moderate, cool and refreshing climate for 8 months of the year between October and May with high temperatures to be expected for the remaining 4 months of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter (November to March) and averaging 12cms per year in most of the Emirate. Temperatures range from a low of around 12°C (50°F) on a winter's night, to a high of around 42°C (118°F) on a summer's day. The best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah is during winter and mid-season months. The weather is excellent, warm, sunny and generally pleasant.
Throughout the year, the intense heat calls for light and loose clothing, though modesty must be shown in public areas out of respect for the local culture. Women can wear swimwear in hotel swimming pools and at the beaches, as long as a top is worn. Men are less restricted; however they should not walk in public streets and areas without a shirt. Sunglasses, sun cream and a protective hat are all must-have items. Be sure to take some sort of jacket or sweater when visiting hotels or the cinema, as the air conditioning can be fierce. It is especially recommended to dress more conservatively during Ramadan.
