Jebel Jais
The highest mountain in the UAE, with a twisting road up to viewpoints above rocky ridges. Cooler air and adventure activities such as ziplines make it a favourite escape from the heat.
Ras Al Khaimah
Quiet beach resorts are what the area is known for. Jebel Jais, rising as the UAE's tallest peak, offers a long zipline and mountain roads.
Attractive locations
Al Marjan Island
A man-made island of coral-shaped islets off the coast, lined with beach resorts, restaurants and promenades. It is the area's main leisure district.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
A museum in a former fort that was home to the ruling family. Its rooms trace the emirate's history, from early settlement and pearl diving to old crafts.
Khor Ras Al Khaimah
A shallow lagoon with mangroves and mudflats near the old town. Flamingos and other waders gather here, and kayak or boat trips let visitors explore the quiet channels.
Al Jazirah Al Hamra
An old pearl-diving and fishing village now left empty, its coral-stone houses and mosque standing in various states of ruin beside the sea. It is a quiet place to see traditional Gulf architecture.
Wadi Shawka
A rocky valley in the Hajar Mountains with a dam and seasonal pools. It is used for hiking, cycling and picnics, mostly in the cooler months.
Airports
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport RKT
It is about 19 km in a straight line from Ras Al Khaimah.
Sharjah International Airport SHJ
It is about 67 km in a straight line from Ras Al Khaimah.
Dubai International Airport DXB
It is about 83 km in a straight line from Ras Al Khaimah.
Scams and safe taxis
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) page
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan20.1 °C34 mm
- Feb20.9 °C12 mm
- Mar23.3 °C20 mm
- Apr27.1 °C7 mm
- May31.3 °C1 mm
- Jun33.5 °C4 mm
- Jul34.0 °C2 mm
- Aug33.4 °C1 mm
- Sep32.3 °C1 mm
- Oct30.2 °C2 mm
- Nov26.0 °C9 mm
- Dec22.2 °C17 mm
Driest months: May, Aug, Sep. Wettest months: Jan, Mar, Dec.
Costs
Prices here are about 63% of US prices (World Bank, 2024). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
Police 999. Ambulance 998. Fire 997.
local government
UAE Police emergency number (999)
Helps with: The UAE government portal lists 999 for police, callable from anywhere in the country.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the UAE, including visitors, who needs police help in an emergency.
Phone: 999
local government
UAE ambulance (998) and Civil Defence (997)
Helps with: The UAE government portal lists 998 for an ambulance and 997 for the fire department (Civil Defence). This listing gives the ambulance number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the UAE, including visitors, who needs an ambulance.
Phone: 998
embassy
Foreign embassies and consulates in the UAE (official directory)
Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy or consulate. The UAE foreign ministry's directory lets you pick a country to see its missions' locations and contacts.
Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own embassy or consulate.
See all information for United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)