Forget Dubai, this city is emerging as the adventure capital of the GCC

Tucked away in the northernmost part of the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is fast emerging as the GCC’s Adventure Capital. While Dubai has long been synonymous with luxury and indulgence, RAK is slowly building its reputation as a holiday destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The emirate is usually overlooked by international tourists, coming to the fore with a blend of natural beauty and adventure sports to offer.

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures

The most prominent feature of RAK is its varied landscape. It hosts the highest peak of the UAE, that of Jebel Jais, at 1,934 meters above sea level. The mountain has been developed as a catalyst for adventure tourism in the region. This is where you will find the world’s longest zipline—the Jebel Jais Flight, stretching 2.83 kilometers and giving a bird’s-eye view over the Hajar Mountains. This is the ultimate experience; the thrill seekers reach a speed of 150 kilometers per hour as they soar through the air—an absolute adrenaline rush.

For those who do not like to venture too high into the air, Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking trails of various levels of difficulty give access to the harsh mountain terrain and provide opportunities to view indigenous wildlife. Temperatures are also much cooler at this altitude, making it a popular getaway from the desert heat during the summer months.

Cultural Heritage and Historical Sites

While adventure may be RAK’s new calling card, the emirate hasn’t forgotten its rich history. Based in a fort that once housed the ruling family, this is where the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is located and gives visitors a feel for what life was like in this region all those years ago. It features many artifacts dating back to the earliest human settlements in the area.

Another testament to the heritage of RAK can be found in the abandoned pearl fishing village of Jazirat Al Hamra. The ghost town offers a haunting view with well-preserved architecture, giving a fascinating insight into traditional Emirati life before the oil boom. Their structure, being of coral stone and gypsum, does defyingly fight off the heaviness of time’s onset, and thus provides fantastic photographic opportunities.

Coastal Attractions and Water Sports

The 64-kilometer length of the RAK coastline provides an excellent platform for all sorts of games related to water sports. The transparent waters of the Arabian Gulf are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. A couple of beaches and resorts located on Al Marjan Island, an artificial archipelago, allow you to be continuously busy with active sports like jet-skiing and parasailing, or do nothing but relax.

The more relaxed atmosphere can be found at Flamingo Beach, which is owned by the Bin Majid Beach Resort and home to a flock of flamingos for a unique wildlife view right on the coast.