Ras Al Khaimah

With sweeping sands, copper-tinted dunes and craggy mountain ranges, Ras Al Khaimah is the United Arab Emirates at its wildest. It’s worlds away from hectic Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so if you’re looking to mix peace and tranquility with a raw sense of adventure, then a holiday to Ras Al Khaimah has the best of both.

The emirate’s warm, unspoilt beaches are lapped by the bath-like waters of the Arabian Sea. It’s a coastline that feels very untouched, lacking the modern architecture that lines the shores of its city sisters and offering a slice of serenity where you really can get away from it all.

But natural drama is where Ras Al Khaimah really excels. The sun-baked crimson dunes and pockets of green oases of Al Wadi are an epic scene that Lawrence of Arabia probably once explored, which offer a unique glimpse into traditional Bedouin culture and falconry. The desert is framed by the rocky Hajar Mountains, with the majestic Jebel Jais – the UAE’s highest peak – surrounding by snaking valleys and rocky pools. It’s an adventure park for adrenaline-seekers, the rugged terrain webbed by walking trails and even hides the planet’s longest zip-line. Whether you’re after a fast-paced luxury trip or you just want to chill, a Ras Al Khaimah holiday has something for everyone.

Ras Al Khaimah is filled with landscapes which feel like those experienced by Lawrence of Arabia. Set in the heart of rolling dunes, the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert is your ticket to staying among its rust-red deserts and lush oases but if you'd prefer a more traditional beach escape, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah fronts an excellent beach, with the rugged Al Hajar Mountains on the horizon behind.

Ras Al Khaimah, and the United Arab Emirates in general, only really has two climates: hot and hotter. The emirate is treated to year-round sunshine and little rainfall and whatever time of year you visit Ras Al Khaimah, sun cream and plenty of water is essential, as the UV rays are particularly strong in the UAE.

November to March is the ‘coolest’ time of year to visit Ras Al Khaimah, with daytime temperatures hovering around the mid-20s (degrees Celsius). This is the most popular time of year to visit, as the days are comfortable enough to enjoy the adventurous activities in Ras Al Khaimah and plenty warm enough if you just want to chill on the beach. Come night-time, temperatures can drop as low as 12°C, making for pleasantly cool evenings.

From March, the mercury really begins to rise, with June to August in particular seeing scorching temperatures that are regularly in excess of 40°C, coupled with high humidity. We wouldn’t recommend exploring outside, especially any strenuous activity in the Hajar Mountains or desert, due to the boiling temperatures and potential for dust storms. If you do plan to visit Ras Al Khaimah during this time, opt for the coast as the sea breeze will counter the extreme heat, making for slightly cooler (though still hot) temperatures. Your air-conditioned hotel (which will offer much better value for money at this time of year) will also offer welcome respite from the heat.