Where Are the Best Picnic Spots in Ras Al Khaimah?

Ah the great outdoors — what better way to enjoy nature, the crisp, cool weather, and picturesque Ras Al Khaimah than with a picnic?

Picnicking is one of the best activities in Ras Al Khaimah. The fourth largest emirate in the UAE offers a diverse range of places to relax outdoors with delectable food and good company, from tranquil mountains to desert landscapes.

Grab your picnic basket, roll up the blanket, and find your picture-perfect location in our list of the best picnic spots in Ras Al Khaimah.

Mountain Escapes

A mountain picnic can be quite the workout when you hike first and then lay out a spread of scrumptious food. Although you could do a lot of walking, the payoff at the end of your path will be so worth it because the Ras Al Khaimah mountains are spectacular.

When packing food, make sure the dishes travel well. You’ll want food that doesn’t spoil quickly and is hearty instead of light. A salad of leafy vegetables might wilt when you reach your picnic spot, so try a grain-based salad instead, like a tabbouleh. Vegetable samosas, falafel and hummus, and manakish with zaatar would all work to satiate your appetite after hiking these two Ras Aal khaimah picnic spots.

Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais is part of the majestic Hajar mountain range. The mountain range is so massive that it extends from Ras Al Khaimah on the eastern side of the UAE to the Musandam Peninsula on the northeastern side of Oman. Jebel Jais is the highest mountain range

at 6,345 feet (1,934 meters) in the region. Expect magnificent views as you roll out the blanket for your picnic.

The tallest peak in the UAE is just a short drive outside of Ras Al Khaimah. You can get a tour guide to explore the peak and learn more about the ecosystem and history of the area. You can bring a picnic basket on your own or choose a half-day tour, which will come with a guide and a lunch picnic of traditional Arabic food with vegetarian options. Either way, a mountain picnic here offers some of the best picnic spots in Ras Al Khaimah.

If bringing a picnic basket, a cooler, blankets, and all the picnic essentials might be a lot to carry with just a few people in your group, Jebel Jais has one of the best restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, 1484 by Puro, so you can still have a scrumptious meal while enjoying the breathtaking views.

Wadi Shawka

A popular destination for hiking, Wadi Shawka also features some picturesque picnic spots. You can set up your blankets and baskets by the dam or lake. If you’re bringing the kids, the play area offers them a fantastic distraction while you prepare the food.

If you’re looking for picnic areas for BBQ, the Wadi Shawka Dam is the ideal spot. The dam is not only the largest in the country but also attracts a variety of wildlife during the wetter and cooler months.

Unlike Jebel Jais, Wadi Shawka has no food outlets and water suppliers. You’ll need to bring enough food and water for your picnic.

Coastal Bliss

If you prefer to tuck your toes in the sand and have the blue expanse of the ocean as your view, head to the beaches in Ras Al Khaimah. You can do a simple charcuterie board for a light picnic, or prepare a full meal as you watch the sun disappear over the Gulf on either of these beaches.

Al Rams Beach

North of Ras Al Khaimah is Al Rams Beach and Saraya Island. It’s the ideal place for a beach picnic if you want privacy. You need a 4×4 vehicle to access the beach or hire a guide who can drive you there if you lack the offroading driving experience.

There are a few shops here, so it’s best to bring everything you need for the picnic, from ice and condiments to beverages and cleanup essentials.

Flamingo Beach

Flamingo Beach is a favorite destination for beachgoers, watersports enthusiasts, and — you guessed it, lovers of flamingoes. The beach’s proximity to Mina Al Arab gives you a glimpse of the graceful wading birds, adding quite a pretty backdrop to your picnic.

Other than wildlife watching, beach volleyball, strolling, and swimming offer added activities to a relaxing picnic on the beach.

Desert Adventures

When it comes to unique picnic experiences, the desert dunes around Ras Al Khaimah create unforgettable moments.

You have a couple of options for dining amid the dunes.

The posh option is to arrange a destination dining experience with one of the best hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, the The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi DesertRitz-Carlton. The hotel can create a bespoke dining experience in Al Wadi Desert, complete with a personal waiter. The other option is to head to Bassata Desert Village to experience the nomadic way of picnicking as you spend a day in the life of a Bedouin.

Post-Picnic Tips

Cleanup is a big part of the picnic experience. Some places, like Jebel Jais, will have bins and other places might not. Either way, always collect your trash and dispose of it properly.

Bring a bag that’s large enough to haul everything away. You’ll also want a separate bag for the dirty utensils and dishes that you need to bring home. For easy cleanup, bring moist towelettes and paper towels to mop up spills and wipe plates before packing them away.

For leftovers, pack beeswax wrap or cling wrap. These will ensure your leftovers travel safely in the picnic basket or cooler.

Enjoy Picnic Spots in Ras Al Khaimah

The selection of food you can pack, the adorable baskets and throws, and the quality time with family and friends all help create a wonderful picnic.

With the tranquility, splendor, and adventure that Ras Al Khaimah offers, you’re sure to have the most memorable picnics here.

So start making your plans and get Ras Al Khaimah travel information today!.