Forget the mirage. When the sun blazes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), most seek refuge indoors. But what if there’s a secret escape – a summer oasis where adventure thrives even when the temperature soars?
At Ras Al Khaimah, the heat is just the beginning of the story.
Though often overlooked, this northern emirate offers thrilling experiences and refreshing escapes, making it one of the best summer destinations in the Middle East. Here, you can trade sweltering city streets for cool mountain breezes, dive into crystal-clear waters, and relax in peaceful, less-crowded beaches.
In Ras Al Khaimah, you don’t just endure the heat of summer – you embrace it and discover the unexpected coolness that awaits. Gearing up for your next vacation? Here’s why the UAE’s northernmost emirate is the best choice:
Cool Adventures Await
UAE summers are scorching, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. However, some places are much cooler than others. For example, Jebel Jais is typically 10 degrees lower than the rest of the emirate, making it possible for visitors to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.
Don’t have an itinerary yet? Here are some cool adventures you can try on your summer holiday:
Jais Flight
Hailed as the longest zipline on the planet, the Jais Flight takes guests to new heights. This 2.83-kilometer-long attraction lets you soar across jagged mountaintops and dive deep through ravines as fast as 150 kilometers per hour (k/h). In just three minutes, you’ll have a superhero experience soaring 1,680 meters between the mountains.
Jais Sky Tour
Want to extend your time in the sky? Bring your friends and book the Jais Sky Tour. This adventure takes you through a dynamic seven-platform route via six ziplines that range from 337 meters to over 1 kilometer.
Secured with a harness for a safe adventure, you’ll enjoy an extraordinary experience gliding through the Hajar Mountains at an average speed of 60km/h. Within about two hours, you’ll descend gradually from the sky bridge – the highest of the seven platforms – perched 300 meters above the ground.
Waterparks and Watersports Abound
Did you know there are around 14 hours of daylight each day in June in the UAE? That gives you enough time to enjoy watersports and waterparks across Ras Al Khaimah.
Anantara Watersports
One of the most sought-after resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, the Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort offers luxurious accommodations and exciting water adventures, ranging from fishing and boat cruises to water sports.
Want to try kayaking or pedal boating? Or is a flyboard, jetpack, hoverboard, wakeboard, or airstream adventure more your style? There’s much to choose from, including non-motorized and motorized water activities.
DoubleTree Watersports
Another resort you should consider visiting in the emirate is DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. It offers exciting water sports activities like parasailing, flyboarding and water skiing and underwater adventures that bring you closer to marine life like snorkeling and open water diving.
Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort
If you want to visit the beach with your family, the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort is a great option.
Besides a comfortable stay, this five-star accommodation is a seven-minute walk from Al Hamra Beach, making it a prime venue for basking in the beauty of the Arabian Gulf. Here, you can beat the heat in one of their four outdoor pools, indulge in sumptuous food and beverages, play golf at the adjacent Al Hamra Golf Club, and relish a rejuvenating spa session.
Movenpick Marjan Floating Waterpark
Ever tried running and jumping around slides and obstacles that are floating on the sea? You can do just that at the Movenpick Marjan Floating Waterpark.
This state-of-the-art waterpark is the largest of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah, attracting guests from all over the world. It sits on gentle waves roughly 300 meters from the sandy beach of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.
Open to all guests, this attraction is fully supervised to ensure safety while providing not only a unique vacation experience for families but also a venue for team-building activities for colleagues.
Culture and Heritage Bloom
You’ll never run out of places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah during summer. In fact, there are tons of vibrant destinations where you can immerse yourself in the culture and learn about the emirate’s heritage.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Looking for a unique way to learn about the history of Ras Al Khaimah? Consider adding Al Jazeera Al Hamra to your itinerary. As the only remaining historical pearling village in the entire Gulf, this ancient town is a desolate land where the remains of old Emirati architecture and culture remain.
During your visit, be sure to bring your camera so you can take pictures of the desert townscape, complete with a fort, watchtowers, a mosque, a souq, and some extensive courtyard houses.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Tentative List, reflecting its significance to the evolution of both Emirati and Middle Eastern architecture.
Suwaidi Pearl Farm
Once you’re done exploring the ancient pearling village, stop over at Suwaidi Pearls in Al Rams. As the world’s only Arabic pearl farm, it is an excellent place to learn about modern pearl farming and how it evolved from ancient practices.
Peace and Quiet Found
Want to know why Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best places to visit in the UAE in summer? It’s peaceful and quiet.
Unlike busier emirates like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah has uncrowded beaches and summer destinations like Jazirat Al Hamra Beach. One of the many public beaches in the emirate, it is the perfect place for resting and getting some vitamin sun. If you want some underwater fun, you can also try snorkeling to enjoy incredible views of marine life.
Discover the Cool Side of Summer
Seeking the best Middle East holiday destination for your summer getaway? In Ras Al Khaimah, you can soar over mountains and enjoy the serenity of pristine beaches. This hidden gem is a refreshing escape from the usual summer heat. Plan your trip today and have an unforgettable summer holiday you’ll surely enjoy.
